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.

Please note - This is not an April fools joke

14:30 | 1 April 2026

The NWU is commencing the implementation of the new Learning Management System (LMS) Following extensive groundwork by the Project Management Committee, the project is now moving from planning to active.

Phased implementation approach

To ensure a smooth transition, the LMS will be implemented in three phases, as depicted below. Given the scale and complexity of this initiative, migration timelines will need to be strictly adhered to.

* Preparation and migration for Phases 2 and 3 will begin in the preceding semester.

Your role

Academic and support staff will play an important role in the successful implementation of the new LMS, with lecturers taking ownership for their own modules. Training and support will be provided on a just-in-time basis, ensuring that staff receive guidance when it is most relevant during the implementation process.

Further communication will follow with updates on pilot progress, timelines,  LMS features, training opportunities and more.

Thank you for your continued commitment to teaching and learning excellence as we begin this important institutional initiative.

Kind regards,
Prof Linda du Plessis
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning

Our New LMS: A Journey of 2800 Voices

14:30 | 12 February 2026

The LMS Implementation Project is moving forward at full speed

The “Naming Our LMS” Journey

The quest to find a name that resonates with the NWU spirit was a success. We received a staggering 2,800 suggestions from staff and students across all campuses. To promote and encourage participation, we hosted four weeks of high-energy lucky draws. These sessions were hosted live and featured special guest appearances by prominent NWU figures, including Professor Linda du Plessis, Professor Mpho Chaka, Mr. Andile Swartbooi and Dr. Kea Seshoka. We are also proud to have rewarded 20 lucky stakeholders, a R500 Takealot voucher each, as a means of thanking them for their participation.

The Shortlisting Process

• Initial Sort: 2,800 entries refined to 130 names
• Review: narrowed to Top 20
• Community Vote: staff and students selected top 3

The preferred name is currently undergoing final approval. We look forward to revealing the identity soon!

Looking Ahead

A phased rollout approach has been approved to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.