Acadex Pilot Training Officially Underway

09:00 | 18 May 2026

During the past two weeks (05-6 and 12-13 May 2026), 24 dedicated lecturers from across NWU’s three campuses enthusiastically stepped into the future of digital teaching and learning as part of the Acadex Pilot Lecturer Training, facilitated by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

These lecturers are leading the way in the Acadex implementation, with 15 modules set to be piloted across the University.

The training sessions featured:

• Engaging theory and hands-on practical application
• Exploration of innovative tools and new teaching possibilities
• Meaningful conversations, collaboration, and MANY insightful questions

A special shout-out and sincere thank you to those enthusiastic participants who embraced the journey, challenged themselves, and contributed to shaping the future of teaching and learning at NWU through their active participation in the training:

Thank you for your willingness to lead, innovate, and help shape the future of teaching and learning at NWU.

The Future of Learning at NWU has a Name: Meet ACADEX 

09:00 | 29 April 2026

On 28 April 2026, something exciting unfolded across the NWU community. At our launch event as well as online, staff and students came together in anticipation for the much-awaited LMS Name Reveal. And the verdict is in: our new digital teaching and learning home is called ACADEX.

It was not just a name reveal; it was a celebration of a shared vision for the future of teaching and learning. From the very start, the energy in the room was unmistakable. Prof Mpho Chaka opened the event by reflecting on the collective drive that brought us to this moment; a journey shaped by innovation, collaboration and a commitment to enhancing the learning experience. Ms Zanobia Kanjee followed with a fascinating look at the “journey of 2,800 voices,” highlighting the incredible participation from across the NWU community in shaping the LMS’s new identity. Mr Kobus le Roux outlined the critical milestones that will guide us through the pilot phase and toward full implementation.

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

With a dramatic and high-impact reveal, Prof Linda du Plessis officially introduced ACADEX, a name inspired by academic excellence and perfectly aligned with NWU’s mission to empower success through quality education. More than just a platform, ACADEX represents a space where ideas grow, knowledge is shared and futures are shaped.

Out of thousands of thoughtful and creative submissions, one name rose to the top. Former student Mr Siyanqoba Siganga, the creator of ACADEX, was recognised for his contribution and awarded a R2,000 voucher. His inspiration for the name is grounded in a passion for education and a desire to make a meaningful impact; something that strongly resonates with the vision of this new digital environment.

The excitement did not stop there. The interactive “Digital Pulse” session brought voices from across all campuses into the conversation, capturing real-time thoughts, expectations and enthusiasm from both lecturers and students. It was a powerful reminder that ACADEX is not just being introduced to the NWU community, it is being built with it!

Connecting for the Future: NWU at D2L Connect!

09:00 | 15 April 2026

If we teach students today, as we taught yesterday, we rob them of tomorrow" - John Dewey

This quote set the tone for the D2L Connection event in Johannesburg where the NWU team joined a community of changemakers to explore what is next in higher education. Our LMS project team recently headed to Johannesburg for the D2L Connect event, joining a vibrant community of South African partners, clients and the D2L global team. It was not just about the technology; it was about our stakeholders impacted and the shared vision for what is next in higher education.

It was a proud moment for the purple blazer! Our leaders, Professor Mpho Chaka, Chief Director of Teaching & Learning and Professor Herman van der Merwe, Deputy Dean for Teaching & Learning, took to the stage to share NWU’s journey and experiences. For Professor Chaka, it was a "full-circle" moment, moving from evaluating possibilities years ago to now guiding a thoughtful, phased rollout across our institution.

We spent our time connecting, sharing, and learning about the tools that will give our learners more confidence and control during their learning journey.