Setswana experts assist the NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences to translate study guides

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai

In a significant move to enhance multilingualism at the North-West University (NWU), a team of Setswana language experts is assisting the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) to translate study guides into Setswana. This initiative aligns with the NWU’s…

First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

The North-West University (NWU) has achieved a milestone with its first-ever publication in the journal Nature with Prof Thembinkosi Malevu of the subject group Physics sharing possible solutions to the risks posed by space junk.

Co-authored with Prof Richard Ocaya from the University of the Free State, the research focuses on the risks…

Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey

On 30 March, the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and fostering global action towards waste reduction, sustainable resource management, and environmental preservation.

South Africa is making progress in waste management, with experts such as Prof Linda Godfrey leading the…

North-West University and Agricultural Research Council Co-Hosts 2025 NGRP Annual Meeting

Food security, climate change and sustainability. These are some of the issues that will take centre stage from 19 to 20 March when the North-West University (NWU) and Agricultural Research Council (ARC) will be co-hosting the 2025 National Grain Research Programme (NGRP) Annual Meeting, themed Farming 2.0: Smarter & Greener.

This…

Students nominated for national science education awards

Two North-West University (NWU) students, Makatu Mashanyu and Fhatani Munwana, have been nominated for the national ACCESS Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW) annual awards. These nominations recognise their contributions to science education and environmental initiatives.

The awards, hosted by ACCESS – the Alliance for Collaboration on…

QS rankings place four NWU subject groups among the top globally

The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences,…

New research offers hope in Africa’s malaria crisis

A new weapon in the battle against malaria is emerging, and this time not from a laboratory, but rather driven by machine learning.

Researchers at the North-West University (NWU) have leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the search for life-saving drugs, a breakthrough that could shift the tide against this deadly…

NWU and DARD launch Agri-Hub to enhance agricultural development in North West

By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane

The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), has established an agri-hub to advance agricultural development in North West.

This initiative represents a substantial progression in addressing…

Eden Roots donation will enhance research in beekeeping

By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane

In a significant step towards advancing agricultural research and community development, Eden Roots – a bee farming enterprise based in Tloung Village, Mahikeng – donated a honey extractor to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Crop Science subject group on 28 February 2025…

Study explores bacteria in plants as a new source of medicine

Instead of further depleting overharvested indigenous plants for medicinal purposes, it might be possible to use the bacteria inside their roots. This would preserve at-risk plants while still allowing access to the medicinal properties associated with them.

A master’s study by Benedict Ndou, a researcher and a PhD candidate at North-…