Health Sciences News

Young adults may show early signs of high blood pressure before symptoms appear

A young adult may feel healthy, exercise regularly and have no signs of illness, yet changes taking place inside the body could already be laying the foundation for future high blood pressure and heart disease.

This is one of the key findings of a North-West University (NWU) PhD…

NWU research explores new approach to snakebite treatment

Venomous snakebites affect thousands of people across Africa each year, but help can come too late if antivenom medication or expert assistance is unavailable. A team of researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is investigating whether medicines already used to treat other…

Nursing duo to represent NWU nursing students on the South African Nursing Students Association

Oreratile Letuka and Ina-Mari Kloppers have been chosen to serve on the South African Nursing Students Association (SANSA) committee for the 2026 academic year. They will represent student concerns and help to create a positive and supportive learning environment.

Their selection places them among student leaders…

Prof Ushotanefe Useh receives continental honour for lifelong contribution

During the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Conference, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 6 to 9 June 2026, the North-West University (NWU) is celebrating the recognition of one of its distinguished academics and healthcare leaders.

Prof Ushotanefe Useh, Deputy Dean for Community…

NWU hosts FUNDISA Business Meeting to shape the future of nursing education and training

The School of Nursing at the North-West University (NWU) hosted the two-day business meeting of the Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa (FUNIDSA) on 28 and 29 May. The meeting brought together the heads of nursing schools from 22 universities across South Africa to discuss issues of critical importance…

NWU’s Prof. Ushotanefe Useh to help shape sustainability in South African higher education

Prof. Ushotanefe Useh, Deputy Dean for Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations at North-West University's Faculty of Health Sciences, has been appointed Chairperson of the Academic Subcommittee of Universities South Africa's Higher Education Sustainability Community of Practice (HESCoP) and has joined its…

From grandfather’s farm to Farminist: Alumnus grows agriculture business from social media roots

Mosa Seshoene still remembers school holidays spent on her grandfather’s farm in Turfloop, Limpopo. Long before she built a business and started supplying vegetables to local markets, her days were filled with picking tomatoes, spraying crops, and feeding chickens and pigs. Those routines, she says, laid the…

Research calls for stronger nursing support in psychiatric hospitals in Ghana

Patients battling both substance use disorders and mental illness in psychiatric hospitals in Ghana often rely on nurses for long-term care and recovery support. New research by Dr Frederick Nsatimba argues that these nurses need stronger institutional support, clearer care systems and better resources to improve…

Indigenous plant study opens new path in cancer treatment research

A plant long used in traditional medicine is now at the centre of research that could shape future cancer treatment options in South Africa and beyond.

Researchers at the North-West University(NWU) are investigating the anti-cancer potential of Lessertia frutescens, commonly known as cancer bush, after…

NWU Convocation Braai celebrates legacy, connection and lasting impact

The Big Lapa at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus came alive with energy, emotion and shared memories as members of the NWU Convocation gathered for the NWU Convocation Braai.

The event, a brainchild of NWU Convocation president Tutu Kgobane, brought…