News

Akhona Maphumulo  @akhonamaphumulo9   Struggling to follow lectures due to unclear interpretation? Some students at North West University (NWU) say language barriers continue to affect their academic performance, despite the university’s multilingual language policy aimed at promoting inclusivity.       The university adopted its language policy in November 2018, with the development of multilingual programmes taking place in 2019 and implementation commencing in 2020. The policy was designed to create a […]

Akhona Maphumulo @akhonamaphumulo9   The recent fuel price increases in South Africa have begun to affect students at North-West University (NWU), with many adjusting their travel habits and monthly budgets to cope with the rising costs.   For some students, travelling home has become significantly more expensive. Abygail Smit, a second-year BA Communication student, explained that she relies on shared transport with other Namibian students to reduce costs. While she […]

Tebello Monokwa@tebello_monokwa   Air-conditioning has become a major issue in lecture venues. It continues to affect everyone's teaching and learning environments, with both lecturers and students raising concerns about inconsistent temperatures.  Omphemetse Maleka, a lecturer, said, “My experience with the air-conditioning systems in lecture venues has been inconsistent. Some venues function adequately, while others frequently experience issues. such as not cooling effectively or not working at all.” She explained that this […]

Tebello Monokwa @tebello_monokwa   The Potchefstroom Students’ Campus Council (SCC) plays a crucial role in shaping campus student life by fostering community, supporting students' needs, and developing leadership skills beyond the lecture room.   In addition, Thakgalo Matsimela, Chairperson of Student Academic Chapter (SAC) under the Faculty of Humanities, said that SAC focuses on representing student needs and interests within the faculty while promoting academic integrity and excellence. Matsimela explained […]

Akhona Maphumulo@akhonamaphumulo9    Students at the North West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus raised concerns about the living conditions in some of the private accommodations, saying it negatively affected their academic performance and well-being.   This issue is not unique to NWU. According to Inside Education, student accommodation shortages across South Africa continue to affect thousands of students and limit access to safe and affordable housing. The publication also reported that high […]

Abygail Smit  @abysmit06    Monday night, 23 March, students in Potchefstroom were abruptly disturbed by a sudden power outage that lasted far longer than expected.    On Friday, 20 March, residents on West Campus were informed that remedial testing and fault-finding activities would be conducted to ensure reliable electrical systems and proper operation during backup power conditions. Students living on West Campus were further informed that these testing methods may […]

James Klusener @jamesklusener   A recent article by Luis Prada, published in Vice media, has raised concerns about the safety of earphones and headphones. The study was released by a European-funded organisation called ToxFREE LIFE for All, which found Bisphenol A (BPA) in 98% of tested headphones, a potentially harmful chemical. The initiative tested 81 in-ear and over-ear models from major brands and online retailers. The tests detected BPA, a […]

Caitlyn Miles   @Kaitlynmiles123   In January 2026, North-West University (NWU) introduced updated concession procedures. These rules clarify how medical documentation must be submitted for academic exceptions, and the goal is to improve accountability and fairness. These new changes also emphasise the type of documentation that the campus health care centre (CHCC) can provide. However, some students, especially those without medical aid, feel these additional requirements put pressure on them.    […]

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   The amphitheatre remains the heart of the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus, acting as a central hub for student interaction and spontaneous campus culture.   However, a recent incident involving the destruction of property, and the arrival of emergency services on Thursday evening, 12 March, has left the student body reflecting on the resilience of our community. While official reports characterise the trashing of bins as […]