Policy seminar reflects on the future of local government in South Africa

The Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) hosted an engaging policy seminar on Monday, 31 August 2026, focusing on the state of local government in contemporary South Africa, local government transformation and the review of the Local Government White Paper.

The session…

Feedlot Challenge takes Animal Sciences students from classroom to cattle pens

The North-West University (NWU) is taking Animal Sciences learning beyond the classroom through its Feedlot Challenge, a practical initiative giving students first-hand experience of commercial cattle production and the realities of the livestock industry.

The programme, which involves…

New book puts human judgement at the centre of AI-powered research

Artificial intelligence (AI) can support postgraduate research, but it should strengthen human thinking rather than replace it. This principle is at the heart of a new book by the North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Kudzayi Savious Tarisayi.

Prof. Tarisayi from the School of…

Prof. Kruger helps shape the first hypertension guidelines for Africa

The recent launch of the first comprehensive hypertension guidelines developed specifically for Africa marks an important step in addressing one of the continent’s most significant health challenges. Among the experts who contributed to the guidelines is Prof. Ruan Kruger, a researcher in paediatric hypertension and…

It is time for the South African Blue Crane to spread its wings as a national icon

More than 99% of the world’s Blue Cranes live in South Africa, yet our national bird remains one of the country’s most underused tourism assets.

The Blue Crane is a living part of South Africa’s heritage, yet the species’ ‘Vulnerable’ status shows that national-symbol status does not…

It is time for the South African Blue Crane to spread its wings as a national icon

More than 99% of the world’s Blue Cranes live in South Africa, yet our national bird remains one of the country’s most underused tourism assets.

The Blue Crane is a living part of South Africa’s heritage, yet the species’ ‘Vulnerable’ status shows that national-symbol status does not…

Child nutrition in Africa: Parents cannot serve food they cannot afford

Even the cheapest nutritious foods can cost two to ten times more per calorie than maize meal.

Watery porridge may fill a child’s stomach without providing the nutrition needed for growth.

Two-thirds of Africa’s population cannot afford a healthy diet,…

Nepal’s Himalayan tragedy: Climate catastrophe or warning failure?

The horror, the horror. On 26 August, catastrophic flash floods devastated settlements and communities around Rasuwa, close to Nepal’s border with Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The nightmarish scenes, captured by CCTV cameras and witnessed across the globe, showed thousands of tonnes of ice, water, mud and debris…

Researchers earn national fellowships at Women in Science Awards

Two North-West University (NWU) researchers have received national recognition for work that could contribute to safer water, healthier honeybees and stronger communities.

Rebaone Mofokeng and Nolwandle Khumalo were awarded the DSTI-Prof. Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowships at the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards on 20…

The psychology behind your shopping trolley

South African households are counting every rand, but the retailers competing for their money have a formidable advantage: they understand how people shop, often better than shoppers understand themselves.

From the moment customers collect a trolley, they enter an environment carefully…