DEPARTMENT REVIEWS NWU READINESS FOR 2026

Mhlengi Khumalo

@into.mbiyakwakhumalo

 

Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, and delegates from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) conducted an oversight visit to the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus on Friday, 6 February, along with representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

 

This follows a similar assessment by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela at the Mahikeng campus on Tuesday, 3 February. These visits form a core component of the DHET’s “State of Readiness” programme, which evaluates institutional preparedness in academic planning, student support services, and long-term infrastructure development.

 

During an operational readiness briefing, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, vice-chancellor of the NWU, together with NWU management and staff, detailed the specific systems and plans implemented to support students during the 2026 intake. The presentations addressed critical areas of student concern, focusing specifically on registration workflows, campus safety, student access, and NSFAS-related matters.

 

Gondwe was particularly impressed by the “Strategic Developments” presentation, which detailed the university’s roadmap for constructing a School of Mining and Mining Engineering in Rustenburg and a Veterinary School in Mahikeng. Additionally, she praised the NWU Enterprises initiative, noting that it could inspire a culture of entrepreneurship and self-employment among students. She emphasised that such initiatives encourage students to build their own ventures rather than rely solely on traditional employment.

 

Gondwe toured critical facilities, including Protection Services, the NWU Science Centre, and the construction site of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, while engaging directly with staff and students. During these interactions, she heard firsthand accounts from students regarding their experiences with the admission and registration processes. She expressed appreciation for the university’s high-quality infrastructure and readiness initiatives, further affirming the DHET’s commitment to supporting the institution’s growth.

 

Beyond the logistics of registration and infrastructure, these developments highlight a university deeply committed to the holistic growth and success of its people. By creating spaces such as the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine and fostering a culture of self-reliance through NWU Enterprises, the institution ensures that students are not only educated but also empowered to reach their full potential.

 

This proactive planning reflects a genuine commitment to the student experience, transforming the campus into an enabling environment where every individual has the support needed to transition from the lecture hall into the world as a confident leader.

 

 

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt