Potchefstroom Campus News

Researchers demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand

While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.

At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.

“Conservation areas are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation,” says Prof. Alberts. “They are essential to prevent the loss in biodiversity. Yet, we have to admit that… Read more

Putting people at the centre of digital innovation

The Centre for Digital Humanities was born out of the realisation that the humanities are central to creating equitable digital futures for South Africans.  “As digital humanists, we understand that technology exists within a network of human and more-than-human relationships,” says Prof. Janelize Morelli.  “True digital…

Researchers demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand

While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.

At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos…

Dr Monray Williams is helping to lead Africa’s virology charge

The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.

Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to…

Law student selected for 2025 academic exchange in Amsterdam

By Gosego Phutieagae

Visiting some of the world’s most famous justice system landmarks is high on the itinerary of Thabang Mnculwane, a North-West University (NWU) Faculty of Law student, who is spending five months in Amsterdam on an academic exchange programme.

Mnculwane, a final-year LLB student,…

The future of NWU Sport is not just bright, it’s purple

“At NWU Sport, our passion is sport, and we are privileged to make our passion our work.” 

These were the words of Mervyn Taylor, manager of the NWU Rugby Institute, as he concluded the North-West University (NWU) Sports Awards on 21 October. His statement captured the spirit of an evening that celebrated commitment, teamwork and…

Global collaboration shapes early-childhood science education

Dr Moleboheng Ramulumo-Mokhele, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the North-West University (NWU), recently returned from her visiting scholar engagement at the University of Idaho (USA), where she explored new approaches to early-childhood science education.

During…

Engineering students’ rural healthcare solution recognised at SAIIE competition

A healthcare transport solution designed to deliver medical services to remote communities has earned two students from the North-West University (NWU) national recognition in a leading engineering competition.

The winners of the 2025 South African Institute for Industrial Engineering (SAIIE) Student Competition were announced on 5…

Professors strengthen ties with Nicolaus Copernicus University

A recent visit by North-West University (NWU) Professors Ephrem Redda and Prof Marko van Deventer to the Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń, Poland represented a significant step in strengthening international academic collaboration.

Hosted by the NCU’s Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management, the visit underlined the…

Faculty of Theology hosts a cross-continental celebration of research and publication

Book launches represent important academic milestones. On 23 September 2025, the Faculty of Theology at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a book launch and celebration that highlighted the value of international research and academic exchange.

The event marked the official release of Family, School and Community in the Pluriverse…

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…