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…

NWU researchers receive R9m to study heart disease in Africa

Non-communicable or lifestyle diseases will be the most common cause of death in Africa by 2030, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Researchers from the North-West University (NWU) are at the heart of a novel, R80 million public-private collaboration to boost South Africa’s medical research capabilities.

The NWU's…

Passion propels young researcher from C1 to B1

Passion is not bound by gravity. It makes you excel where others merely succeed, and passion is what propelled Prof Stefan Ferreira of the North-West University's (NWU's) Centre for Space Research from a C1 to a B1 NRF rating.

This new rating places him among researchers who enjoy considerable international recognition by their peers…

How to grow crops and generate energy at the same time

A smart solar-powered partnership between the North-West University (NWU) and a German renewable energy company is empowering communities to grow food while generating energy.

Co-financed by the German government, this partnership between the Faculty of Engineering and SUNfarming, one of Germany’s 10 major photovoltaic project…

NWU has rich harvest of doctorates

A total of 108 doctorates, 484 master’s degrees and two honorary doctorates were awarded during the autumn graduation ceremonies of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom.

An internationally renowned economist and a legal expert on customs and excise legislation - Prof Ludo Cuyvers from Belgium and Adv Altus…

Fires damage more than just Knysna's infrastructure

The devastating fires that recently wreaked havoc in large parts of the Southern Cape has subsided, with Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Bitou the areas that were most affected.

The damage, however, is far from done. An estimated 10 000 people were displaced due to the fires, with damages – including infrastructure – estimated at…

Draught-ox expert receives master’s degree at 75

Ever since he was a little boy he learnt how to work with draught-oxen by listening to the “old people” and fundi, and today he is one of the few experts in the country on this topic.

Marius Oosthuysen recently received his master’s degree from the North-West University (NWU) at the age of 75. He was the oldest student to receive…