Academic News

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are threatening crop production across Southern Africa. A groundbreaking discovery by a North-West University (NWU) researcher could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress.

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo, who recently…

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane named the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 at prestigious Gold Reef City ceremony

Dr Tshepo Alex Malapane, an alumnus of the NWU, was honoured with the Most Influential Man in South Africa 2025 award in a powerful moment of national pride and reflection. This prestigious recognition was part of the 2025 Influential Men & Artes Awards, a landmark event celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to…

Prof Toyin Falola donates second set of books to NWU Mahikeng library

By Gofaone Motsamai

Celebrated historian and scholar Prof Toyin Falola has once again contributed to the academic growth of North-West University (NWU), encouraging students to view the 25 books he has donated to the Mahikeng campus library as a compass.

The donation was made shortly after he received an…

Chief whip of the North-West Legislature earns her master’s in communication

The North-West University (NWU) has once again shown it is the knowledge hub of choice in the province. The latest high-profile graduate is the North West Legislature’s chief whip, Motlalepue Ziphorah Rosho, who received her master’s degree in communication at the recent graduation ceremony held at the Mahikeng Campus’s Great Hall. A former…

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

Dr Elvis Moyo has fought his way to victory on the mats – and now he's done the same in the classroom. The South African Jiu-Jitsu champion has earned a PhD in applied radiation sciences from North-West University (NWU).

Dr Moyo received his doctorate during a graduation ceremony at the NWU's Mahikeng Campus on 9 May 2025.

His…

Carbon tax and economic growth: navigating South Africa’s climate challenge

South Africa's ambitious efforts to curb carbon emissions while maintaining economic growth are facing new scrutiny as researchers explore the link between carbon tax, emissions and GDP growth.

Dr Victor Mofema, a lecturer in the subject group Economics at the North-West University (NWU) and a recent PhD graduate, believes increasing…

Rethinking education in the age of artificial intelligence

By Gofaone Motsamai

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how knowledge is created, shared and verified, questions are being raised about data use and bias, and whether it could be replicating Western biases and global gender disparities.

As AI systems learn to learn, they also force institutions to…

Geopolitics and conflict in the DRC come under the spotlight at ISS seminar

Armed conflict has been raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since January 2025, raising many questions about peace, war and geopolitics. The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy and Afrocentric Governance of Public Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS),…

Brand South Africa CEO engages NWU on marketing, investment and nation branding

Marketing is not about persuasion. It is about perception. This was the core message from Mr Neville Matjie, CEO of Brand South Africa and alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), during a guest lecture held for marketing students in an effort to give back to the university. The session was hosted by the Career Services and Alumni Relations…

Prof Linda du Plessis rebukes Dawie Roodt’s university closure comments

South Africa has too many public universities, and most of them should be closed. Furthermore, only 10% of the population should pursue a university education, “while there is a big shortage at other skill levels”. These are some of the comments recently made by economist Dawie Roodt, who also labelled South Africa’s primary education sector as…