From construction sites to graduation gown

When Mongezi Prince Mbamba walked across the graduation stage at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) on 21 May 2025, it was not just a degree he carried – it was the weight of years of sacrifice, resilience and unyielding faith.

Born into a humble background and raised by a single mother alongside two siblings,…

New book explores the hidden world of aquatic parasites

On Friday, 16 May, a significant contribution to environmental science was made with the release of a new book, Aquatic Parasitology – Ecological and Environmental Concepts and Implications of Marine and Freshwater Parasites. Co-edited by Prof Nico Smit from the North-West University (NWU) and Prof Bernd Sures from the University of Duisburg-…

A pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

South Africa should invest more in nuclear research if it wishes to remain globally competitive and fulfil its responsibility to meet the diverse needs of its communities. This was Professor Machaba Michael “Mike” Sathekge’s message when he received his honorary doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Philosophiae Doctor, Honoris Causa) from the…

How second-hand clothing paved the way for senior lecturer’s career

By Gofaone Motsamai

The road from Kagiso, where she sold second-hand clothing under the scorching Gauteng sun, to the lecture halls of North-West University (NWU) was long, bumpy and deeply personal for Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi.

Now a senior lecturer in the subject group Public Administration and…

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine breaks new ground

The countdown has begun. On Tuesday afternoon at precisely 12:46, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), turned the first sod at the Potchefstroom Campus construction site of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This ceremonial gesture marked the official commencement of construction…

How exchange rate swings shape growth in BRICS nations

When the Brazilian real stumbles or the Chinese yuan strengthens, the ripple travels far beyond currency traders’ screens; it strikes at the heart of the economic performance of nations belonging to the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) bloc.

That’s the central premise of research by recent NWU PhD graduate Dr…

Women lead the way in the field of occupational hygiene in academia

In a country where the number of female academics specialising in occupational hygiene is exceptionally small, the North-West University (NWU) stands out as a national and continental leader.

Of the only eight known female academics in South Africa with a specialised focus in this field, an astounding five are based at the NWU. This…

With three degrees and a global publication, Aurleen Shenjere is a rising star in academia

At just 23 years old, Aurleen Shenjere has achieved what many spend a lifetime striving towards – three degrees, including a master’s degree completed in under a year, and an academic publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. Her story is one of exceptional discipline, resilience and purpose – driven by a deep desire to grow and to…

Setlogolo sa Bahurutshe booManyane leads the revival of Setswana culture

As the African continent marks Africa Month Africa Day on 25 May, a remarkable story of cultural resilience and leadership is unfolding in the North West Province.

Khumo Feni, a graduate from the first cohort of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (B.IKS) programme at the North-West University (NWU), is taking centre stage in…

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation People are far more likely to protect what they can name South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is…