Researcher studies traditional plants for natural pest control

When farmers face pests that damage their crops, many turn to chemical sprays. They often do not realise that indigenous plant-based practices can protect crops naturally, and that pest-control solutions already exist within traditional farming knowledge.

The use of chemicals is one of the common ways of managing pests. However, these…

A critical reflection on global university rankings: Power, perception and prestige

By Prof Linda du Plessis

We live in a world obsessed with comparison. From “top performers” to “best universities,” rankings give the illusion of order in complexity. Yet, when it comes to higher education, these lists often conceal more than they reveal. Not everything fits neatly on a list, especially when…

Academics champion well-being and decent jobs at international conference

Two leading scholars from the North-West University (NWU) took centre stage at the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Psychosocial Well-being (ETPW2025), hosted by the University of Namibia. Their contributions highlighted the critical link between decent jobs, mental health and human flourishing – issues at the heart of national…

Researcher warns of courts prioritising process over planet

South Africa’s pursuit of sustainable development remains uneven, with economic growth often taking precedence over environmental and social considerations, and while laws and policies highlight sustainability, practice tells a different story.

“Economic growth dominates the discourse,” said Dr Fredua Agyemang, a postdoctoral research…

AI and Assessment training initiative empowers lecturers

In a joint effort to strengthen digital capability, the office of the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, AI Hub, Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), and the People and Culture division launched an innovative incentive programme to encourage North-West University (NWU) academic staff to complete an AI and Assessment course…

Professors strengthen ties with Nicolaus Copernicus University

A recent visit by North-West University (NWU) Professors Ephrem Redda and Prof Marko van Deventer to the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń, Poland represented a significant step in strengthening international academic collaboration.

Hosted by the NCU’s Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, the visit underlined the…

Faculty of Theology hosts a cross-continental celebration of research and publication

Book launches represent important academic milestones. On 23 September 2025, the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a book launch and celebration that highlighted the value of international research and academic exchange.

The event marked the official release of Family, School and Community in the Pluriverse…

Professor honoured as International Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering

North-West University (NWU) extraordinary professor Linda Godfrey has been elected as an International Fellow of the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) in the United Kingdom.

This is the second key role she has had within the ambit of the RAEng. For the past four years, Prof Godfrey has served on the Board of the Academy’s…

Master’s student breaks new ground with study on black South African travel behaviours

By Gofaone Motsamai

While tourism remains one of South Africa’s biggest economic growth areas, little research has been done to investigate the travel habits of black city dwellers who are a fast-growing sector of the market.

Step up Kamohelo Lempe, a second-year MA Tourism candidate at the North-West…

NWU academic weighs in on Constitutional Court ruling on surname laws

The Constitutional Court’s recent decision in Jordaan and Others v Minister of Home Affairs has reshaped how South Africans approach surname changes after marriage. The judgment declared sections of the Births and Deaths Registration Act unconstitutional for restricting surname changes to women, finding that the provisions reinforced outdated…