Official academic opening focuses on empowering excellence in 2024 and beyond

The overarching message from the principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Bismark Tyobeka, was one of optimism, gratitude and determination during the official opening of the 2024 academic year on Friday, 23 February.

The official ceremony took place at the Potchefstroom Campus, with a live broadcast to the…

First-year engineering students unite to celebrate International Mother Language Day

It was a fun-filled, educational, and fascinating day for the first-year engineering students, with activities varying from learning a novel word in a different language to answering the question: “Why did you choose to study Engineering?” in their mother tongue. As these students come from multilingual societies that practise translanguaging,…

Research gives insight into Generation Y’s finance and banking behaviour

When it comes to money, Millennials – also known as Generation Ys* – have mixed feelings. On the one hand, they have a positive attitude to personal financial planning. On the other, they may be more inclined to indulge in discretionary spending, leading to overspending and difficulties in budgeting effectively.

Adding to this dilemma…

Indigenous foods deserve their place in the sun as food insecurity worries grow

Despite being nutrient-rich and drought-resistant, indigenous foods are often overlooked in food security strategies. North-West University (NWU) student Modjadji Mandy Rasehlomi seeks to change that.

Modjadji, a master’s student in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, has been delving into the untapped potential of indigenous foods to address…

AI and machine learning skill sets needed to improve Africa’s water resources management

Water is a limited natural resource and for Africa to improve its management of this resource, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning skill sets need to be taught and embraced at institutions of higher learning.

This is one of the conclusions of Prof Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema, executive manager for the Southern African…

New planetary commons law and governance urgently needed to safeguard functions of critical Earth systems

It is time to realise and accept that we, as a species, share a responsibility to work together to safeguard all the environmental systems that regulate the functioning and state of the planet.

This is according to Louis Kotzé, research professor at the Faculty of Law of the North-West University (NWU). Prof Kotzé recently served as co-…

The decade of healthy ageing – responsibilities and prospects for the Africa we want

While Africa is a continent with a rapidly growing population of young people, it is crucial for the region to pay attention to the global agenda on ageing.

The United Nations declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the "Decade of Healthy Ageing". This global collaboration, aligned with the last 10 years of the Sustainable Development Goals…

Unlocking frontiers: South African delegation explores China's education landscape

A delegation representing various South African universities was recently invited by the Intercultural Education Company (IEC) to explore the educational landscape of the People's Republic of China.

During the 10-day expedition the delegation had the opportunity to learn more about China's educational success, its innovative…

Visit by Ashesi University delegation opens door to collaboration

In a bid to explore opportunities for international collaboration, a delegation from Ashesi University in Accra, Ghana, recently visited the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The delegation, which included Rose Dodd, executive director of the Education Collaborative, Vanessa Sam, senior operations and member…

American vet completes nine years of voluntary service at NWU

Dr Rebecca Quam, an American veterinarian, will soon conclude nine years of voluntary service at the NWU, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and the local community.

Affiliated with the Christian Veterinary Mission, Dr Quam brought not only her wealth of experience in companion animal medicine but also a deep passion for…