By Gosego Phutieagae
As the world commemorates International Diabetes Day on 14 November, the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening awareness on diabetes prevention and management. In the weeks leading up to the global observance, the Obesity and Metabolic Disease Research Group (OMDRG) at the Biochemistry department in Mahikeng, under the leadership of Prof. Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje, hosted a successful Diabetes Awareness Drive on 23 October 2025.
The initiative aimed to educate staff and students on the growing burden of diabetes in South Africa, where more than two million adults live with the condition. According to Statistics South Africa, diabetes remains the second leading underlying cause of death nationally, and the leading cause of death among women – a reflection of the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis and lifestyle interventions.
OMDRG researchers highlighted the importance of early detection, healthy eating, the use of natural products and regular physical activity as critical pillars for preventing and managing diabetes. Speaking at the event, Dr Toluwalope Ajonijebu, post-doctoral fellow under Prof. Mazibuko-Mbeje, emphasised the scientific findings of the group:
“Our research has shown that natural products such as moringa, rooibos and broccoli can improve some symptoms and co-factors linked to Type 2 diabetes. When combined with healthy lifestyle choices, these nutraceuticals offer valuable support in preventing and managing metabolic diseases.”
As part of the programme, more than 200 participants received health screenings for blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol and weight. Certain individuals were referred for further medical attention – a powerful reminder that many people live with undiagnosed metabolic disorders, and that early detection can be life-saving.
Lifestyle modification was a major focus of the day. To reinforce the role of physical activity, the Lifestyle Diseases Unit at the NWU, led by Prof. Useh, participated in the event and delegated Dr Charity Masilela to lead and conduct an aerobics demonstration. Her energising session encouraged participants to stay active and showed that exercise can be both enjoyable and effective in promoting wellness.
Participants were also encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits, including diets rich in fresh fruits such as apples, bananas and citrus, and vegetables like carrots, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower and squash, and to replace sweet and fizzy drinks with drinks like moringa and rooibos.
The OMDRG expressed sincere appreciation to the School of Physical Sciences for its continued support of community engagement initiatives. Their sponsorship of the event made it possible to reach a wider audience and provide vital health services to the campus community.
Through initiatives such as this, Prof. Mazibuko-Mbeje and the OMDRG continue to drive research, knowledge sharing and public health advocacy, helping reduce the prevalence of diabetes and promoting long-term metabolic well-being across the university and surrounding communities.
