Faculties News

Alumnus co-edits landmark books on indigenous knowledge systems

By Mokgothu Phenyo and Motsamai Gofaone

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) are receiving growing academic recognition as a valid and valuable body of knowledge. An important factor in this is the contribution of scholars such as Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU).

New species of rain frog, Breviceps batrachophiliorum, discovered

In the damp, grassy slopes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, an unassuming amphibian has leapt into the scientific spotlight. Named Breviceps batrachophiliorum – Latin for ‘frog-loving people’ – this newly described species of rain frog is a triumph of taxonomy and a compelling example of the intersection of citizen science and academic rigour.…

How a primary school hallway led to a PhD in engineering

Refilwe Ngwaku hails from the humble dusty streets of Soweto, where she believes that there are few role models. From a young age, her dream was to be different, to become the change she wanted to see. Her goal was to show that success can come from any background.

Refilwe can still picture the school corridor where, as a primary school…

NWU honours Prof Christa Rautenbach with the Chancellor’s Medal

Her transformative leadership through her editorship of the Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal stands as a beacon of achievement in the vision and mission of the North-West University (NWU) to be a pre-eminent university in Africa. Her achievements in legal academia and journal development have earned Prof Christa Rautenbach the NWU…

Data-driven talent recognised at 2025 BMI Prestige Awards

Data is the new gold in the digital age and data-driven decision-making is widely used in sectors from banking and finance to the law and telecommunications.

The North-West University (NWU) Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI), which is highly regarded across data-driven industries, hosted the 2025 Business Mathematics…

From construction sites to graduation gown

When Mongezi Prince Mbamba walked across the graduation stage at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) on 21 May 2025, it was not just a degree he carried – it was the weight of years of sacrifice, resilience and unyielding faith.

Born into a humble background and raised by a single mother alongside two siblings,…

New book explores the hidden world of aquatic parasites

On Friday, 16 May, a significant contribution to environmental science was made with the release of a new book, Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites. Co-edited by Prof Nico Smit from the North-West University (NWU) and Prof Bernd Sures from the University of Duisburg-…

A pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

South Africa should invest more in nuclear research if it wishes to remain globally competitive and fulfil its responsibility to meet the diverse needs of its communities. This was Professor Machaba Michael “Mike” Sathekge’s message when he received his honorary doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Philosophiae Doctor, Honoris Causa) from the…

How second-hand clothing paved the way for senior lecturer’s career

By Gofaone Motsamai

The road from Kagiso, where she sold second-hand clothing under the scorching Gauteng sun, to the lecture halls of North-West University (NWU) was long, bumpy and deeply personal for Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi.

Now a senior lecturer in the subject group Public Administration and…

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine breaks new ground

The countdown has begun. On Tuesday afternoon at precisely 12:46, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), turned the first sod at the Potchefstroom Campus construction site of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This ceremonial gesture marked the official commencement of construction…