Why we shouldn’t hang our wetlands out to dry

A lack of awareness of our wetlands can have catastrophic consequences for South Africa’s biodiversity. Wetlands play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, water management and community livelihoods, but extensive agricultural expansion, urban development and industrial activities mean that these vital ecosystems are increasingly under…

Nursing students impress at WorldSkills competition

Two fourth-year nursing students recently represented the North-West University (NWU) at the WorldSkills South Africa competition in Durban.

Competing against six other participants from across the country, Nobuhle Noluthando Motlhare secured the top spot in the Health and Social Care Skills category, while Boitshwarelo Motlhokudi…

CARST is radiating possibilities

Research into radiation technology is crucial for advancing industrial applications, enhancing safety, improving efficiency and enabling new technological innovations and solutions, especially in a country such as South Africa.

This is where the Centre for Applied Radiation and Technology (CARST) at the North-West University (NWU) comes…

South Africa is squandering its export opportunities

It is peak export season for the fruit industry and there is still a backlog of exports. The impact of the logistics crises caused by Transnet and the ports are having far-reaching negative consequences. Export industries are pleading for a chance to help, but government is unwilling to get out of the way.

Administrative chaos and…

Empowering first-year students with the right touch

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus recently launched Project First Touch to create a warm and welcoming environment for first-year students as they embark on their university journey.

The primary objective of the project – spearheaded by Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng…

New international editorial role in the nuclear field for Prof Bismark Tyobeka

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), has been invited by the international journal, Progress in Nuclear Energy, to be part of the journal’s editorial board.

Established in 1977, Progress in Nuclear Energy is a peer-reviewed scientific journal covering all aspects of nuclear science and…

Advantage, Suzanie Pretorius!

His name is Schalk, Schalk Pretorius. And if it had not been for Schalk Pretorius, the North-West University (NWU) would have lost a tennis champion.

Many years ago, in the maize farming community of Bothaville, a young Schalk decided that he wanted to play tennis. Very well, said Mom Erika and Dad Vickus, you will play tennis. If the…

Martiné Jordaan draws Protea selectors’ attention

She is by no means overly tall, and on the netball court she is often surrounded by skyscrapers. However, heart and courage are not measured in centimetres, and Martiné Jordaan from the North-West University (NWU) is a firebrand on the court.

She has even caught the eye of the selectors for the Protea team, and from 22 to 28 January she…

Netball is flying and flourishing at the NWU

It is a dance of swift feet and balls travelling in soaring arcs. It is a tapestry of teamwork, sewn together by threads of unrelenting attacks and staunch defence. Netball is a sport like no other, and one the North-West University (NWU) has mastered.

This was again evident from the selection of a host of NWU players for the national…

In the stratosphere together: NWU, NASA and Princeton University reach for the stars in Super Pressure Balloon project

On Thursday, 16 April 2023, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Super Pressure Balloon, carrying the Super Pressure Balloon Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT), from Wanaka, New Zealand. The SuperBIT operates in the stratosphere at an altitude of 40 kilometres above sea level.

The primary scientific goal of…