Make sure cosmetics are safe to use
A large number of cosmetic products that are produced by micro and small businesses in Africa have not been cosmetically tested. This increases the chances of using a cosmetic product that has the potential to do more harm than good. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) / North-West University (NWU) Preclinical Drug Development…
Hier kom die volgende geslag ekostryders
Die toekoms van ons planeet is dalk nie so donker as wat talle mense voorspel nie. ’n Navorser van die Noordwes-Universiteit (NWU) doen haar deel om ’n nuwe geslag ekostryders toe te rus met kennis en toewyding om waterskaarste en ander uitdagings wat met klimaatsverandering te doen het, te bestry. Dr Irene Muller van die Fakulteit Opvoedkunde…
Here comes the next generation of eco-warriors
The future of the planet may not be as gloomy as many predict. A North-West University (NWU) researcher is doing her part to groom a new generation of eco-warriors armed with the knowledge and commitment to combat water scarcity and other challenges linked to climate change. Dr Irene Muller of the Faculty of Education is on a mission. By…
Green water treatment will benefit communities
Water is vital for living organisms but the quality of water is changing due to population growth and environmental changes. Could a miracle plant be the answer? Ground and surface water serve as the main sources of drinking water in rural and urban areas, however, the availability of potable water is still a major concern. Nitrate is one of…
Before and now: the contrast in miners’ living conditions
Crammed into tiny rooms in same-sex hostels, away from their partners or families and without proper access to water, electricity or sanitation, South African miners used to live in appalling conditions. Today, the situation of miners at Impala Platinum in Rustenburg has improved markedly, although there are still challenges, as a North-West…
NWU makes a clean sweep at annual clean air conference
The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management recently demonstrated why it is the leading national institution in the field of air quality. They did this during the annual National Association for Clean Air (NACA) conference that took place in Vanderbijlpark from 30 October to 2 November 2018. Of the 103…
NWU Council reacts to letter containing allegations from a group of anonymous individuals
The NWU Council held its ordinary meeting on Thursday, 22 November 2018. During this meeting a letter from a law firm acting on behalf of a group of clients was tabled and discussed. The letter, addressed to the NWU Council, certain Council structures as well as individual members of Council and management, contains various allegations raised…
Research must have an impact in communities
It is important for the North-West University (NWU) to focus on critical community challenges in research – this makes research more relevant and useful to the community. The emphasis has shifted increasingly from research of academic interest to research that communities can use. It is not about the number of research outputs – such as…
NWU celebrates a year of research excellence
2018 will be remembered as a year of many research and innovation highlights for the North-West University (NWU). Taking its research to the public, the NWU encouraged debate by hosting 12 public lecturers which were presented by respected academics, specialists and important role-players in the local and international research and innovation…
2018: A year for the ladies in Agricultural Economics and Extension
August may have been the month celebrating women’s contribution to South African society, but the women in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Agricultural Economics and Extension made 2018 a year of achievements. These women from the NWU’s campus in Mahikeng were recognised and awarded by various professional and academic…
NWU declares its position on decolonisation
Students brandishing posters and occupying buildings; flames licking at the foundations of buildings and, more figuratively, at the foundations of higher education. This imagery tells us that higher education in South Africa will never be the same. The student protests that started in 2015 and the resulting Fallist Movements* made sure of…
NWU FM Onalenna Leburu announced best Kwaito radio personality
North-West University FM (NWU FM) radio presenter and master’s student in Setswana, Onalenna Leburu, was announced the best Kwaito radio personality at the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards on 24 November 2018 at Carnival City. Onalenna is the host of the show “Dintshang – Church ya Mapantsola” which plays only Kwaito music. The show gives…
NWU Wellness promotes a healthy lifestyle
Engaging co-workers in a healthy physical competition is a great way to encourage wellness. Some of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) staff recently took part in a Pedometer Challenge as part of encouraging a healthy lifestyle. This challenge was facilitated by the NWU’s Wellness office and was sponsored by BESTMED. The aim of the…
Christian scholars ponder their place in higher education
Christian scholars from across Africa have come together at a conference in Potchefstroom to consider the role of Christian scholarship in higher education. The International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE) recently held its first-ever All-Africa Conference, giving Christian scholars food for thought and…
The earlier, the better for Africa’s children
Imagine looking at a page and not being able to read or fully understand the words because you never developed the skills to do so. This is the reality for many children in Africa. It is also a big obstacle to the development of the continent’s people as early literacy is essential for children’s reading abilities and future success in their…
When business ideas get wings
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a participant in the popular television show Shark Tank, or the British version named Dragon’s Den where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors? Sixteen students from the North-West University (NWU) and the Vaal University of Technology recently experienced just that…
Stats SA Council to benefit from skills of top NWU researcher
All the facts and figures around public health add up neatly for Prof Andries Monyeki. He has been appointed to the council of the official keepers of statistics in the country, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). Prof Monyeki, an academic and researcher from the North-West University, says he is delighted and honoured by his appointment. “…
NWU hosts artificial intelligence research fair
The North-West University (NWU) recently hosted the annual fair of the national Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR), a national research network that supports capacity development and advanced research in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and sponsored by the…
NWU shines bright at annual MACE Excellence Awards
During 2018 the North-West University (NWU) continued on its course of excellence and added numerous accolades to its already impressive trophy cabinet. Most recently, the NWU took to the winners podium at both the MACE Excellence Awards and the South African Publication Forum Awards. MACE Excellence Awards The MACE Excellence Awards…