Our researchers continue to receive national recognition for their impactful work across a wide range of disciplines. The North-West University (NWU) has five nominees for the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards. This further affirms our standing as a contributor to excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa.
By Mzwandile Ndlovu
A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge (IK) into practical rural development took centre stage as stakeholders gathered for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.
Held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart village model: A multi-stakeholder planning dialogue for sustainable rural development,” the three-day engagement from 24 to 26 March 2026 moved beyond conceptual discussions towards implementation and community participation.
A North-West University (NWU) academic has earned international recognition for research examining how ready South Africa’s public sector is to adopt blockchain technology.
Dr Beatah Sibanda received the 2024 Best Abstract Award from the British Blockchain Association for her study on blockchain adoption in government systems.
The North-West University (NWU) has marked a significant academic achievement after two of its leading scholars, Prof. Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu and Prof. Rasheed Adeleke, were awarded prestigious research chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).
As crime continues to ravage communities across South Africa, a North-West University (NWU) researcher has highlighted how indigenous languages play an active role in strengthening crime prevention efforts through communication strategies in rural areas.
Thousands of abandoned mining tailings dams across South Africa continue to expose gaps in environmental regulation, placing communities and ecosystems at risk.
Researcher Thandolwakhe Mokotedi from the Faculty of Law at the North-West University (NWU) says that “the regulation of tailings dams in South Africa remains an area of environmental law that requires immediate attention.” According to her research, there are an estimated 6 000 abandoned and unrehabilitated tailings dams posing a persistent environmental challenge.
Long-term capacity building is required to address perinatal mood disorders which affect more than a third of women in South Africa, negatively impacting individuals and families.
To address this, local, international health care professionals and academics met in Mahikeng from 9 to 13 March 2026. The purpose was to advance a joint programme aimed at improving early detection and management of perinatal mood disorders in rural South Africa. Limited access to specialised mental-health services in these areas continues to affect maternal and child health.
For Dr Modupe Stella Ayilara, science has always been about more than research. It is about people, communities and finding solutions that matter.
This landmark event brought together scholars, practitioners, and global experts dedicated to
The North-West University (NWU) honoured its exceptional staff at the annual NWU Excellence Awards ceremony, held in Potchefstroom on 20 November.
More than 150 staff members received recognition for their outstanding contributions to the university’s key focus areas of teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation.