Natural and Agricultural Sciences News

Plastic pollution is the downside to celebrations

Ten million tiny pieces of plastic are estimated to be lying on the lawn in front of the North-West University (NWU) Law Faculty in Potchefstroom, and the soil in the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds also has high levels of plastic pollution. This is the downside of the celebrations that are often held in these spaces, where glitter poppers and…

Looking to sustainable agriculture

Poultry manure could revolutionise farming practices in South Africa, particularly among subsistence farmers in rural areas. This is one of the research findings of Mandisa Mazibuko, a researcher from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Her research delves into the effects of poultry manure on selected maize cultivars and…

IKS Centre signs cooperation agreement with three communities to protect indigenous knowledge

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre has recently sealed a significant cooperation pact with three communities in the North West province.

This agreement aims to safeguard South African indigenous knowledge by ensuring it is managed and utilised for the benefit of the communities and rights…

Enhancing animal health through collaborative effort

The subject group Animal Health at the North-West University (NWU) and North West Veterinary Services will be collaborating to enhance animal health initiatives.

Under the supervision of Prof Mulunda Mwanza, the objective of this collaboration is to train animal health technicians in advanced disease detection and eradication processes…

Animal Health partners with industry leaders to uphold meat safety standards

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Animal Health has joined forces with International Meat Quality Assurance Services (IMQAS) and MAZTECH Consulting and Skills Development to offer an extensive meat inspection short course.

This initiative aims to equip Animal Health students with the essential skills required for the…

Largest frog in more than 100 years discovered in Africa

A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered in northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana.

It is the largest frog species discovered in more than 100 years.

The largest specimen found is 210 millimetres long and weighs 1 kilogram.

Once there were three, now there are…

Academic analyses the North West State of Province Address

A recent analysis by Dr Lindikaya W Myeki from the subject group Agricultural Economics and Extension at the North-West University (NWU) delved into the North West State of Province Address (NWSOPA), with a particular focus on food security issues.

The NWSOPA took place on 20 February 2024, and was presided over by acting premier…

Inaugural lecture explores mathematics' role in modern theory

Prof Thekiso Seretlo, a mathematics professor at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a captivating inaugural lecture on 13 March 2024, at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

The lecture, titled "The role of finite simple groups in Clifford-Fischer Theory: group generations, codes and designs", shed light on the significance of finite…

Renowned astronomer to talk about asteroid threats and strategies for Earth's defense

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences will host a guest lecture on 20 March 2024, featuring distinguished astronomer and extraordinary professor, Prof Don Kurtz.

Prof Kurtz, an A1-rated professor based in the United Kingdom, will delve into the intriguing topic of "Impact!" during his lecture…

Prof Mnisi selected to attend agriculture, nutrition and health training programme

Prof Kenny Mnisi, a North-West University (NWU) academic in the School of Agricultural Sciences, has been accepted to attend the Agriculture, Nutrition and Health (ANH) Academy Training of Trainers Programme.

The first training workshop will take place from 18 to 22 March 2023 in Stellenbosch.

The Agriculture, Nutrition and…