New study sheds light on biodiversity loss across sub-Saharan Africa

Understanding the true state of biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa has long been a challenge, especially for those responsible for shaping environmental policies. A major new study published in the prestigious Nature journal now offers much-needed clarity.

The research paper, “A place-based assessment of biodiversity intactness in sub-…

Mario Chauque elected president-elect of SAACDHE

“Leadership is not a title, but a responsibility, and I am honoured to carry it forward.”  These words capture the heart of the moment as the North-West University (NWU) celebrates the election of Mario Chauque as the new president-elect of the South African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education (SAACDHE) for the…

Modest economic recovery is indeed underway

It is welcome news that in the third quarter of 2025, the economy showed its fourth consecutive rise in economic activity, albeit off a low base.

In commenting on the 0,5% rise in the third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this…

Prof. Brian Harvey honoured with prestigious five-year appointment at UCT

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that Prof. Brian H. Harvey, from the subject group Pharmacology and the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC’s) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, has received an esteemed honour as the year draws to a close.

Prof. Harvey has been invited by the Council of the…

Celebrating 15 Years of Finnish–South African Atmospheric Collaboration at NWU

When we think about anniversaries, 15 years is traditionally known as a crystal anniversary, and the symbolism of crystal is both beautiful and unique. Crystal represents clarity and transparency, reflecting the trust and openness that have grown over the years in a partnership. It also signifies care, strength and beauty, showing that even…

Play is nature’s tool for children’s healthy development

The cost of digitisation to children’s developing brains cannot be ignored. Children find themselves in a digital world where screens are always within reach. This places increasing pressure on parents to manage the use of technology wisely, especially when it comes to young children.

The North-West University’s (NWU) Centre for Health…

New international programme opens global pathways in renewable energy and sustainable construction

The North-West University (NWU) is set to benefit from a major new international initiative following the recent approval of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master RESCO (Renewable Energy and Sustainable Construction) programme.

Prof. Ashmore Mawire, director of the Material Science, Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, says…

What South Africa can learn from China’s quiet wisdom

South Africa can learn a great deal from China, not by copying its politics but by understanding how it builds relationships, trust and social harmony. That is the argument made by Dr Casper Lötter, a conflict criminologist at the North West University, who believes China’s way of thinking offers practical lessons for a deeply divided South…

Medical and space science research takes centre stage during NWU’s visit to Otago University

Strengthening ties in two fast-growing scientific fields, medicine and space science, was the central focus of high-level engagements at Otago University in New Zealand where the North-West University (NWU) explored opportunities to advance its internationalisation drive.

The visit on 28 November brought together academics working in…

Where tomorrow’s medicines begin and Africa’s health future is forged

South Africa’s pharmaceutical landscape is marked by ambition, urgency and stark inequities. The continent carries 25 percent of the global disease burden but produces only a fraction of the medicines it consumes. Bridging this gap requires more than scientific talent; it demands infrastructure, accreditation and an ecosystem that can move a…