By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Two postgraduate students from the North-West University (NWU) were awarded top honours at the national Virtualise Your Thesis (VYT) Competition.

Christa Matlou from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Makatu Mashanyu from the Faculty of Engineering represented the NWU at the competition held on 7 November 2025 at the University of Johannesburg.

They and their fellow participants presented their research in a 60-second video format, testing their ability to reach audiences outside their immediate field and to communicate their research in a clear and accessible manner.

Christa’s presentation on “Antimicrobial and biofertilization potential of soybean rhizobacteria,” secured first place and it scored her the prize money of R6 000

“It was honestly overwhelming in the best way and representing the NWU at national level made me proud,” said Christa, commenting on her achievement.

Makatu Mashanyu presented a project titled ‘Turning waste into hope: Converting gold mine tailings and plastic waste into sustainable construction bricks,’ and secured second place, winning prize money of R4 000.

“This achievement to me highlights the ability to make complex academic work accessible to a broader audience outside this niche,” he said.

Makatu reminded postgraduate students that opportunity favours the bold. “I also want to repeat the words of Wayne Gretzky who said 'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take’, so to postgraduate students, take that shot and put your work out there, you don't know who is listening – maybe your future employers are.”

He expressed his gratitude to the NWU Postgraduate Support Department for all their support.

Christa Matlou and Makatu Mashanyu