Meet Keitumetse (Keitu) Netshivhodza — a proud NWU alumna whose journey has been fuelled by the world-class education she received at the North-West University (NWU) and the powerful influence of determined women who inspired her to dream bigger and soar higher.
Hatchling in the Nest
Keitumetse began her NWU story in 2024 with an Honours degree in Journalism and Media Studies at the Potchefstroom Campus. The start was daunting,“The first month was super hard for me… it felt like I was in my first year all over again. But once I got over the fear, I told myself I should make the one year I had in Potch worth the while.”
Empowered at NWU
Determined to make the most of her time, Keitu said “yes” to opportunities. She became a student assistant, joined the NWU Nuushonde (Aardklop student journalists), and gained valuable experience covering the Aardklop Arts Festival.
“NWU taught me to empower myself in all aspects of my life. Professionally, I learnt that opportunities won’t just come to you—you have to hustle. Academically, I learnt resilience; there were moments I wanted to deregister, but I pushed through. Personally, NWU pushed me out of my shell.”
She credits her lecturers and her current supervisor, Prof Herculene Kotzé, as key influences: “My lecturers believed in me more than I believed in myself. Now my supervisor inspires me daily, and I aspire to be the kind of leader she is.”
Inspired by Women Leading the Way
Reflecting on empowerment, Keitu highlights the importance of visible leadership:
“For me, women’s empowerment means having women in leadership positions paving the way for us. In my faculty, many of my lecturers were women, and today my manager inspires me to work harder.” Her advice to young women starting at NWU is clear: “In the words of Zozibini, ‘take up space.’ Join clubs, attend events, and enjoy the full NWU experience. You won’t be an undergrad again, so have fun.”
Building Her Legacy
Today, Keitumetse proudly serves as an intern in the Faculty of Humanities, building on the foundation NWU laid for her. Her journey is proof that with resilience and courage, anyone can turn challenges into opportunities.
