Warm greetings to everyone

It is once again an honour and privilege to update you about the NWU Council's third ordinary meeting of the 2025 academic year. The meeting took place on Thursday, 18 September, on our Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The Council meeting was preceded by a networking dinner where we bid farewell to outgoing Council members.

The dedication and tenacity of these colleagues ensured that we fulfil our oversight role efficiently and effectively.

During this event, we also recognised the achievements of Tete Dijana, the three-time Comrades Marathon winner, a proud son of the North West Province, and a familiar face on our Mahikeng Campus.

Our Council meeting noted the impressive performances of the NWU Eagles netball and football teams that have secured spots in the semifinals of the Varsity Sports.

We continue to root for the teams and thank them for flying the NWU flag higher. Our resolve to elevate sport as one of our strategic value propositions imply that we need to see more of our teams performing and achieving success at various levels.

Council noted, with sadness, the number of students and staff who passed away during the past few months. Our thoughts and prayers to their families, fellow students, and colleagues.

Find my video message and an outline of the issues that our ordinary meeting of Thursday, 18 September 2025, dealt with below.

Management, under the leadership of the principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, presented a report to Council focusing on the following issues: Teaching and learning Research Community engagement Student life Positioning sports at the NWU Leadership anchored in culture, driven by strategy International partnerships Strategic projects Student Information System; and NWU Enterprises Council noted with appreciation the progress made regarding these issues and congratulated management on ensuring that strategic matters are receiving priority attention. View the presentation here.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Life, Transformation, People and Culture with assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus: an appointment has been made, and details of the successful candidate will be communicated in due course. Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations, Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems with assigned functions of the Potchefstroom Campus: the process to fill this position is continuing. Prof. Daryl Balia's term as deputy vice-chancellor will be extended until December 2026. Executive Director: People and Culture: Council approved the appointment of Milton Nyamadzawo to this position for a term of five years. Milton joined the NWU on 1 June 2022 when he was appointed as chief director within the people and culture portfolio and has been acting as executive director since 1 January 2025. Executive Director: Information Technology (IT): the process to fill this position is continuing. The process to fill the executive deans of faculties (Economic and Management Sciences, Law, Theology, Natural and Agricultural Sciences) is underway.

Council endorsed the nominations considered by the Executive Committee (ExCo) of Council as decided upon by the ExCo of Convocation. On Thursday, 30 October 2025, the NWU will once again honour its alumni who are making outstanding contributions in their fields. This prestigious event will take place in Gauteng, where winners, nominees, and guests will gather to celebrate the achievements of those who embody the values of the NWU. There are some exciting and familiar names who will be honoured.

Council approved the revised Digital Business Strategy (DBS). The revised DBS was approved with full recognition that digital transformation is an ongoing process influenced by the emergence of new technologies, changes in the business operating environment, and the evolving needs of the institution. Consequently, there is a need to conduct an annual strategy review of the DBS to take full advantage of new technological developments, meet new business demands, and to align to the institutional strategy. The revised strategy will be available here soon.

The following policies and rules were approved, and will shortly be available here: Environmental Sustainability Policy Protection Services Security Policy

Council approved the framework for the 2026 academic year. This will be published on the university's website soon.

The realignment project is now reaching its final stages. Council noted that the implementation of this project is continuing without serious problems across all workstreams, with completion anticipated within the projected project timelines. Some key deliverables still need to be finalised. These include the finalisation of outstanding placement letters, engagement of line managers to support the embedding of new structures and addressing any other outstanding matters. The conclusion of job evaluation processes and the matching and placing of staff affected by the realignment project are also progressing well.

Council approved the establishment of the Centre for Contemporary Identity and Diversity Studies (CCIDS). By operating as a transdisciplinary hub, the CCIDS is envisaged to advance the university's relevance and impact in addressing complex societal challenges relating to diversity, identity and inclusion. The CCIDS will focus on the following interconnected areas: Gender and sexualities Race, ethnicity, and belonging; and Disability, inclusion, and well-being

Council noted the plan to reposition the Unit for Continuing Education (UCE) to ensure that it obtains maximum impact in a transforming and competitive academic and skills development environment. Once all aspects of the new approach have been approved, more information will be communicated, including its revised range of offerings.

We acknowledge and appreciate the dynamic environment under which we operate. Therefore, we cherish the commitment and determination of our staff and students, as well as the continued support of our alumni and partners in both the public and private sectors.

I look forward to our next engagement.

Bert Sorgdrager
Chairperson: NWU Council