A cleaner way to turn plant waste into fuel

Plant waste is everywhere, in harvested fields, forestry sites and processing plants. A new study argues it could play a bigger role in the energy economy if it can be processed in a cleaner way.

Prof Indra Bahadur, a chemist at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), has published a review article in Chemical Reviews (…

NWU to livestream partial solar eclipse from campus observatory

Researchers and students at the North-West University (NWU) will livestream a partial solar eclipse from the NWU Solar Observatory* on the Potchefstroom Campus. This gives the public a safe way to experience the breathtaking celestial event on 17 February 2026.

Dr Ruhann Steyn, senior lecturer and researcher at the Centre for Space…

Why wildfires leave some land scarred for years, and how satellites are helping with damage control

When wildfires tear through landscapes, the flames disappear quickly but the damage they leave behind can last for years. A new study by North-West University (NWU) academics shows how satellite technology is helping scientists and decision-makers better understand the true impact of wildfires and plan smarter responses for the future.

…

NWU academic publishes book on mathematical modelling

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Patrick Tchepmo Djomegni, Associate Professor in Applied Mathematics has added an important scholarly contribution to the field of applied mathematics with the completion of his new book on mathematical modelling techniques, a project that reflects both academic excellence and deep personal meaning.…

Why are we going back to the Moon?

Roughly 384 400 km from the pale blue dot we call Earth hangs an orb that has fascinated humanity for millennia. The Moon is our planet’s only natural satellite and is about a quarter of Earth’s size. Only 12 people set foot on it between 1969 and 1972, but more than 50 years later the Artemis programme aims to add to that number.

In…

FMD outbreak sends shockwaves through South Africa’s beef industry, warns NWU scientist

As the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) pandemic tightens its grip in the Gauteng, North West and the Free State provinces,  the impact is spreading far beyond farms, placing pressure on South Africa’s beef industry, food security and jobs across the agricultural economy. Dr Kaya Myeki from the School of Agricultural Sciences at North-West…

Molelwane farm harvests success as student-led watermelon project generates revenue

Molelwane farm, the agricultural farm of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has recorded a significant milestone following the successful harvest and sale of watermelons to the OK outlet at The Crossing Mall, demonstrating how practical student training can directly contribute to revenue generation for the university.

…

The Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ journey to greatness

In 2001, the North-West University (NWU) established and launched a teaching, learning and research programme in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) at its Mahikeng Campus that was accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

In 2009, discussions and planning commenced between the NWU, the National Indigenous…

Research unveils green nanotechnology to protect broilers from aflatoxin toxicity

Aflatoxin contamination continues to challenge poultry producers across the globe, posing risks to bird health, farm profitability, and food safety. 

In an innovative study at the North-West University (NWU) by MSc researcher Nonsindiso Masuku explored the use of green-engineered nanoparticles to protect broiler chickens against…

Red meat and its role in South Africa

An opinion piece by Prof Simon Letsoalo

Few sectors in South Africa carry as much historical, cultural and economic importance as the red meat industry. For many communities, livestock is not just a mere commodity but a symbol of wealth, social status, identity and food security. Yet, in recent years, red meat…