Dr Fortunate wants to eliminate malaria

Dr Fortunate Mokoena has a vision. This senior lecturer in biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) wants to make the continent she calls home a better, safer place for its citizens.

She hopes to do this by helping to eliminate malaria.

“Many of us born on the African…

Colonial texts with a difference provide insight for today

The ongoing influence of colonialism can be seen across the world, as it has had a lasting impact on societies and cultures. In South Africa, the repercussions of colonialism have been particularly profound, marked by periods of Dutch and British rule.

A research project titled "Colonial Pasts and Transnational Futures", led by Dutch…

World Art Day: Tradition and technology

As the world marks World Art Day 2024 on 15 April, Othusitse Maunatlala, an academic in the School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU), shares insights on the significance of art.

World Art Day is an international celebration of the fine arts which was declared by the International Association of Art to promote awareness…

Drs Bam and Petzer join prestigious teaching advancement programme

A nationwide initiative, the Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) programme, aims to improve the standard of teaching and elevate teaching and learning in public higher education.

The programme is a component of the national framework for advancing academics as university teachers that is run by the Department of Higher Education…

Plastic pollution is the downside to celebrations

Ten million tiny pieces of plastic are estimated to be lying on the lawn in front of the North-West University (NWU) Law Faculty in Potchefstroom, and the soil in the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds also has high levels of plastic pollution. This is the downside of the celebrations that are often held in these spaces, where glitter poppers and…

Looking to sustainable agriculture

Poultry manure could revolutionise farming practices in South Africa, particularly among subsistence farmers in rural areas. This is one of the research findings of Mandisa Mazibuko, a researcher from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Her research delves into the effects of poultry manure on selected maize cultivars and…

“A Faculty Who Cares” goes the extra mile for learners

Grade 12 learners are on the brink of adulthood, facing decisions about their future careers and lifestyles. The weight of these decisions and expectations from parents, teachers and society can be overwhelming.

Amid their stresses and worries, they can count on the support of mentors such as Prof Fazel Freeks, associate professor and…

IKS Centre signs cooperation agreement with three communities to protect indigenous knowledge

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre has recently sealed a significant cooperation pact with three communities in the North West province.

This agreement aims to safeguard South African indigenous knowledge by ensuring it is managed and utilised for the benefit of the communities and rights…

Celebrating excellence in medicine: Prof Binu Luke receives prestigious SAMA award

Prof Binu Luke is a distinguished health expert and extraordinary associate professor at AUTHeR in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU). In February 2024, the South African Medical Association (SAMA) gave due recognition for his exceptional contributions by nominating him for the prestigious Extraordinary Service to…

Let us make mining sexy

Professor Quentin Campbell from the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) has an eloquent, soft-spoken way with words. Therefore, when he said, “it is time to make mining sexy”, the attendees at the NWU’s first ever mining indaba immediately took note with a chuckle.

Prof Campbell was serving as moderator during a…