Potchefstroom Campus News

Prof Hans du Plessis: A literary giant passes away

He was of a different ilk. His immense literary stature cast a shadow under which so many South Africans found solace and comfort. Now, it is with sadness but also gratitude for the many contributions he made both culturally and academically, that the North-West University (NWU) has to say farewell to Prof Hans du Plessis, who passed away on Friday 24 October at the age of 79. 

Prof Hans was a beloved NWU faculty member since his appointment in 1981 as a professor in Afrikaans at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

He was an esteemed… Read more

A night full of punchlines to help students in need

The Totius Hall recently came alive with joyous uproars, infectious laughter, clever punchlines, and a sense of excitement.

The NWU Comedy Night, a vibrant evening of comedic fire, was not just about telling jokes. It was an evening where humour ignited possibility and laughter played a crucial role in paving the way for students to…

Alumnus powers the future

Growing up in the Eastern Cape, Eniswa Kandzi, an engineer in training at Lesedi Energy Engineering, developed an early interest in electricity. This interest now drives her work in renewable energy, where she helps design solar systems that power homes and industries across South Africa.

After completing matric at Phumlani Senior…

Shining bright: Humanities students celebrated for academic excellence

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.” – Pelé

This quote could not be more fitting for the occasion, as the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Humanities honoured academic excellence on 30 July during the Dean’…

Mandela Day Walk/Run initiative brings smiles, steps and support

In true Mandela Day spirit, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus turned up the energy and heart rate (?) on 18 July with a vibrant and meaningful walk around the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds.

The event, which invited staff and students to complete either a 2,25 km lap or a double loop, was…

Inaugural lecture explores promising tools to tackle drug-resistant diseases

In drug development, a “magic bullet” is a compound designed to kill disease-causing organisms without harming healthy cells. Such compounds are needed now more than ever because diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and sleeping sickness, which kill more than 10 million people each year, are becoming resistant to existing treatments.

Research calls for shift in media reporting of GBV

By Gofaone Motsamai

Gender-based violence (GBV) is seldom an isolated crime, yet it is often portrayed as such in South African media reports. This is borne out by the research findings of North-West University (NWU) master’s graduate Elsje-Marié Jordaan.

She analysed media coverage of GBV from 14…

The allure of stardom: How celebrity casting is shaping musical theatre

Musical theatre, a vibrant blend of song, dance and drama, has long been a playground for the audacious and the talented. Star and celebrity have always been a staple for glittering marquees of Broadway to the neon-lit stages of the West End, however this has in recent decades become a contentious issue as celebrity as a concept has undergone…

Prof Ankit Katrodia champions NWU’s global footprint in Europe

Prof Ankit Katrodia, associate professor in the WorkWell research unit at the School of Management Sciences of the North-West University (NWU), recently undertook an enriching academic tour across Poland and Romania.

His participation in this European engagement was made possible through some of the external funding from the Bucharest…

Bridging motherhood, STEM and early childhood education

What began as a mother’s effort to support her own children blossomed into a doctoral study exploring the links between early exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and cognitive development in young children.

The research of North-West University (NWU) academic Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo is profoundly…

Teacher education project launches in Italy

Florence, the Italian city made famous by Renaissance artists such as Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, is also a modern-day hub for leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

In May this year, the city ushered in a new phase in STEM teacher education as global partners gathered to launch the…