Potchefstroom Campus News
Accreditation brings NWU’s medical school closer to reality
The North-West University (NWU) has reached a decisive milestone in establishing the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine following the accreditation of its Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
The CHE confirmed the accreditation in correspondence dated 21 August 2026. The six-year, 940-credit programme will be offered in contact mode at the Potchefstroom Campus.
For Prof. Binu Luke,… Read more
Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke
Medical experts agree smoking is a health hazard, but many smokers choose to justify this habit by highlighting the calming and socialising effects they believe it may have. Some smokers of plants such as dagga also point to the medical benefits some studies have shown.
A new NWU study is challenging smokers’ perceptions and…
What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?
The consumption of pork meat products is increasing due to its affordability, versatility and high protein content.
A North-West University (NWU) research project from the Consumer Sciences subject group in the School of Applied Health Sciences, is focusing on food product cues (sensory and non-sensory attributes) that influence…
Use of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes
Research from the North-West University (NWU) and partner institutions has highlighted the role of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes mellitus, a chronic and potentially fatal metabolic disorder affecting millions globally.
The study, published in the journal Diabetology, explains how traditional…
Goal! A new ‘vision’ for young female netball players
A sports vision programme can significantly improve visual and motor skills in young netball players. This is according to the research findings of Prof Dané Coetzee from the School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science at the North-West University (NWU) and her research partner Dr Elna van der Merwe.
Their research article,…
Gamification boosts loyalty in South African fashion retail
South Africa’s fashion retail industry is witnessing a shift as gamification emerges as a potent tool for improving customer loyalty, retention and brand recall.
In an increasingly competitive digital environment, retailers are turning to gamified experiences to engage customers. A recent study led by Prof Roland Goldberg from the…
Art industry summit shares timeless insights beyond the canvas
The History of Art subject group, which is located in the School of Communication, held its inaugural industry summit on Tuesday, 22 October on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), bringing industry experts to our students.
Students from the History of Art subject group attended the event and gained first-hand…
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…
NWU’s fatherhood project rebuilds family bonds from prison
An award-winning programme of the North-West University (NWU) is changing the lives of imprisoned men and their children by coaching and supporting them to be better fathers.
Launched in 2015 at the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility, the fatherhood training and equipping programme, “A life beyond iron bars”, is a transformative…
Astronomy is the name of the game in global contest for 'quasi-moon'
Astronomy enthusiasts from nearly 100 countries have submitted thousands of suggestions for the naming of a rare celestial body. The task of narrowing this down to the top 10 possible names has been entrusted to an international panel of experts, one of whom is Prof Thebe Medupe, an astronomer and academic at the North-West University (NWU).…
Cumulonimbus: A journey of imagination and introspection
By Marize Language
When one enters the NWU Art Gallery, you are immediately dragged into an adventure of colour and texture. Right next to the foyer of the gallery the magical work of Dr Colette Lotz unfolds before your eyes. Lotz is a local artist and academic in the Graphic Design subject group at the…