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 writer,… Read more

NWU takes aim at “future nuclear”

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering hosted the South African Network for Nuclear Education, Science and Technology (SAN – NEST) workshop on “Future Nuclear” research and knowledge creation, also known as “Green Frontiers” on 3 July 2017.

The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders in…

NWU and SUNfarming scoop international award

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." These words of famous basketball star, Michael Jordan, rang true when the North-West University (NWU), together with SUNfarming, a solar energy company, came out tops at the recent Intersolar Awards that were held in Europe.

The Intersolar AWARD is presented each…

Campbell is Coal Man of the Year

This tribute is for the individual who has donated valuable time and effort to the betterment of the industry. Prof Quentin Campbell of the North-West University (NWU) received this accolade when the Southern African Coal Processing Society (SACPS) announced that he is the Coal Man of the Year for 2017.

One of the postgraduate…

Schutte and Saayman new ‘Oscar’ winners

The North-West University (NWU) is immensely proud of its two new Science Oscar winners, Profs Alta Schutte and Melville Saayman.These two esteemed researchers were recognised by the National Science and Technology’s (NSTF) for their contributions to their respective fields at a gala dinner in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

The…

SRCS helps victims of Knysna fires

The devastating Knysna fires left some of the most beautiful parts in the Eastern Cape in ruins, and in the midst of this unprecedented damage many people are without houses, without food, without anything.

This is a heartbreaking situation that sent shock waves as far as the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom…

A healthy brain protects your heart

Hypertension, strokes and heart disease – the silent killers. Have you ever heard that a healthy body houses a healthy brain? The reverse is actually true. Therefore the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) of the North-West University (NWU) discussed the disturbance of the brain-heart symphony under the guidance of experts on 23 May…

Food and feed for thought at 6th ExtruAfrica event

Extrusion, a high-pressure cooking process, has revolutionised the food, feed, plastic and powder paint industries, among many others. Small wonder, then, that the annual ExtruAfrica conference, training seminar and exhibition is such an eagerly anticipated event for manufacturers from South Africa and other African countries.

The…

Four NWU researchers in running for Science Oscars

Four scientists of the North-West University (NWU) are finalists in the National Science and Technology’s (NSTF) prestigious science awards, also known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa.

Prof Louis du Preez (zoology), Prof Alta Schutte (cardiovascular physiology), Prof Melville Saayman (tourism) and Prof Linda Godfrey (waste…

NWU hosts its second Autism symposium

Autism affects one in 68 children, and the earlier it is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be managed. The Institute for Psychology and Wellbeing at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom is helping to raise awareness by hosting its second Autism Symposium. It will be held at the Dawie du Plessis Lecture Hall on 29…

New study shows effects of visual therapy on children with DCD

There is hope for children suffering from Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). This is the bottom line of a new study by Prof Dané Coetzee and Prof Anita Pienaar at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec) research focus area.

Their study of 32 children between the ages of seven and…