Nutrition science targets inflammation to tackle TB and iron deficiency

Nutrition can be used as a tool to control inflammation and address conditions such as tuberculosis (TB) and iron deficiency. In her recent inaugural lecture, North-West University (NWU) Prof Linda Malan drew on findings from years of research to highlight how omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and iron can influence immune function and offer new…

NWU takes part in first G20 National Tourism Hackathon

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

Innovation, collaboration and youthful energy took centre stage in Mpumalanga at the Sabi River Sun Resort, when North-West University (NWU) students and an academic participated in the first G20 National Department of Tourism Hackathon.

Dr Ncedo ka Ntloko, senior…

NWU takes part in global nuclear forum

Nuclear science and capacity building are particular strengths of the North-West University (NWU), as was evident from its inclusion in South Africa’s official delegation at the 69th Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Austria.

The Department of Electricity and Energy formally invited…

Turning anxiety into energy for public speaking

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Many of us have felt a racing heartbeat and shaky breath before speaking in public, but this anxiety can be rechannelled into energy and confidence to take command of the podium.

This is the hope offered by Dr Sumartono Mulyodiharjo, head of the Department of Communication Science at…

Vanderbijlpark Campus hosts “Campus Wedding” to celebrate cultural integration

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) staged a colourful and symbolic “Campus Wedding” on Friday, 26 September, bringing together staff, students and alumni in a celebration of cultural diversity and unity.

The event formed part of the annual Culture Integration Day at the NWU, observed across all three campuses,…

Celebrating the history of SADiLaR: A testament to heritage and innovation

By Lihle Sosibo

Following Heritage month, the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU) proudly turns the spotlight inwards, celebrating its own heritage through its history book titled The Story of SADiLaR.

This publication is more than a record of…

Potchefstroom Campus Staff Sports Club heads to Gqeberha for the USSWSA national tournament

The North-West University (NWU) Staff Sports Club on the Potchefstroom Campus is proud and excited to represent the university at the upcoming University Staff Sport and Wellness of South Africa (USSWSA) national tournament, taking place in Gqeberha from 9 to 11 October 2025. Hosted by Nelson Mandela University, the…

Music in Provence: musicians shine in second house concert in memory of Elmain Smit

Soft notes floated through the afternoon air like a gentle breeze across lavender fields. The scent of sunflowers and the glow of golden light transformed Prof Paul Smit’s home into a small corner of Provence, carrying guests on a journey of music, memory and quiet celebration.

On Saturday, 13 September, Prof…

Professor calls for actionable science that can save lives

What happens in the lab should not stay there. That was the central message from Prof Anja Franken of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences, who used her inaugural lecture to argue that occupational health research must move beyond academic journals and into workplaces where it can save lives.

“Research must not…

Lecturer creates new poetic form inspired by Setswana and Japanese traditions

When Motlhankane Lesego stood before an audience at Sol Plaatje University’s international conference to present a paper on Mosinete, a new genre of Setswana poetry, he left with more than notes. It sparked an idea that would become Haikaro, a new literary form.

“It was in the exchanges on intercultural creativity that I started…