The North-West University (NWU) marked World Intellectual Property Day 2024 with vibrant celebrations across our Mahikeng and Potchefstroom campuses on 25 and 26 April. This year's theme, focusing on leveraging intellectual property for the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drew an enthusiastic crowd comprising students, researchers and representatives from various state agencies.

Among the highlights on the Mahikeng Campus were presentations by two of our esteemed researchers, Dr Petro Erasmus and Prof Sydney Mavengahama, who captivated their audience with their practical endeavours towards SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger) and 4 (Quality Education).

Dr Petro, an educational psychologist, shared her heartfelt mission to dispel the fear surrounding maths. Receiving nods of agreement from the audience, she emphasised, "Everyone has a maths story – and sadly, most of us have had a less enjoyable encounter with maths at one time or another." Dr Petro's innovative approach involves introducing playful learning methods through her Whartels® Math game, utilising board games and soft toy puppets to make maths enjoyable for children and override their fear with fun.

Dr Petro’s research has led to the creation of a company, PENPlay, which offers the Let's Really Play Maths Programme through which she hopes to reach as many children as possible in pursuit of quality education for all.

Prof Sydney shed light on the potential of ancient grains, such as millets, in combatting hunger. These grains, deeply rooted in our ancestral heritage, once served as staple foods before maize took precedence in modern diets. Highlighting their health benefits and resilience to climate change, Prof Sydney emphasised their significance in achieving food security.

The nutritional superiority of millets and ancient grains, with their high protein content and gluten-free nature, has propelled them to the forefront of health food markets globally. However, their underutilisation in Africa presents a significant opportunity for innovation and economic growth.

Prof Sydney urged young people in Africa to embrace commercial farming of these grains and develop novel products, emphasising the need for self-reliance in harnessing our indigenous resources.

The inherent adaptability of indigenous millets and ancient grains to African conditions offers a ray of hope amid the challenges of variable climate patterns. Prof Sydney affirmed, "We have all these grains at our fingertips. There is no excuse for us not to combat hunger on our continent."

Through these initiatives, the NWU community remains committed to leveraging intellectual property for sustainable development and fostering a brighter future for all.

Dr Petro Erasmus, Eagi, Dr Janine Chantson: TTIS chief director, and Mafika

Prof Sydney Mavengahama, Eagi, Dr Janine Chantson: TTIS chief director, and Mafika