Robotics and astronomy ignite curiosity ahead of NWU Vice-Chancellor's Science Day

Science came alive long after the classroom bell had rung as educators, learners and community members gathered at Hoërskool Wolmaransstad for a Pre-Vice-Chancellor's Science Day programme that combined robotics, astronomy and hands-on learning. 

The activities formed part of the…

PhD research points to greener ways of detecting water pollution

Communities, municipalities and industries could soon have access to faster and cheaper tools to detect harmful dye pollution in water. Environmentally friendly nanomaterials can outperform conventionally produced alternatives in monitoring water quality, according to the doctoral research of Dr Mokole Seleke, who…

NWU students win seven out of 13 awards at the 2026 South African Institute of Physics conference

By Michelle Hammann

The 70th annual South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) awards ceremony took place at the University of the Western Cape from 6 to 10 July 2026. The North-West University (NWU) took home seven out of 13 prestigious student awards for presentations in the fields of…

Kgodiso Development Fund partners with NWU to advance climate-resilient farming in the North West

The Kgodiso Development Fund (KDF), in partnership with the North-West University (NWU), is making significant progress on a flagship agricultural development initiative aimed at supporting emerging commercial farmers and strengthening food security in South Africa.

The NWU -Kgodiso…

NWU first-year part of the top 22 science and maths students in South Africa

By Michelle Hammann

Every year, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Brilliants Programme honours 22 top-performing students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related (STEM-related) study fields. For 2026, Caitlin Mans, a first-year Bachelor of Science…

The forgotten cost of food production in South Africa

Opinion piece by Ella Mogashoa, a researcher in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU).

South Africans have become all too familiar with rising food prices. Every trip to the supermarket seems to confirm the same reality: the weekly grocery…

Borders and jobs: What the ‘March and March’ debate means for SA’s agricultural labour force

Opinion piece by Ella Mogashoa, a researcher in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU).

As dawn breaks across South Africa each morning, thousands of farm workers are already hard at work. Long before most South Africans begin their day,…

NWU researcher advances to the Rising Star Awards semi-finals

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, a senior lecturer and researcher at the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the North-West University (NWU), has been named a semi-finalist in the Public Service category of the TransUnion Rising Star Awards of South Africa.

The recognition places her…

Plant health in focus as subject group Botany hosts public lecture

The subject group Botany at the North-West University (NWU) marked the International Day of Plant Health with a public lecture that highlighted the critical role healthy plants play in food security, environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Held on 28 May 2026, the lecture…

NWU named finalist in two prestigious Science Oscar Award categories

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine on the national stage, having been named a finalist in two prestigious categories of the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards. This recognition underscores the impact of the university in science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa.