Should South Africa keep under-16s off social media?

As more countries restrict social media access for children, should South Africa follow suit, or find a solution better suited to its own realities? Social media may expose children to cyberbullying and harmful content, but its developmental cost could also lie in the conversations, play and sleep it displaces. “The issue is not simply…

PhD candidate takes her research to global social work platform

For North-West University (NWU) PhD candidate Dakalo Goitsilwe, presenting her doctoral research at an international conference in Kenya, marked another important milestone in her development as a social work researcher and scholar.

Dakalo represented the NWU and South Africa at the…

Prof. Kruger helps shape the first hypertension guidelines for Africa

The recent launch of the first comprehensive hypertension guidelines developed specifically for Africa marks an important step in addressing one of the continent’s most significant health challenges. Among the experts who contributed to the guidelines is Prof. Ruan Kruger, a researcher in paediatric hypertension and…

Child nutrition in Africa: Parents cannot serve food they cannot afford

Even the cheapest nutritious foods can cost two to ten times more per calorie than maize meal.

Watery porridge may fill a child’s stomach without providing the nutrition needed for growth.

Two-thirds of Africa’s population cannot afford a healthy diet,…

Research chair aims to take results from the laboratory to the community

South African researchers are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve health outcomes, particularly as the country faces rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. A new research chair, the first for biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), aims to make an impact on the lives…

Accreditation brings NWU’s medical school closer to reality

The North-West University (NWU) has reached a decisive milestone in establishing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine following the accreditation of its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

Researcher wins best poster presenter award at international public health conference

North-West University (NWU) researcher Dr Charity Masilela put public health research at the university on an international platform when she received the Best Poster Presenter Award at the 12th International Conference on Public Health, held in Bali, Indonesia, from 5 to 7 August 2026.

Prof. Sehularo recognised at Ubuntu Nursing Colloquium

Mental health care inequalities in South Africa took centre stage when the North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Leepile Sehularo earned the place of second runner-up for the best oral presentation at the Ubuntu Nursing Colloquium, hosted by the University of Pretoria on 12 August 2026.

Study explores natural compounds to limit liver damage from food toxin

Two naturally occurring compounds, Moringa oleifera and coenzyme Q10, could help reduce liver damage caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), according to research by the North-West University (NWU). AFB1 is a toxin linked to contaminated food supplies and an increased risk of liver disease.

The…

Menstrual health programme takes learning beyond the classroom

By Mafumane Tlhapi and Bongile Nonyukela

While gaining practical experience through community engagement, social work students and nursing teams from the North-West University (NWU) are using menstrual health education to address barriers that prevent girls from fully participating in school.