Humanities News

Student and Miss World South Africa semi-finalist championing youth empowerment

At just 22 years old, Neo Nkhumane is making waves both academically and in the world of pageantry. A master's degree student in communication at the North-West University (NWU) and a semi-finalist for the Miss World South Africa pageant, she proves that beauty and brains can go hand in hand.

Hailing from the small town of Carletonville…

Student shines at DanceStar World competition

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mathlogonolo Bodibe’s fancy footwork and passion for dance recently took her to the international stage.

Mathlogonolo, a second-year BA communication student, participated in the annual DanceStar World Dance Masters competition that took place from 20 to 26 May in Croatia

Her dedication paid…

Andrew Banda makes history as first PhD graduate specialising in ageing and development

On 16 May Andrew Banda made history when he became the first graduate to receive a PhD in social sciences with a focus on ageing and development in Africa from the North-West University (NWU).

This research PhD is the product of the Optentia research unit and is a first in Africa. It is designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of…

Faculty of Humanities takes the digital lead

At a recent North-West University (NWU) Council meeting, the Faculty of Humanities secured approval to establish a Digital Humanities (DH) Centre in 2025.

Prof Mirna Nel, the deputy dean for research and innovation in the faculty, who leads the development team, expressed excitement about this approval. Notably, the only other DH Centre…

World Art Day: Tradition and technology

As the world marks World Art Day 2024 on 15 April, Othusitse Maunatlala, an academic in the School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU), shares insights on the significance of art.

World Art Day is an international celebration of the fine arts which was declared by the International Association of Art to promote awareness…

Drs Bam and Petzer join prestigious teaching advancement programme

A nationwide initiative, the Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) programme, aims to improve the standard of teaching and elevate teaching and learning in public higher education.

The programme is a component of the national framework for advancing academics as university teachers that is run by the Department of Higher Education…

NWU Biokinetics student to receive prestigious Health Science Student Award at ASAIPA National Medical Awards

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that one of our students, Jayson Clancy, will be receiving the Health Science Student Award at the ASAIPA National Medical Awards in 2024. The award ceremony will take place in Johannesburg on 29 June 2024 and marks the first time an NWU student has received…

Public lecture sheds light on Afrocentricity

The North-West University’s Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area hosted a hybrid public lecture featuring Prof Molefi Kete Asante, a prominent figure in African American scholarship, on 19 March 2024.

The title of the lecture was “Afrocentricity, communication, and culture: Building a common history".

Meet our researchers

Researchers across the faculties at the North-West University (NWU) are doing exciting work in their fields of expertise.

Prof Courtney Cook is an associate professor and researcher in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Dr Benjamin Rapanyane is a…

Indigenous foods deserve their place in the sun as food insecurity worries grow

Despite being nutrient-rich and drought-resistant, indigenous foods are often overlooked in food security strategies. North-West University (NWU) student Modjadji Mandy Rasehlomi seeks to change that.

Modjadji, a master’s student in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, has been delving into the untapped potential of indigenous foods to address…