New era as NWU boosts its student housing portfolio

A view of the NWU Mahikeng Campus’ new spacious student housing units.

A 1,738 multi-funded student housing complex was officially handed over for occupation on Thursday, 10 February 2022, at the university’s Mahikeng Campus.

This milestone comes on the eve of the welcoming of new students on NWU campuses, as well as the official opening of the institution’s 2022 academic year.

“Over the past five years the NWU, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, has identified the need for additional student housing in Mahikeng. We are happy to confirm that the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, formally approved the continuation of this R463m project on 30 June 2020,” the NWU said in a previous statement. Read more here.

Herman Steyn and Thabani Mhlongo take ownership of the new building. With them is the NWU’s Mascot, Eagi (left), and far right, Prof Sonia Swanepoel, DVC: Community Engagement and Mahikeng Campus Operations.

Speaking at the handover function, Prof. Sonia Swanepoel, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Community Engagement and Mahikeng Campus Operations, expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in bringing this massive project to fruition despite hardships brought about by Covid-19.

She further announced that the Student Campus Council would run a competition in efforts to allow students themselves to come up with a suitable name for the new facility.

Even more important, said Prof Swanepoel, would be joint efforts to inculcate a culture of stewardship to impress upon all NWU students the importance of taking care of all facilities available to them during their studies.

Listen to Professor Swanepoel here:

The NWU also remains grateful for funding provided by the IEG grant, National Treasury’s BFI grant, and a DBSA loan.