The fatherhood project as case study at Correctional Services: A presentation with SAASA
On the Potchefstroom Campus, in collaboration with the South African Academy for Science and Arts on 13 May 2026, a hybrid presentation was delivered on the concept of "Missional Fatherhood" as a potential response to the growing social crisis of father absence in South Africa.
Celebrating Differences & Building Spirit
Promosa Secondary School presentation
The Faculty of Theology’s Prof Fazel Freeks were invited by the Promosa secondary School to give a motivational presentation to their Grade 12 learners and the educators of these students on 12 May 2026. Four elements were shared: Diversity and Differences; Team Spirit; Uniqueness; and Target Setting. The principle, Mrs VR Wathen Naidoo, expressed her sincere gratitude to the involvement of the NWU.
Speaking at the SADTU Teachers' Awards
On the 19th of March 2026 Dr Walter Maqoma attended Sebokeng Branch Teachers’ Awards Ceremony, which honoured both Primary & Secondary Schools teachers who had excelled in different areas of their teaching. Most importantly, others achieved 100 percent pass rates. The event was also attended by members of the department of Education and the regional district. All leaders from these different departments expressed their gratitude towards North-West University for sending one of their employees to join them in this important occasion.
Past Projects
Equipping church leaders, a workshop: ‘In dialogue with Job’
The two-day seminar, themed ‘In Dialogue with Job,’ aimed to equip ministers and church members with a deeper understanding of the text and interpretation of the biblical book of Job. The session focused on helping ministers and church members develop an awareness of possible signs of depression, enabling them to respond pastorally and responsibly when individuals approach them for support. Emphasis was placed on the importance of referring individuals who may exhibit symptoms of clinical depression to qualified mental health professionals for appropriate assessment and care. Read more.
Women’s gathering of Reformed Churches in South Africa
On 7 March 2026, Prof Albert Coetsee represented the Faculty of Theology at the Women’s Gathering of the Reformed Churches in South Africa, held in Stilbaai. The event brought together 130 women from congregations across the Southern Cape and Eastern Cape for biblically grounded encouragement, spiritual reflection, and fellowship. This engagement shared accessible theological insight while strengthening relationships between NWU and faith-based communities. Read more.
Further Studies English and Classics Colloquium
The Further Studies English and Classics Colloquium was held online via Zoom on Saturday, 7 February, and brought together 41 participants from 22 high schools and higher‑education institutions. Coordinated by NWU staff member Dr Natasha Ferreira, the event featured contributions from internal and external academics and engaged high‑schoolteachers and learners in exploring FS English themes through classical texts and reception studies. The colloquium supported academic enrichment, pedagogical development, and meaningful engagement between secondary and tertiary education communities, in line with NWU’s community engagement mission. Read more.
PAST 222 excursion visiting Hebron Farm
On Monday, 13th October 2025, Professor Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks visited the Hebron Farm with his pastoral students as part of the PAST 222 excursion planned and arranged for the second semester of 2025. It was an uplifting and instructive outreach experience, empowering and teaching the people of Hebron about Pastoral Principles and the notion of Pastoral Counselling. Read more.
Study Methods & Motivation for the Grade 12’s at Potchefstroom Secondary School
On Monday, 20 October 2025, Professor Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks, with his pastoral students, visited the Potchefstroom Secondary School to give motivation and study methods to the Grade 12’s before they start with their final examination. Time management, group study, flashcards, note summarisation, and other practical study approaches were also presented. Read more.
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NWU’S School of Christian Ministry and Leadership partners with local churches
As part of its community engagement and stakeholder relations, the School of Christian Ministry and Leadership at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently [May 2022] partnered with church leaders in the Vaal area to create a forum to recover and strengthen ethical and moral leadership within the church and community. Read more.
Female inmates received letters of attendance
The Faculty of Theology has once again experienced a special year with regard to its community engagement programs and projects. On the 20th of November, the female inmates at the Potchefstroom Correctional Services received recognition for attending and completing one of the courses presented by Prof. Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks. This day was a very special occasion for the female inmates when they received their letters of attendance with great gratitude. On this occasion, one of the officers of Correctional Services (Klerksdorp region) expressed his gratitude for the positive partnership between Correctional Services and the NWU. Mr. Sipho Mahlangu, Head of the Correctional Services mentioned the positive relations between the Faculty of Theology and Correctional Services. In particular, he emphasized the community projects of the Faculty that contribute immensely to the Correctional Services’ WHITE PAPER which pertains to the rehabilitation of prisoners. Prof. Freeks was also assisted and supported by some of his Pastoral students, namely Brighton Mojapelo, Lianca Liebenberg and Dineo Seleke.
PAST 222 Excursion 2019 – Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility
On Tuesday, 13 August 2019, Prof Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks once again undertook an excursion to the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility to the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility with his Pastoral Counseling students. The female inmates were very excited and appreciated the students' participation and the interest they took in them. Some of the themes treated during this year's excursion were the importance of time; resilience; forgiveness; a relationship with God and the value and worth of a human being. The students regarded the event as a valuable opportunity to work with the inmates and to gain experience. The excursion was not only about motivating, inspiring and encouraging inmates, but it was also a very emotional experience for both inmates and students.
PAST 222 Excursion 2019 - House Hebron
On Thursday the 10th of October 2019, Professor Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks organized the PAST 222 group's second excursion for the year at Hebron. The PAST 222 group is seventeen (17) in total and their theme on this occasion was: Have you ever tasted Jesus? with the sub-themes of repentance; hope; a new path to follow, and a focused life. This excursion was once again an unforgettable event and experience for the students. The Hebron people also enjoyed the discussions and motivation of the students immensely and worked well together. These Pastoral Counseling students have developed a great love for community engagement and -involvement. They mention that it is worthwhile helping, supporting and walking the extra mile with people, because that is the Will of God.