Potchefstroom Campus News

Accreditation brings NWU’s medical school closer to reality

The North-West University (NWU) has reached a decisive milestone in establishing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine following the accreditation of its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The CHE confirmed the accreditation in correspondence dated 21 August 2026. The six-year, 940-credit programme will be offered in contact mode at the Potchefstroom Campus.

For Prof. Binu Luke,… Read more

Better waste management can protect South Africa’s wild spaces

Waste in South Africa’s protected areas is more than a litter problem. Poor waste practices in South Africa’s protected areas threaten biodiversity, pollute sensitive habitats and weaken conservation efforts. New research shows that better planning, infrastructure and human behaviour can turn the situation around.Prof…

Acting icon Sandra Prinsloo to receive honorary doctorate

She is a cultural icon and one of South Africa’s undisputed queens of stage and screen. With a career spanning more than five decades and a legacy that will be remembered as much for her performances as for her courage in challenging social conventions, Sandra Prinsloo will receive an honorary doctorate from the North…

Water users compete for a limited pool

Competition for water resources has become a reality in South Africa. With about 98% of South Africa’s available water resources already allocated, the country’s water challenge is no longer simply about finding new sources. It is increasingly about how the law protects, allocates and, when necessary, reallocates a…

Renewable Rangers crosses borders with Eswatini launch

An educational game inspired by a mother's experience with her two sons has crossed the borders of South Africa for the first time.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, an academic at the North-West University (NWU), formally launched Renewable Rangers in Eswatini during the fourth International…

New book puts human judgement at the centre of AI-powered research

Artificial intelligence (AI) can support postgraduate research, but it should strengthen human thinking rather than replace it. This principle is at the heart of a new book by the North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Kudzayi Savious Tarisayi.

Prof. Tarisayi from the School of…

Eagles rediscover team connection to edge Kovsies

The North-West University (NWU) Eagles showed their ability to respond under pressure when they bounced back from their first defeat of the 2026 Varsity Netball season to beat UFS Kovsies 50-48 in Bloemfontein on Monday, 31 August.

The two-point victory at the Callie Human Hall was a…

Prof. Kruger helps shape the first hypertension guidelines for Africa

The recent launch of the first comprehensive hypertension guidelines developed specifically for Africa marks an important step in addressing one of the continent’s most significant health challenges. Among the experts who contributed to the guidelines is Prof. Ruan Kruger, a researcher in paediatric hypertension and…

Child nutrition in Africa: Parents cannot serve food they cannot afford

Even the cheapest nutritious foods can cost two to ten times more per calorie than maize meal.

Watery porridge may fill a child’s stomach without providing the nutrition needed for growth.

Two-thirds of Africa’s population cannot afford a healthy diet,…

Research chair aims to take results from the laboratory to the community

South African researchers are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve health outcomes, particularly as the country faces rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. A new research chair, the first for biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), aims to make an impact on the lives…

Reimagining the communication graduate of the future when everyone can communicate

While the communication profession is being remade in real time, the qualifications meant to prepare students for it are not keeping up.

Opinion piece by Prof. Lida Holtzhausen, director of the School of Communication

Artificial intelligence (AI) can…