NWU's Optentia appoints international health expert as extraordinary professor

Prof Doris Bohman, a registered nurse, nurse tutor and associate professor at the Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, in Sweden, was recently appointed as an extraordinary professor at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit. 

Dr Bohman holds a PhD in medical science and…

Study finds that unpaved roads increase air pollution

The burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions are among the major sources of air pollution in South Africa. However, there are other sources that are found in residential areas, for example unpaved roads, of which there are plenty in low-income residential areas in South Africa.

Air pollution is one of the top environmental…

Study into environmentally friendly options to replace chemical fertilisers

Prompted by the high cost of chemicals fertilisers and their impact on the environment, a master’s student the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, took on the challenge of searching for environmentally friendly options to replace or supplement chemical fertilisers.

Motlagomang Khantsi’s study titled “Determination and…

Why early blood pressure screening in children is vital

High blood pressure or hypertension is not only a disease in adults, but starts during childhood and tracks into adulthood.

In a study conducted by the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) of the North-West University (NWU), researchers emphasised the importance of screening children, especially black children, for elevated blood…

NRF rating for youngest associate professor in animal science at NWU

Farming runs in Prof Kenny Mnisi’s blood, and his life-long passion for animal sciences is finally paying off. Based in the School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, he has been awarded a Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is known for its rigorous and robust rating process…

Voices of indigenous communities of practice need to be heard

“Partnerships between the government, the private sector and civil society are critical for any sustainable development agenda. However, experience in Africa has shown that participation by local communities in development projects is rarely interactive or empowering,” says Otsile Maditsi, a PhD candidate and lecturer at the Indigenous…

Double the success for Fiorita twins

North-West University (NWU) students and twins Andrea and Marco Fiorita, recently received their degrees in computer and electronic engineering with distinction.

“Growing up, we were inseparable and always in cahoots. We made smoke bombs, took apart electronics around the house, build crazy contraptions and watched endless YouTube…

NWU academic reviews mental health in an unequal world

Prof Leepile Sehularo, an associate professor in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing, conducted a literature review in line with the theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 – “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.

The World Federation for Mental Health has encouraged researchers to share their knowledge about mental…

Young botanist promotes research that is relevant to communities

Africa has abundant flora that can be used for food and medicine, and a young botanist at the North-West University (NWU) and his collaborating researchers are determined to ensure that communities themselves benefit from the rich plant life around them.

Associate professor Oladapo Aremu of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre in the…

NWU researchers conduct South Africa’s first environmental social work study

Climate change, environmental destruction and the collapse of biodiversity pose a severe threat to the planet and mankind, and especially to poor and marginalised communities.

The threat may be even greater for citizens of South Africa as the southern African region has been identified as a hotspot. In recent years, South Africa has…