Human Interest News

Cyberattacks likely to increase as connectivity grows

Cyberattacks are occurring thick and fast as the world becomes more connected and the rewards greater. According to a North-West University (NWU) academic, the possible rewards for cyberattackers will continue to increase, as more aspects of our everyday lives become interwoven and reliant on online interaction.

Prof Wian Erlank from…

Conserving African biodiversity through genomics has a food security link

Using genomics to understand and protect the African continent’s biodiversity could improve the resilience of plants, animals and other life forms to climate change, with a knock-on effect on food security, says North-West University (NWU) researcher Dr Roksana Majewska.

She and fellow researchers at the African BioGenome Project (…

NWU researchers help map the way forward for hydrogen in South Africa

The Earth is in trouble. It is suffocating under clouds of carbon dioxide emissions from the use of coal and other environmentally damaging resources to generate energy. These emissions are the primary cause of global warming, and if humanity wants to avoid the worst consequences of global warming*, we have to find alternatives for our energy…

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: what does it hold for South African consumers?

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sent shockwaves across the globe, causing significant uncertainty in global markets.

Although geographically far removed from these warring countries, the modern era of globalisation and fierce integration of markets through trade and financial flows means that South Africans will possibly feel the…

Anja sets her sights on early detection of kidney disease in young South Africans

The earlier kidney disease is detected, the more effectively it can be treated. Anja Degenaar, a master’s student in physiology at the North-West University (NWU), has set out to identify the biomarkers which will indicate deteriorating kidney function in young South Africans, ensuring early detection and treatment.

“The global…

Influence of supply-side shocks on prices needs appropriate response from monetary policy

“Given the overall balance of economic risks currently facing South Africa, the judgement of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) that a 25 basis-point rise should suffice for now is right, although the tone and language of the MPC statement was distinctly hawkish.”

This is the view of Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the Business…

NWU unpacks inclusion, gender and violence in memory of Sam Mbatha

Phenyo Mokgothu

The North-West University (NWU) hosted an online seminar on human rights, mental health, hate speech, and gender-based violence on 22 March 2022 in honour and in memory of the late Sam Mbatha.

Sam, an NWU…

NWU student rakes in awards nominations

Phenyo Mokgothu

North-West University (NWU) student and Setswana writer Lesego Motlhankana has taken the world by storm.

Not only has he been nominated for the 2022 Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) Multilingualism awards, but he has also been nominated for the National Institute for the…

NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus to host business breakfast

Zeno John

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Alumni Relations office, in partnership with the bhive Business Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), will host the annual NWU Alumni & Friends Business Breakfast on 25 March 2022.

The event brings together various stakeholders, including alumni, staff,…

NWU academic elected President of African Astronomical Society

Phenyo Mokgothu

Prof Thebe Rodney Medupe, North-West University (NWU) academic and deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, has been elected as the president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

Prof Medupe was elected…