Game of Thrones does not play by the rules

Game of Thrones breaks all the rules of film making. That is why it is such a huge success. “There are rules and laws of film making that you have to abide by, unless you want to create a specific effect,” says Phil Pretorius from the School of Communication Studies on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark.

He partly…

Deaf student breaks boundaries

Higher education institutions in South Africa have been confronted with various changes in recent years, urging them to keep up with the times, adapt and grow.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) dream to be “an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic…

Facing Race Week celebrates differences

It is as divisive an issue as it is a necessary one. It evokes both anger and reconciliation. It can bind as much as it can set free.

The subject of race remains an irrevocable part of the fibre that weaves through South Africa and from 8 to 12 April the North-West University (NWU) emphasised why talking about race is vital in…

Graduation ceremony signals dawn of new generation of impact makers

“A graduation ceremony is essentially a symbolic recognition of a new generation of leaders, opinion-makers, experts, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs. In short: a day when the doers of tomorrow step to the fore to be counted as proud stewards of sustainability, innovation and progress.”

This is according to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy…

PhD hat trick for Van Schalkwyk family

A very proud Dr Schalk van Schalkwyk senior looked on as both of his sons followed in his footsteps. Hugo and Schalk junior both obtained their PhD degrees at the recent autumn graduation ceremony on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark.

Dr Van Schalkwyk was a lecturer on the campus until he retired in 2011. However,…

Research explores the spread and prevention of HIV/Aids in Africa

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Erhabor Idemudia recently broke ground on research that looks at African cultural practices that aid the spread of HIV/Aids and what can be done to curtail this. 

According to Prof Idemudia’s research, African culture is generally male-dominated, with women accorded a lower status than…

Former construction worker is building a future at the NWU

Six years ago Thabang Belang worked as a construction worker at Mokgethi Construction and later at Shoprite, earning R100 a day.

Even though he did not have money to further his studies after matric, he never gave up on his dream to succeed despite all the hardship.

On Tuesday 9 April 2019 another part of Thabang’s dream…

Full accreditation for NWU’s LLB

The management of the North-West University (NWU) is pleased with the recent announcement by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) that the NWU Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme has received full accreditation. The CHE’s response bears relation to the submission of the NWU Progress Report submitted to them in October 2018.

Vice-…

Water-friendly cowpea plant is packed with potential

In a country that is struggling with water supply, the North-West University (NWU) has found a cowpea plant that does not require a lot of water compared to other field crops.

This particular cowpea is indigenous to the Southern African region and the NWU will be the first institution in the world to introduce it to the scientific…

Research identifies novel treatment options for rare disease

The research of a brilliant postgraduate student at the North-West University (NWU) is a breakthrough in the understanding of mitochondrial disease and identifying novel treatment options for patients.

Karin Terburgh investigated mitochondrial disease as part of her MSc studies, using mice already suffering from this disease, known as…