Dear staff and students

On behalf of the University Management, I am delighted to welcome you back from the short recess. As we enter the final phase of the academic year and prepare for the forthcoming examinations, I wish to convey my sincere appreciation to each member of our community for your continued commitment and resilience.

The closing months of the year are often demanding; yet, at the NWU, we have consistently demonstrated that collective effort, collegiality, mutual respect, and dedication yield remarkable outcomes. I encourage you to approach this period with focus, composure, and optimism; knowing that your hard work continues to sustain the proud legacy of excellence that defines our institution.

The demands of our academic programme can be stressful and some of you may feel overwhelmed and lonely. Should you at any point feel the strain of the season, please make full use of the university's dedicated support structures. Students are encouraged to reach out to Thuso Student Wellness Services, while staff members are reminded of the Employee Wellness Programme available to across our campuses. Let us all continue to nurture a culture that values self-care, balance, and mutual support; principles that I believe are central to our success as a university community.

The wellbeing of our staff and students lies at the heart of our mission and values. These directly influence the quality of our academic achievements, research productivity, and the sense of belonging that set us apart within the higher education sector. When we care for ourselves and one another, we strengthen not only our individual potential but also the collective capacity of our institution to lead and to serve society with distinction.

You are aware that all our campuses are construction sites. This is a welcome temporary inconvenience that will result in valuable infrastructure that will contribute immensely towards our successful academic and support programme and benefit the broader NWU community and our country in general. Let us continue to preserve these assets for the future.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you, for your perseverance, professionalism, and daily contributions to making the NWU a place of purpose, robust debate and sharing of ideas, growth, and belonging. Let us continue to build on our shared vision and remain steadfast in advancing the NWU as a home of excellence and opportunity for all who walk its path.

With warm regards and every good wish for the weeks ahead.

Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor