Deaf student breaks boundaries

Higher education institutions in South Africa have been confronted with various changes in recent years, urging them to keep up with the times, adapt and grow.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) dream to be “an internationally recognised university in Africa, distinguished for engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethic…

Graduation ceremony signals dawn of new generation of impact makers

“A graduation ceremony is essentially a symbolic recognition of a new generation of leaders, opinion-makers, experts, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs. In short: a day when the doers of tomorrow step to the fore to be counted as proud stewards of sustainability, innovation and progress.”

This is according to Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy…

Water-friendly cowpea plant is packed with potential

In a country that is struggling with water supply, the North-West University (NWU) has found a cowpea plant that does not require a lot of water compared to other field crops.

This particular cowpea is indigenous to the Southern African region and the NWU will be the first institution in the world to introduce it to the scientific…

NWU study continues to deliver papers

Following the successful conclusion of Kgotla Katlego Masibi’s first research report into “Electrochemical properties of carbon nanotubes/PANI/metal oxide nanoparticle nanocomposites towards electrocatalysis of some organochlorine pesticides”, Kgotla is hard at work on a second paper after graduating with his MSc degree last year.

The…

Study ‘flips the script’ on frog parasites in KZN

One would not usually associate high numbers of parasites with a healthy ecosystem, yet this is exactly what was shown by a study on frog ‘haemoparasites’ in KwaZulu-Natal.

A parasite is an organism that lives in or on an organism of another species (its host) and benefits by deriving nutrients at the other’s expense – haemo (or blood…

Before and now: the contrast in miners’ living conditions

Crammed into tiny rooms in same-sex hostels, away from their partners or families and without proper access to water, electricity or sanitation, South African miners used to live in appalling conditions. Today, the situation of miners at Impala Platinum in Rustenburg has improved markedly, although there are still challenges, as a North-West…

Green water treatment will benefit communities

Water is vital for living organisms but the quality of water is changing due to population growth and environmental changes. Could a miracle plant be the answer?

Ground and surface water serve as the main sources of drinking water in rural and urban areas, however, the availability of potable water is still a major concern.

…

Gr8 Success! – a serious game for teaching soft skills

Meet Faith Sibiya and Carl Thomson. They are two typical varsity students. Faith is an eccentric foot-dragger and always finds an excuse to do that really important assignment… tomorrow. Carl, on the other hand, is an inattentive fusspot. In less than six months’ time, both of them have to set foot in the world of work.

Do they know that…

Using indigenous knowledge for socio-economic growth

It would be a pity if we do not reap the fruit of the indigenous knowledge cultivated in our communities.

Fortunately the Department of Science and Technology (DST) committed itself to engaging government departments to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) are incorporated in their policies and programmes.

By doing…

GeeXpo 2018: blowing minds and tickling science fancies

Are you dreaming of a career in science and technology? If so, GeeXpo 2018 is just for you! Diarise Saturday, 13 October and make sure you take part in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) largest annual science and information technology expo.

What makes GeeXpo such an unforgettable experience it the fact it is much more than a traditional…