The North West Provincial Government and the North West University have signed a breakthrough Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen collaboration and cooperation between the provincial government and its university.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Mafikeng Hotel School on Tuesday, North West Premier Thandi Modise said her administration seeks to take the existing relationship with the North West University to another level.
“We had noted that even though there is a relationship between ourselves and our university, there is still a huge gap that needed to be closed.
We are making a serious call to all the campuses of the North West University to take part in developments of the province,” Premier Modise said.
The MoU amongst other things is expected to provide a framework for cooperation on diverse area of mutual interest between the North West University and the North West provincial Government.
The expected areas of cooperation included are in areas of research and development, poverty alleviation projects and sustainable skills development.
Other areas also included are agricultural development and information systems, human security, government capacity and indigenous knowledge system.
Premier Modise emphasised that the role of the university in the development of the province is beyond measure.
“I have seen this University producing rare fine leaders such as Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Judge Bez Nkabinde, Dr Sophie Mosome, Current Electoral Commission (IEC) Chairperson P Hlakula and Professor Sipho Seepe.
Your educational muscle cannot be underrated as you have developed champions in field such as agriculture, education, health and planning”, she said.
Premier Modise appealed to the university to play a huge role in fighting huge challenges faced by the provincial government.
“It is true that government is faced with challenges which include poverty, unemployment, and shortage of skills in areas such as research, policy development, planning, and crime.
Government therefore is pleading to academic institution as it is a knowledge institution that can guide and advice on latest innovations,” she cited.
The North West University Vice Chancellor, Dr Theuns Elloff also cited that government must not neglect universities when doing their planning.
“We all have to admit at this stage that Universities cannot afford to work alone as a white elephant. We have to agree that all of our universities are rooted in our society and must therefore contribute to the development of these communities,” he said.
Dr Elloff said through the signing of the MoU the North West University is committing itself to work closely with government in changing the lives of the people.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
