How to maximise research with minimum funding

The North-West University recently hosted a public lecture on strategies for increasing research productivity despite dwindling resources on the campus in Mahikeng.

This lecture is part of a lecture series organised by the office of the deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya.

Prof…

Magtig, pragtig for CLES research chair

“Magtig, pragtig!” Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya exclaims, quoting her favourite Afrikaans teacher from school. “He always used to say that when he was very impressed and today it is my turn,” explains the North-West University’s (NWU’s) deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation.

The reason for her excitement? It is the…

Flipping the Switch

Over the last few years it has become increasingly evident that interruptions in electricity supply will become part of the South African lifestyle. The North-West University (NWU) has therefore embarked on a journey that will positively contribute towards the sustainability of electricity supply, energy efficiency and the environment.

There is no excuse for abuse

South Africa is one of the countries with the highest statistics of violence against women and children in the world. Despite progressive laws and policies designed to address these unacceptable levels of gender-based violence (GBV) – it has not yet translated into action on the ground.

With this in mind, North-West University (NWU…

Transdisciplinary research: An answer to those “wicked” problems that are so difficult to solve

Handling change and facing challenges are certainties in South Africa and range from coping with changes in our everyday world to facing severe trauma.

Prof Minrie Greeff, head of the Ethics Office of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), was the speaker at the 14th public lecture hosted by Prof Refilwe…

Condolences from the NWU: Passing of Prof Melville Saayman

It is with great sadness that the North-West University (NWU) community learnt about the passing of Prof Melville Saayman on 14 March at the age of 53.

He started his career at the NWU on 1 January 1992. Prof Melville’s passion for tourism led him to become a world-renowned researcher in the field. He worked as director of the…

Young researcher weighs in on carbon tax debate

After more than a decade, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has announced the implementation of the much talked about carbon tax bill.

The bill is part of South Africa's commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. According to Minister Mboweni, this will benefit all of South Africa and will be part of the country's contribution…

NWU hosts Queer Visualities: African Perspectives, Other Perspective

On 27 and 28 February and 1 March, the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) played host to Queer Visualities: African Perspectives, Other Perspectives. The event was opened by Prof Pamela Maseko, executive dean of the faculty.

This unique event again emphasised the NWU’s commitment to broadening the horizons of…

The solar car’s blood, sweat and tears were worth the trouble!

Multifaceted knowledge is the big prize with which Esté Heese, a former student at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering, walked away after she was part of this university’s well-known solar car team. This also boosts her career at Eskom today.

This young engineer-in-training is prepared to take on any project…

Prof Little is new heavyweight in Optentia’s corner

The Optentia research focus area on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Vanderbijlpark is adding yet another research heavyweight to their already impressive extraordinary professoriate.

Prof Todd Little will be delivering his prestige lecture at Optentia on 15 April 2019.

He is a professor and director of the Research,…