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 student finalist in Mr Junior SA

A student from the North-West University (NWU) and his friend are the only two young men from the North West Province who are finalists in the Mr Junior South Africa Competition. Daniel Asiwe and his friend, Mandla Mbotho, share a passion for community service that they have learnt from their parents. Both are also finalists in the Face of…

Economy to suffer if lion breeding is banned

What is the economic value of lion breeding in South Africa? This was the question Prof Melville Saayman and Prof Peet van der Merwe of the research unit TREES (Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society and members of the South Africa Predators Association) asked when certain pressure groups again asked for captive lion breeding to…

NWU wants to manufacture affordable artificial limbs

Losing a limb is certainly a traumatic experience. Making matters wors is that it usually goes with astronomical medical bills. Although the last thing that you would want to worry about is having sufficient funds to afford a prosthetic limb, this is a great concern for most people who have lost a limb.

The North-West University's (…

Students share expertise to address local needs

Students at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) have discovered that soap in hotels and guest houses are often used only once and then thrown away. They then came up with an initiative to recycle this waste soap in order to be used again.

The Lesego soap project is in collaboration with students and lecturers…

World renowned theatre group in Potchefstroom

World renowned vocal theatre group, Carmina Slovenica, will be performing in Potchefstroom on 21 of February at 19:30 in the NWU Conservatory. This group, under the direction of Karmina Šilec, is known for its innovative programming. Carmina Slovenica incorporates contemporary music, drama and movement on stage and performs with an artistry…

NWU's Prof Fika pays tribute to former rector

Prof Tjaart van der Walt is no stranger on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU). This legendary and formidable man celebrated his 83rd birthday on 15 February.

Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, campus rector, formed a delegation to congratulate Prof Tjaart, who was campus rector from 1977 to 1987. He and his wife,…

This year we will be all in – Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg

“If all of us were to say ‘We are all in’, it will be a good transition to the new dispensation.” That was the appeal made by the Rector of the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, at the official opening of the academic year.

“This year we are continuing the relay race that started…

Chemical engineer a favourite on The Voice South Africa

Marco Basson, a former chemical engineering student at the North-West University (NWU) has recently been given a four-chair turnaround of the judges during the latest episode of the popular TV singing competition, The Voice South Africa. Marco blew the audience away with his version of Nick Jonas' "Jealous". Bobby van Jaarsveld was the lucky…

NWU student develops mobile app that will save lives

According to the Automobile Association, driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of collisions in South Africa. Although some luxury vehicles are equipped to warn drivers of this danger, not many people can afford them. An engineering student at the North-West University (NWU) addressed this problem as part of his final-year study by…

First publishers acknowledged

A total of 40 staff members of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus received recognition for their first publication of a research article.

This event is held annually to welcome staff members into the ranks of research publishers.

Prof Susan Visser, Vice-Rector: Research and Planning, said that everyone is…