Abduction and forced marriage still happen in South Africa

Even in 21st century South Africa, a constitutional democracy, forced marriage is a reality for some young girls. Ukuthwala, the customary practice where girls under the age of 18 years are abducted and married off to older men, still occurs in the rural Eastern Cape.

Such marriages are usually arranged by the groom and the girl’s…

Preventing is better than treating substance abuse

Prevention is better than cure, and the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Prof Leepile Sehularo is at the forefront of seeking solutions to adolescent substance abuse through prevention programmes.

Illegal substance use among adolescent learners is a global concern for government policy-makers, researchers and mental health care…

NWU academic advances environmental justice

Environmental justice, writes North-West University (NWU) senior lecturer and researcher Dr Kesolofetse Lefenya, entails social transformation directed towards meeting basic human needs and enhancing the quality of life, environmental protection and democracy.

Dr Lefenya writes that, despite the latter, South Africa is experiencing…

NWU heads SA core team in fight against neuromuscular diseases

The social and economic impact of neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) is staggering. These diseases, which include motor neuron disease and muscular dystrophies, can cause premature death or lifelong disability and are believed to affect one in every 400 people – meaning about 20 million children and adults across the globe.

There is hope…

NWU takes gender and language awareness online

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to promote inclusivity by raising awareness and addressing crucial issues in society. Inclusivity and engaged awareness of current affairs are important building blocks towards excellence at the NWU.

This year, despite the various challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the university is…

Times Higher Education ranks NWU among top 6 universities in SA

The latest rankings of world universities by Times Higher Education (THE) are another feather in the cap for the North-West University (NWU). The NWU has had consistent good showings in rankings by various international ranking agencies this year.

This ranking places the university among the top six (6) universities in South Africa…

Nyaope drug users: studying pathways to wellbeing

Nyaope is believed to be South Africa's worst drug and is now officially an illegal drug in the country.

According to Health24, nyaope is a highly addictive, dangerous and destructive street drug, unique to South Africa.

North-West University (NWU) PhD graduate Dr Malebo Mashaba examined the psychosocial pathways to…

Malan receives prestigious innovation management award

A senior commercialisation specialist at the North-West University’s Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office has won the Department of Science and Innovation/SARIMA Professional Excellence Award for Innovation Management.

Hannes Malan received his award during the virtual conference of the South African Research and…

NWU weathers pandemic storm with great successes in 1st semester

Hard work, creativity and perseverance have enabled the North-West University (NWU) to deliver significantly higher pass rates despite the Covid-19 pandemic having wreaked havoc in the higher-education sector since March 2020.

The university’s commitment to continuously improving the quality of teaching and learning support to…

Student wellness in the time of a pandemic

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Student Counselling and Development (SCD) department is launching a #NWUStudentWellbeing project.

For the next 14 weeks, SCD will be covering themes that highlight the university’s values and speak directly to student wellbeing.

The heart-felt aim of SCD is to support the psycho-social…