Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home

By Gofaone Motsamai

The unusual presence of green stinkbugs in offices, homes and public buildings is no cause for concern, according to Professor Johnnie van den Berg from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU).

“There have been surges in the numbers of many…

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are threatening crop production across Southern Africa. A groundbreaking discovery by a North-West University (NWU) researcher could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress.

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo, who recently…

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

Dr Elvis Moyo has fought his way to victory on the mats – and now he's done the same in the classroom. The South African Jiu-Jitsu champion has earned a PhD in applied radiation sciences from North-West University (NWU).

Dr Moyo received his doctorate during a graduation ceremony at the NWU's Mahikeng Campus on 9 May 2025.

His…

How Africa should adapt to climate change

Africa is getting the short end of the stick as climate change is tightening its grip on the continent, although it has only contributed about 3% (at most) of global carbon emissions since the Industrial Revolution.Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the effects of climate change, with droughts, floods, extreme heatwaves, and shrinking…

Shaping the future of sustainable agriculture

The School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is preparing a new generation of agricultural professionals through a combination of academic training, practical experience and sector-focused initiatives.

Comprising four core disciplines, namely agricultural economics and extension, animal…

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

They might be small and largely inconspicuous, but ants are becoming big business for a growing market of enthusiasts. In April, Kenyan authorities intercepted two Belgian teenagers, a Vietnamese national, and a local accomplice as they attempted to smuggle 5 400 live queen ants out of the country.

Their illicit cargo, consisting mainly…

Learners enjoy hands-on robotics and coding experience

Whatever shape the future takes, robotics and coding are likely to be part of it. Fifty primary school learners from the Mahikeng area had the opportunity to learn basic coding and robotic skills during a training programme at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus from 22 to 24 April.

The group of Grade 6 and 7 learners…

Call for climate-smart cattle breeding to promote food security

By Gofaone Motsamai

Heat stress is among the most urgent climate-related challenges affecting beef cattle productivity, requiring South African cattle breeders to adopt climate-smart strategies to bolster food security under changing environmental conditions.

“Heat stress is becoming a major threat to…

New study explores future biology teachers’ views on AI in the classroom across two continents

A new international study is shedding light on how future biology teachers from South Africa and Indonesia perceive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, and what they believe is needed to make it work effectively.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the…

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem

By Gofaone Motsamai

While the release of weevils into the hyacinth-infested waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome development, these insects alone cannot be expected to permanently solve the dam’s pollution problem.

“The use of weevils must be part of an integrated plan to resolve the issue,” says…