Greetings to everyone

It is once again an honour and privilege to update you about Council's first meeting of the 2023 academic year. Once again, we had a successful Council meeting on the Potchefstroom Campus and some members attended the meeting remotely.

Council expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of staff and students who passed away since the previous Council meeting in November 2022.

Council emphasised its appreciation for the memorial services which were conducted on all three campuses in October 2022. It is envisioned that these memorial services will be hosted annually.

The issues that our ordinary meeting of Thursday, 16 March 2023, dealt with are outlined below.

On 15 March 2023, Council had an extremely productive workshop where the following matters were discussed comprehensively: The strategy review – taking the NWU forward Management presented to Council progress made regarding the new strategy for the university. Resulting from the bosberaad / lekgotla – during November / December 2022 – a range of pertinent issues that affect the NWU's strategy and operations were identified.

In addressing these, the university will be guided by the following principles: Growth, Unitary, Diversity, and Impact (GUDI). Management has already embarked on a consultative process with relevant stakeholders including NWU governance structures and staff regarding priority areas. The final strategy will be presented to Council during its June meeting. An introduction to the importance of IT governance in higher education institutions During this session presented by the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoDSA), it was stressed that governance through technology is about two things: a) how to run an organisation, and b) how to improve an organisation. It was emphasised that governance is about human behaviour, and how such should be changed to ensure that organisational risks are decreased. According to IoDSA: For any board to successfully govern an organisation, technology should be at the forefront; There must be a constant focus and investment in technology which must be used to improve service delivery to stakeholders; The governing body of an organisation should govern technology and information in a way that supports the organisation in setting and achieving its strategic objectives; Principles must be in place; Set the direction for how technology and information should be approached and addressed in the organisation. Technology risks must always be kept in mind; Focus on cybersecurity should be key in ensuring the stability of any organisation, thus do not be cheap on acquiring the right technology to ensure stability; and Technology governance is crucial but cannot be seen, thus ensure that corporate controls and oversight is in place. The digital future of universities Presented by Dr Raj Mruthunjayappa, the chief digital officer of Anthology, the NWU's partner in the implementation of the new student information system, this session focussed on: Technology advancements in higher education; Globalisation as a driver for growth and the aftermath of Covid-19; and Global population changes as well as the future of work and skills on digital transformation. It was emphasised that there is a need to reimagine education to ensure that a university remains relevant in the competitive world. To ensure this, the focus should be on smart education, and in turn be able to increase access, improve quality, reduce costs, support inclusion, and lower the carbon footprint. The trend in higher education is that education is now outcome focused. This means that universities must increase focus on internationalisation, integration of skills education, lifelong learning, personalisation of the educational experience, interdisciplinary learnings, and the digitalisation of student administration. Council is pleased that many of the issues that were highlighted during the session already form part of the NWU's Digital Business Strategy.

Management, under the leadership of the principal and vice-chancellor, presented a report to Council highlighting the activities and achievements since the last Council meeting. The report focused on the strategy implementation for 2023 – a year of review, reflection, and new frontiers. It also highlighted progress on commitments made during the vice-chancellor's inauguration on 26 August 2022, including:

Strong collaboration with the provincial government; Strengthen relationships and partnerships with industry role-players nationally and internationally; Greater social impact, especially within communities; Food security; and Graduate employability and entrepreneurship. Council noted the good work and progress made and congratulated the vice-chancellor and management. Click here to view the presentation.

The first term of office of Prof Daryl Balia will come to an end on 31 December 2023. After following the necessary processes, Council decided to reappoint Prof Balia for another term of two years, ending in 2025. Council congratulates him on the sterling job done in his first term. We wish him well for his second term.

The second term of office of Prof Mala Singh will come to an end on 31 December 2023. Council reappointed Prof Singh for a further term of one year. This implies that she has been reappointed for a subsequent term until 31 December 2024. Council is satisfied with the way in which this portfolio is managed. We wish Prof Mala success.

The following policies were approved, and will shortly be available here: Recruitment and Selection Policy Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy Student Recruitment Policy Open Educational Resources Policy

Council approved the revised enrolment and efficiency targets for 2023 to 2025, as outlined by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, in a circular from him dated 13 December 2022. The revised targets have already been included in the current Annual Performance Plan.

Council took note that from a provincial government perspective, the matter had been included in the Mega Projects Plan of the North-West Provincial Government as well as the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy. Council further noted that the joint position paper had been prepared and would be submitted to the Premier of the North-West province for signature. A meeting took place with the Minister of Health where it was agreed that a meeting with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation will be convened.

Council also noted that a committee was established to develop the base curriculum for the Medical School. The committee's primary role-players were from Nelson Mandela University, Stellenbosch University, Wits University, and the University of Cape Town. External curriculum experts from these institutions have been invited to serve on the committee.

Council noted the efforts to enhance the environmental management programme within the NWU. This is an important area that ensures that the NWU attains and maintains a high level of compliance with environmental legislative requirements and good practices. Council noted a report with a baseline environmental-legal assessment and gap analysis on the NWU's compliance to relevant environmental law requirements. The report included the NWU's environmental action plan that aims to address the gaps.

Council noted the report and action plan and will monitor implementation progress.

Council noted that the budget that was approved by Council in November 2022 did not require any adjustments. The focus remains on ensuring financial stability in the medium to long-term.

Council received an update regarding a workshop that was held with the senior management committee as well as student leaders. One of the main objectives of the transformation journey is to ensure that all role players have a common understanding about transformation and its impact on all NWU stakeholders. Council will be provided with a full report once all engagements have been finalised.

Council noted the report on the implementation of the language policy. The report can be viewed here.

Once again, I thank all members of the university community for their support in ensuring that the NWU continues to succeed in many fields – locally and internationally.

I wish you the best for the rest of the year.

Best wishes

Bert Sorgdrager
Chairperson: NWU Council