Putting people at the centre of digital innovation

The Centre for Digital Humanities was born out of the realisation that the humanities are central to creating equitable digital futures for South Africans.  “As digital humanists, we understand that technology exists within a network of human and more-than-human relationships,” says Prof. Janelize Morelli.  “True digital…

Building leaders to tackle hunger and malnutrition across Africa

For more than two decades, the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the North-West University (NWU) has been shaping the future of nutrition leadership on the continent. Since its first programme in 2002, this flagship 10-day residential initiative, hosted annually at the NWU, has developed over 500…

Researchers demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand

While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.

At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos…

Prof Linda du Plessis: South Africa’s future depends on rebuilding education

STEM education needs to be put in the spotlight for South Africa to revive its ailing education sector.  The education system is not producing underachievers; it is manufacturing exclusion.  Teaching must be restored to its former prestige, which is a respected, aspirational career rather than a reluctant fallback.  The state…

Empowering teens living with chronic illnesses

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Teens living with chronic diseases need not be defined by their illnesses but by their potential and determination to succeed.

Dr Kezell Klinck, senior lecturer in the School of Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU…

Dr Monray Williams is helping to lead Africa’s virology charge

The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to…

A critical reflection on global university rankings: Power, perception and prestige

By Prof Linda du Plessis

We live in a world obsessed with comparison. From “top performers” to “best universities,” rankings give the illusion of order in complexity. Yet, when it comes to higher education, these lists often conceal more than they reveal. Not everything fits neatly on a list, especially when…

Academic shares advice for 2025 matric exams

Come 26 November, more than 900 000 Grade 12 candidates will be celebrating the conclusion of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

The exams commenced on 21 October with the computer applications technology (CAT) practical paper, one of the 112 examination papers that have been set across the country. This follows…

Writing competition winner calls for urgent action on women’s rights

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

An online writing competition hosted by the Debating Union at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is keeping the conversation about women’s empowerment alive long after Women’s Month has ended.

The competition, themed “Accelerate action: Rights, equality, empowerment…

Lecture highlights technology benefits for SMME finances

By: Gosego Phutieagae

A public lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 1 October 2025 highlighted how telecommunications and information technology are transforming financial management for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), both in business operations and…