Your feedback is important! December 2024

Read the Afrikaans version

Welcome to the final edition of the NWU's community engagement newsletter, the IMPACT@NWU, for 2024. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, and we have had the unique opportunity to witness the incredible progress of our community engagement projects. It has truly been rewarding to see how these initiatives have grown, positively impacting the lives of people in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark and the nearby areas.

We are so proud of the positive changes we have helped bring about through our partnerships, volunteer efforts and sustainable projects – all aimed at addressing real needs in our communities. This success speaks volumes about the power of working together and the dedication shown by our staff, students and community partners. Together, we have built strong connections that foster hope, knowledge and empowerment, reaffirming our commitment to being an essential part of societal growth.

We hope 2025 inspires even more participation and fresh ideas as we continue to serve our communities with passion and purpose. Thank you for being such a vital part of this journey!

Connecting academic excellence
with social impact

As we are approaching the end of 2024, we have seen several strides made in the way the NWU is incorporating its engagement with communities beyond mere philanthropy. Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, share these highlights.

Read more

Community Engagement Showcase marks 20 years of impactful projects

The NWU held a community engagement showcase on the Mahikeng Campus on 30 September 2024 to celebrate the impact of projects that have been implemented in the 20 years of the university's existence.

Read more

Bafenyi Trust warms hearts
with faith and food

Dineo Mdingane, managing director of the Bafenyi Trust, has always believed in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. This organisation is dedicated to uplifting people in difficult circumstances through ministry and practical support.

Read more

Beatrix meets Pope Francis: a historic moment for global service-learning

In a groundbreaking moment for the NWU and global service-learning, Beatrix "Bibi" Bouwman, director of sustainability and community impact, met His Holiness Pope Francis on 9 November 2024 during the V UNISERVITATE Global Symposium in the Vatican City.

Read more

Ottosdal learners' excellent reading abilities impress NWU visitors

The NWU Library and Information Services team recently had a positive experience of young learners' reading abilities. The team visited the Letsosa Location in Ottosdal to celebrate International Literacy Month and Heritage Month in partnership with the Refentse-Katlego Youth Development Centre.

Read more

Giving back to the community to support children's educational needs

The Information Technology Department at the NWU's Vanderbijlpark Campus recently donated computers to three non-profit companies to support children's educational needs.


Read more

Empowering leadership
through sustainability

NWU alumnus Lebohang Raputsoe recently hosted a virtual leadership development workshop through her non-profit organisation, The ABC Community. This initiative aimed to inspire and connect young people, with a particular focus on empowering young women to think and act sustainably.

Read more

Celebrating community engagement excellence at the NWU

The NWU proudly honoured community engagement and the outstanding individuals and their initiatives making a real difference at this year's Excellence Awards, which took place on 21 November 2024.


Read more

For any further enquiries, please contact the newsletter editor,
angeline.marokoane@nwu.ac.za.