North-West University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

North-West University has 6 executives leading key functions including academic administration, institutional strategy, and specialized research operations.

Committed to academic excellence and industrial innovation, North-West University advances engineering education and applied research to address complex community challenges through diverse learning models and specialized research centers.

Leadership Roles at North-West University

  • President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club - Emma Grobler
  • Chief of Staff - Katlego Baabua
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Narina Lamprecht
  • Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor - George Ncebesha
  • Deputy Director - Musara Lubombo
  • Deputy Director - Lukamba Lukamba
  • Emma Grobler - President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club

    Emma Grobler, the President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club at North-West University, leads the strategic development of student engagement programs within the engineering community. Fostering intellectual growth through competitive activities, the President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club organizes events that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills among engineering students. Emma Grobler manages the club budget and coordinates with faculty leadership to integrate extracurricular activities into the broader student experience. By promoting a culture of excellence, the President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club enhances the social and academic environment of the university. This leadership role involves recruiting new members and building partnerships with other student organizations to create a vibrant campus life. The President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club ensures that all activities align with the university's mission of developing well-rounded engineers capable of addressing complex real-world challenges through collaborative effort and strategic planning.

    Katlego Baabua - Chief of Staff

    Katlego Baabua, the Chief of Staff at North-West University, facilitates communication between the executive leadership and the various academic departments within the Faculty of Engineering. Coordinating internal workflows, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic objectives receive proper attention from all relevant stakeholders. Katlego Baabua manages the daily operations of the executive office, streamlining decision-making processes to improve institutional efficiency. By analyzing organizational data, the Chief of Staff provides actionable insights that support the long-term growth of the faculty. This leadership role involves mediating complex administrative issues and ensuring that all departments adhere to university policies. The Chief of Staff oversees the implementation of impact initiatives, ensuring that the faculty remains responsive to community needs. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability, allowing the faculty to focus on delivering high-quality engineering education and conducting research that addresses critical industrial problems across the region.

    Narina Lamprecht - Chief Administrative Officer

    Narina Lamprecht, the Chief Administrative Officer at North-West University, oversees the financial and human resource functions supporting the Faculty of Engineering. Managing the budgetary requirements for diverse engineering disciplines, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that resources support both undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. Narina Lamprecht directs the administrative staff to maintain operational excellence across contact and distance learning platforms. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Administrative Officer reduces overhead costs while increasing the capacity for applied research. This leadership role involves working closely with the Board to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with national educational regulations. The Chief Administrative Officer monitors the performance of administrative systems to ensure that students and faculty receive necessary support services. Through strategic management of institutional assets, the Chief Administrative Officer enables the faculty to sustain its commitment to solving real-world industrial challenges while fostering a productive environment for academic growth and innovation.

    George Ncebesha - Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor

    George Ncebesha, the Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor at North-West University, manages high-level administrative governance for the university. Coordinating with the Vice Chancellor, the Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor ensures that the Faculty of Engineering aligns with the broader institutional mission. George Ncebesha oversees the implementation of university-wide policies that impact engineering research and education. By facilitating communication between the faculty and the central administration, the Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor ensures that strategic goals receive adequate support. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring that the university maintains its competitive position in the South African education sector. The Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor monitors institutional performance, providing the necessary oversight to ensure that all departments contribute to the overall success of the university in solving community challenges.

    Musara Lubombo - Deputy Director

    Musara Lubombo, the Deputy Director at North-West University, manages the strategic expansion of the Faculty of Engineering. Overseeing the integration of advanced research initiatives, the Deputy Director ensures alignment between academic curricula and industrial requirements. Musara Lubombo drives the development of specialized research centers, focusing specifically on the MUST Deep Learning facility to enhance computational capabilities. By coordinating with faculty heads, the Deputy Director optimizes resource allocation for both contact and distance learning models. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with regional industry leaders to bridge the gap between theoretical engineering and practical application. Through rigorous oversight of academic standards, the Deputy Director maintains the reputation of the faculty within the South African higher education landscape. The Deputy Director consistently evaluates performance metrics to ensure that engineering programs meet the evolving needs of the global market while supporting local community development goals.

    Lukamba Lukamba - Deputy Director

    Lukamba Lukamba, the Deputy Director at North-West University, directs the operational framework for the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) center. Focusing on sustainable energy solutions, the Deputy Director architects research pathways that prioritize green engineering and nuclear technology. Lukamba Lukamba coordinates cross-departmental efforts to secure funding for applied research projects that solve real-world industrial challenges. By managing the technical infrastructure of the faculty, the Deputy Director ensures that laboratories remain at the forefront of technological advancement. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with the Board to align research outputs with national energy mandates. The Deputy Director monitors the progress of postgraduate study opportunities, ensuring that research outcomes translate into tangible societal impact. Through the implementation of efficient administrative processes, the Deputy Director supports the faculty in maintaining high-quality educational standards across all engineering disciplines while expanding the reach of the university into broader African markets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding North-West University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads North-West University?
    North-West University is led by Emma Grobler (President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club), along with executives such as Katlego Baabua (Chief of Staff) and Narina Lamprecht (Chief Administrative Officer).
    Who is part of North-West University’s executive team?
    The executive team of North-West University includes leaders such as Emma Grobler (President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club), Katlego Baabua (Chief of Staff), Narina Lamprecht (Chief Administrative Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does North-West University have?
    North-West University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in North-West University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of North-West University includes roles such as President of NWU - Pukke Chess Club, Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Administrative Officer In the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Director.