NWU’s astrophysicists help unlock secrets of the universe

The high-energy astrophysics group at the Centre for Space Research at the North-West University (NWU) is playing an important role in key science programmes at the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) that will be built in Chile.

The final agreements between the CTA Observatory and the European Southern Observatory were signed late last…

Student explores the rural economics of herbal cosmetics

Imagine having a skin problem – could be a blemish, rash or an unsightly pimple. Now, imagine walking to your garden or a nearby forest to find plants to prepare a lotion or ointment, rather than buying an expensive product.

As odd as this may sound, this is what many people have been doing for years, with some still doing it today.…

A balancing act: passion for sports and academic studies

Is it possible to balance a successful academic career with a passion for sport? In short: yes. The sky is the limit for focused and dedicated athletes, and with the right attitude, a person can achieve great things in more than one area.

Born and bred in Heilbron in the Free State, Moses Radebe, a student at the North-West University…

BMI celebrates 21 years of collaboration with Absa

The Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics® (BMI) at the North-West University (NWU) and Absa recently celebrated their successful collaboration of more than 21 years.

This memorable event took place at the Equinox Leadership and Innovation Centre in Sandton.

The function was attended by high-level delegates from…

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…