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

NWU crowned world champions

‘Best in the world’. It is a moniker bestowed on a select few; a testament to the absolute dedication to one’s art. Whether as a prefix or a suffix, from 16 September to the start of the next Varsity Cricket tournament early in 2018, this is the moniker that will either precede or succeed the name of the North-West University’s (NWU) cricket…

Smart money is on the NWU

Five wins from five games, including a thrilling 37-36 win against Maties. The North-West University’s (NWU’s) netball team is the Varsity Netball log leaders having scored 314 points and only conceding 147.

For the defending champions of the past two years, this is a 167 points return on investment. Yes, it is safe to say that the…

NWU recycling material workshop a success

More than 100 enthusiastic North-West University (NWU) students and Ikageng community members attended the recent Recycled Material Workshop that was held on the campus in Potchefstroom.

The free workshop aimed to empower attendees and by teaching them skills to repurpose recyclable materials.The workshop participants crafted…

NWU student Annabel Allers is set to publish her first book

Annabel Allers, a third-year graphic design student at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom, will be releasing her first book in October.

The book titled Kupido.com is a funny romantic Afrikaans novel for teenagers that aims to inspire youngsters to be themselves and not change who they are because of peer…

NWU master’s student wins award

A master’s degree student at the North-West University (NWU) recently won an award at the Anthropology Southern Africa conference in Malawi.

Hestia Victor won the Elaine Salo Award for presenting the paper, “There is life in this place: DIY formalisation, water infrastructure and buoyant life in the Marikana informal settlement near…

Pretty is pure inspiration

Pretty Yende has firmly established herself in the international opera milieu and is one of many South African singers who are enjoying a glittering international opera career.

This 32-year-old from Mkhondo (Piet Retief) in Mpumalanga recently addressed vocal and music students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music…

German at NWU receives licence to conduct advanced Goethe Institute exam

The subject group German at the North-West University (NWU) has recently obtained a licence to conduct intermediary and advanced exams of the Goethe Institute.

An official certificate from the Goethe Institute in Germany is issued if candidates complete the exam successfully.

Ms Gerda Wittmann from this subject group and…

A roaring NWU Leopards Lair competition

Entrepreneurship continues to be a critical performance area within the South African society and economy.  

The North-West University (NWU) launched a NWU Leopards Lair competition forming part of the NWU SETHI Explosions event. The competition is inspired by the nationally and internationally known Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den…

Rhino horn trade casting devastating spell

Although rhino numbers have diminished at a shocking rate, there is a dearth of research into rhino horn consumers who drive demand. Why do consumers prefer rhino horn to other alternatives?

In arguably the first study to investigate magical thinking in relation to the illicit consumption of rhino horn, in-depth interviews were…

Researcher receives top honour with Women in Science Award

It has been a year of academic highlights for one of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) most prolific researchers with two high profile awards in just two months. Prof Alta Schutte of the Faculty of Health Sciences on the campus in Potchefstroom was honoured as a distinguished women researcher for her work in natural and engineering…