NWU Mafikeng Campus signs agreement with Tribal Authority

The North-West University, Mafikeng Campus and Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela Traditional Authority have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a platform for future collaborative development and to promote co-operation in all strategic and intervention spheres.

This historic agreement was signed by Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, Mafikeng Campus Rector, and Kgosi Nyalala Pilane, Traditional leader of Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela (BBK) on 31 March 2015 at the Mafikeng Campus.

The strategic goals of the BBK are to improve and grow its rural economy to alleviate poverty and underdevelopment through the implementation of appropriate programmes to address these challenges. As the North-West University is strategically placed and has the capacity to offer expertise and also structural support, the two parties have entered into a pre-agreed basis of mutual understanding.

According to Professor Davhana-Maselele, the agreement entails the implementation of expertise especially to the BBK, as the NWU has identified community engagement as a strategic priority to build the innovative character of the university and thereby make a contribution to the community at large. "The collaboration between the two parties will result in research projects, programmes and initiatives to improve and grow the economy of the BBK community," said Prof Davhaha-Maselele.

"BBK has over the years partnered with various entities in local, national and provincial government on a number of education initiatives, and has positioned itself as a model for rural development," said Kgosi Pilane. "This agreement is an example of how universities and external institutions such as traditional authorities can work together not only for the benefit of the two parties, but also for the community at large.