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…

Researchers’ dedication delivers Africa’s first free motor performance test for children

Groundbreaking research in child health assessment has now led to the development of the first free, open-source motor performance test designed specifically for African children.

Breakthrough research by Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman, an extraordinary professor at the North-West University (NWU), and a team of international…

Busting myths and promoting understanding in Autism Awareness Month

Little understood but more common than many realise, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that often leaves individuals living with it – and their families – feeling isolated and marginalised. With April being Autism Awareness Month, the time is ripe to promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion in society of individuals with ASD…

Crises in classrooms demand school social workers now

Severe teacher shortages, with tens of thousands of vacant posts, are destroying learning conditions. “Learners are being left defenceless in places meant to protect and nurture them.” – Dr Marelize Vergottini. “Without dedicated psychosocial support, these conditions will continue to hinder learning and jeopardise children’s futures.” – Dr…

Academic joins inaugural global cohort for IOC diploma in sports pharmacy

A North-West University (NWU) professor has been selected for a new diploma in sports pharmacy offered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a significant milestone for both the institution and the pharmacy profession.

Prof. Stephan Steyn, an associate professor in Pharmacology, will join the inaugural 2026 intake of the…

Academic takes public health leadership role on global stage

Taking along the spirit of Ubuntu, a North-West University (NWU) academic is stepping onto the international stage to connect South African public health research with global networks through her appointment to a key leadership role at a major international conference.

Dr Mpho Chipu from the School of Nursing has been appointed by the…

Academic claims three gold medals at national track cycling championships

Prof. Pieter Kruger, director at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Health and Human Performance, opened his national cycling campaign with outstanding results in sprint and endurance events at the South African Track Cycling Championships. The event took place from 1 to 6 April 2026 at the Bellville Velodrome in Cape Town.

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NWU plays leading role in advancing health professions education quality standards for Africa

The North-West University (NWU), through its Centre for Health Professions Education (CHPE), recently played a key role in a major continental initiative to strengthen the quality of health professions education across Africa.

From 16 to 18 March 2026, the NWU hosted the World Health Organization (WHO)…

NWU appoints founding chief director of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

The North-West University (NWU) has reached a significant milestone in its academic and institutional development with the appointment of Prof. Binu Luke as the inaugural chief director of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, effective from 1 April 2026.

This landmark appointment represents a major step forward in the strategic vision…