Potchefstroom Campus News
Special moment for dean as daughter graduates in programme she championed
Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.
“It is a full-circle moment that highlights the impact of academic leadership and the inspiration it offers to future generations of women in engineering… Read more
Rick Turner’s life immortalised in new book
He was a visionary thinker, an activist against an oppressive regime, but also a forgotten figure. No longer. Wits University Press recently released the book Rick Turner's Politics as the Art of the Impossible to universal acclaim, with it even being named News24’s Book of the Month for August.
Gideon van Riet, a senior lecturer in…
Dr Tenza advocates for making it easier for staff to report medical incidents
The World Health Organisation's Global Patient Safety Action Plan envisions a future where no patient suffers harm during hospitalisation by the year 2030. A crucial element in achieving this objective is the establishment of hospital settings where discussions about errors are both easy and accepted among healthcare professionals.
…
First-year pharmacy student has set her sights on the stars
Douwleen Conradie, a first-year pharmacy student at the North-West University (NWU) is making the most of her talents and has her eye firmly set on making her mark in the pharmaceutical profession.,
She has been serving as student exchange officer on the South African Pharmaceutical Students Federation’s (SAPSF’s) Presidential Committee…
History subject group seminar series unpack the legacy of Koos Sas
History is more than just a collection of dates and events; it forms the foundation of our collective identity and guides us in making informed decisions. By teaching history, we ensure that past lessons are preserved.
To this end, the History subject group at the North-West University (NWU) started a seminar series, initiated by former…
Ancient texts and their interpretation for today’s society
Whether they are historically true or fictional, texts are not only informative, but are drivers of ideological change for their target audience, compelling their readers to adopt new behaviours such as morals and good ethical conduct.
Shedding light on these texts at the North-West University (NWU) is Prof Risimati Hobyane, a senior…
Shift to social media by local newspaper proves effective
Fortune Tsutsa’s master’s-degree research on the use of social media for newsgathering and reporting by the Potchefstroom Herald exemplifies the power of modern technology in journalism.
Digital news has become an integral part of the South African news landscape, with the majority of South Africans now getting their news from various…
Pioneering South Africa's circular economy
Gone are the days of the throwaway economy. Environmental scientists and pioneers like Prof Linda Godfrey of the North-West University (NWU) are leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy.
With over 20 years dedicated to studying the waste sector, Prof Godfrey has observed the unsustainability of the traditional linear…
Naomi Matthys and her dedication to Sign Language education
Sign Language is more than just a means of communication; it's a powerful tool that bridges the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities, fostering inclusion and understanding.
In South Africa, the recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language has underscored its importance, leading to a growing demand…
Alumnus turns challenges into beats
Thato Rantekane, better known as DJ Ooh Shucks, started his journey at the North-West University (NWU) in 2017. Like many students, he faced some bumps along the way, and in 2019, things got so tough that he had to step away from his studies. However, what seemed like the end became an essential new chapter for Thato.
After leaving…
Academic advocates for integrated rare disease treatment
Prof Chris Vorster, a chemical pathologist from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Human Metabolomics, delivered a compelling presentation at the 21st Annual Symposium on Diseases Relevant to South Africa.
…