National teaching honour recognises researcher’s passion for student success

A researcher in physiology at the North-West University (NWU) has received one of the highest levels of recognition for excellence in higher education teaching in South Africa. Dr Annemarie Wentzel, senior lecturer and researcher in physiology, is one of only six recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Awards (NUTA…

Nursing student Mecayla Johnson takes her skills to the world stage

Mecayla Johnson is ready to step on the world stage. After months of intensive preparation, the North-West University (NWU) nursing student will represent South Africa at the 48th WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026.

Mecayla, a fourth-year student,…

Africa already has answers to its health challenges

Africa does not have to look beyond its borders for every answer to its health challenges. Much of the knowledge, expertise and data needed to find solutions already exist on the continent.

That is the message from North-West University (NWU) physiology professor Lebo Gafane-Matemane,…

Changing the conversation on suicide through hope and resilience

Hope, open conversations and stronger support systems can help save lives. This was the message as health professionals gathered at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) to mark Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Day on 10 September 2026.

Held under the…

When the body count becomes a data point: what Kempton Park tells us about the academy we built

By the time this goes to print, the number may have changed again. As I write, at least nine, possibly 10, women have been found dead in and around Kempton Park since mid-July, most half-naked, several with visible bruising, left along the same stretch of the R21 and its surrounding veld. 

Ubuntu approach can strengthen support for learners’ mental health

Refiloe Legodi, a lecturer in the subject group Social Work at the North-West University (NWU), presented her research at the Ubuntu Nursing Colloquium that took place in August at the Groenkloof Campus of the University of Pretoria. 

Her presentation, titled “Ubuntu in action:…

Appreciate your kidneys, protect your future

Your kidneys work quietly, filtering waste, balancing fluids and regulating blood pressure every single day. Most people never think about these essential organs until something goes wrong and, unfortunately, statistics show that kidney disease is a growing problem. Millions of South Africans are affected by kidney…

Second PhD marks the beginning of a new chapter

Prof. Welma Lubbe reached a remarkable academic milestone when she graduated with her second PhD from the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

Completed under the supervision of Prof. Kirsty Donald, the PhD focused on paediatric neuroscience – a field that…

Iron study seeks answers for young South African women

Dr Mary Uyoga

Fatigue, poor concentration and declining physical performance are easily blamed on stress, demanding schedules or a lack of sleep. For many young women, however, these seemingly ordinary symptoms may point to an overlooked nutritional problem: iron deficiency.…

Presence beyond borders: NWU nursing team strengthens global partnerships in the Netherlands

For the Presence research team from the North-West University’s (NWU) School of Nursing, a 10-day visit to the Netherlands became more than an academic exchange. It was an opportunity to listen, learn and share ideas about what it means to provide care with compassion and genuine human connection.

The NWU team joined colleagues from the…