Health Sciences News
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…
Media and OCB Awards shine the spotlight on values and impact
Values are not only spoken about at the North-West University (NWU), they are lived and they are recognised. On 21 May, the university hosted its annual award ceremony to recognise staff and students who embody the spirit of excellence of the university at the Media and Organisational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB)…
HART drives collective action against the “silent killer” during May Measurement Month
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, remains the leading preventable cause of premature death worldwide. The Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) at the North-West University (NWU) is making it their mission to educate people on and raise awareness about the dangers of this “silent killer”.
…NWU celebrates European patent for stress and stroke innovation
On 14 May 2026, the Technology Transfer and Innovation Support Office (TTIS) at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a commemorative event to celebrate the granting of a European patent for a novel method to determine the risk of chronic stress and stroke.
The event brought…
School of Nursing celebrates International Nurses’ Day in partnership with Potchefstroom Hospital
On 12 May every year, the global nursing profession celebrates International Nurses’ Day. The theme for this year, announced by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) was “Our nurses, our future. Empowered nurses save lives”.
The attendees at this event were nurses employed at…
Students shine in global FameLab science communication competition
The North-West University (NWU) continues to celebrate academic excellence and innovation, as students from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) and the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) distinguished themselves in the globally recognised FameLab competition.
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NurseLead: A groundbreaking initiative to transform nursing leadership in South Africa
Prof. Siedine Coetzee and Dr Mirriam Matandela
A powerful new chapter in South African nursing leadership began on 5 and 6 May 2026, when the National Department of Health and the North-West University (NWU) officially initiated the groundbreaking NurseLead programme – a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to…
Ranking places researcher third in neuroscience in South Africa
The 2026 edition of the ranking of the Best Scientists in Neuroscience by Research.com places Prof. Brian Harvey from the subject group Pharmacology at the North-West University (NWU) among the three most cited researchers in the field in South Africa.
Prof. Harvey says this accolade highlights his decades of work in neuropharmacology…