Community engagement initiative aimed at smallholder farmers earns fourth place

The North-West University (NWU) has secured fourth place in the Sustainable Development Goals Initiative of the Year category of the 2023 Global Triple E Awards for Africa. These awards – made by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) – recognise universities worldwide that exhibit an exceptional…

Researcher brings African populations into previously Eurocentric cell research

Why did some people experience more severe coronavirus symptoms than others during the Covid-19 pandemic? International researchers believe part of the answer may lie deep within human cells, specifically in the small circular chromosome inside each cell, called the mitochondrial DNA.

Genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA are…

UNESCO chair continues on its journey of opening doors to education

A key United Nations agency has shown its confidence in the North-West University (NWU) by relaunching the Chair on Multimodal Learning and Open Educational Resources for a second term of four years.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has approved the NWU’s submission for a renewal of the chair…

Study explores the use of medicinal plants to treat childhood diseases

Dr Tshepiso Ndhlovu, a PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has completed promising research on the use of medicinal plants to treat children’s diseases.

Childhood illnesses make a major contribution to infant mortality rates worldwide, and the high cost of conventional treatment exacerbates the problem by putting a…

Solar telescope expands research horizons into solar physics

Located on the roof of building G5 at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus, the solar telescope of the Centre for Space Research has garnered attention from organisations such as the BBC and the Royal Astronomical Society.

Dr Ruhann Steyn, senior lecturer and principal scientist involved in the project, recently…

Using technology to prepare language teachers for the future

While debates about the quality of teacher education intensify, the North-West University (NWU) is exploring solutions, including mixed reality, that will ensure that well-prepared and effective teachers enter the country’s classrooms.

The recent findings of the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), indicating…

Spotlight falls on the role of parents in disciplining learners

Many studies have found a strong correlation between learners’ discipline levels and academic performance, with the latter improving as discipline levels improve. However, what is the role that parents play in disciplining their children?

Dr Nicholus Mollo, senior lecturer and subarea leader of Legal Perspectives, Governance and…

Academics fly NWU flag high at international conference

Research professor Howard Chitimira and postdoctoral research fellow Dr Elfas Torerai, both from the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, presented papers at the 18th International Association of Consumer Law (IACL) Conference that took place from 19 to 21 July in Hamburg, Germany.

Their session focused on the African…

Alumnus honoured for excellence in elementary school teaching

By Nolwazi Xulu

Mapule Sechogo, a former North-West University student and first-time entrant in the National Teachers Awards recently defied the odds when she won the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category at the awards ceremony held at the Naledi Local Education Office of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati…

Busy Bee Kindness Corner: Sharing is caring

The Faculty of Education at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus will be launching its “Busy Bee Kindness Corner” community engagement project on 14 August.

Dr Elize Küng, deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the faculty and champion of the project, says the aim is to encourage staff and…