Foreigners in SA jails: Deportation is… complicated

Correctional Services Minister, Dr Pieter Groenewald, recently stated his intention to deport foreign criminals in South African jails back to their countries of origin. The Minister said that about 26 000 foreigners are either serving sentences in South African prisons or are awaiting sentencing. This places a massive burden on taxpayers,…

NWU lecturer appointed as chairperson of South African Heraldry Council

Appointed by the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Emile Coetzee, a lecturer in the History department at the North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus, will serve a three-year term as chairperson of the South African Heraldry Council, bringing his expertise in history and heritage to the national stage.

“I am one…

Stars and circuits spark curiosity ahead of Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day on 6 August in Kuruman once again brought science out of the laboratory and into the community.

Kicking off the proceedings, NWU astrophysicist Prof Thebe Rodney Medupe led teachers and learners from local schools in a stargazing workshop.

Held on 5…

Two academics honoured with NRF Research Excellence Awards

North-West University (NWU) academics Prof Kgaugelo Lekota from the School of Biological Sciences and Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) were recipients of Research Excellence Awards for Early Career/Emerging Researchers at the 2025 National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards.

The awards…

Machine learning the watchdog for software?

In a world where software runs hospitals, banks and transportation, who or what ensures it doesn’t fail?

This was the central question posed by Prof Bassey Isong from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences during his inaugural lecture on 7 August 2025 at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

The lecture,…

NWU academic recognised as finalist in South Africa’s ‘Forty Under 40’ Leadership Awards

The STEM education specialist behind Renewable Rangers, a digital educational game designed for children aged 4 to 6, has been selected as one of South Africa’s Forty Under 40 leaders for 2025 in the Education category.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and a member of the Research Unit for…

HART researcher steps into key SA Heart® leadership role

Researchers from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) at the North-West University (NWU) are making meaningful contributions to cardiovascular health in southern Africa. A member of this dedicated team, Prof Ruan Kruger, will now also contribute to the workings of the professional organisation representing cardiologists and…

Prof Welma Lubbe appointed Associate Editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal

Professor Welma Lubbe from the North-West University’s (NWU) Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) Research Focus Area has been appointed Associate Editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal, a leading open-access, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in breastfeeding.

The journal, published…

Students encouraged to build networks and take charge of their futures

By Gofaone Motsamai and Keaoleboga Motshabi

Final-year students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus were challenged to think beyond graduation during a public lecture hosted by the Humanities Student Academic Chapter.

The event took place on 24 July 2025, and brought together current…

NWU takes science to Kuruman with a message of innovation

“You are not too young to invent. You are not too rural to innovate. And you are certainly not too poor to dream big.” These were the words of North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka as he addressed learners, educators and community members during the third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science…