Exploring indigenous knowledge to combat cattle diseases

For centuries small-scale livestock farmers have been relying on plants to ensure the health of their animals, knowledge which could benefit veterinary science.

“Cattle farming is a traditional agricultural system that contributes to the rural economic, social and cultural values of communities. Cattle, and other livestock are affected…

Snail Day raises awareness of schistosomiasis and river health

The North-West University (NWU) Water Research Group (WRG) and the University of Limpopo (UL) recently hosted a Snail Day community workshop, sponsored by the Water Research Commission (WRC).

According to Dr Lizaan de Necker, principal investigator from the NWU, this formed part of their project that focuses on the distribution of…

Communities benefit from NWU’s development projects

South Africa faces difficult challenges that require the next generation of university graduates to be skilled leaders with extensive abilities to collaborate with communities to solve problems and create change. 

Four North-West University (NWU) projects carried out in partnership with communities exemplify how collaboration with…

Crop Science students experience real life commercial crop production and processing

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Crop Science, in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, recently took final-year students on an excursion to Malelane in the Mpumalanga province for intensive physical training on commercial crop production and various crop processing technologies.

The Mpumalanga…

Role of indigenous health practitioners in addressing mental health issues

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Miriam Moagi, together with Dr Mokgobola Thobakgale from the University of Limpopo and Dr Madimetja Magoro from Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture, recently published a book chapter on indigenous health practices in the treatment of mental illness in South Africa.

The book chapter aims to…

Advocating for sustainable poultry production to ensure food security

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Kenny Mnisi presented a seminar on 20 April 2023 focusing on food security and safety.

The topic of the seminar was “Are we food secured now? If not, let us practise sustainable poultry production!”

According to Prof Mnisi the question is designed to measure the advances that researchers…

Passionate young water professionals win the Wetskills Water Challenge

Seipati Poopedi, a master’s student at the North-West University (NWU), recently participated in the Wetskills Water Challenge in Cape Town and her team walked away with the spoils.

Her team members were Tariro Marekwa, an MSc student from the University of Cape Town, Dr Fulya Kandamir from Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Climate…

Guiding Grade 9 learners on their path to success

You should start planning your future career as early as in Grade 9. This was what North-West University (NWU) statistics lecturer Dr Piet Ntema, told Grade 9 learners during a recent career guidance workshop.

Dr Ntema hosted the workshop in partnership with the office of Prof Rodney Medupe, deputy dean for community engagement and…

Newly discovered frog species named after Prof Louis du Preez

Prof Louis du Preez, professor of zoology at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), was honoured by having a newly discovered Malagasy frog species named after him.

The honour was bestowed by a group of German scientists from the University of Braunschweig, Landesmuseum in Darmstadt, and the Zoological Museum in…

ANSTI appoints dean to its interim council

NWU staff continue to make significant contributions, not only locally but also internationally. The executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Prof David Modise, has been appointed to the interim governing council of the African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI).

Prof Modise will…