“Because of our commitment to the safety of your children, we have a zero tolerance for unbecoming behaviour,” Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor, told parents attending the recent welcome events for first years.

 

“Should a student go against the rules of the university, the necessary steps in terms of the university’s policies and rules will be taken. The NWU is a community of civil, peace-loving and intelligent people, who can engage and debate without using force.”

 

Think before you speak

 

Prof Dan urged parents and students to be aware that the university is not a homogenous language institution, but one that embraces diversity and functional multilingualism. He emphasised that the university has no room for language chauvinists, meaning people who use language to the exclusion of others.

 

What a memorable day

 

Student representatives played their part at the events. Leo Maphosa, who is the chairperson of both the NWU Student Representative Council and the Mahikeng Student Campus Council (SCC), Lwazi Nene, Vanderbijlpark SCC chairperson and Dalena d'Assonville, Potchefstroom SCC chairperson, gave the students tips on how to make the most of their time at university.

 

The three deputy vice-chancellors for campus operations, Prof Linda du Plessis (Vanderbijlpark), Prof Daryl Balia (Potchefstroom) and Prof Marilyn Setlalentoa (Mahikeng) also addressed the attendees at their campuses, making the day even more memorable for the students and their parents.