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 musicians share the magic of music at recital

By Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) academics Prof Tinus Botha and Thomas Erlank recently gave a lunch hour recital at the Chris Seabrooke Music Hall at the Wits University School of Arts.

Dr Peter Cartwright, a piano lecturer at the Wits School of Arts, launched the lunch-hour concerts…

Engineering student scoops first prize in optimisation modeling competition

Hendrik Snyman, a fourth-year industrial engineering student at the North-West University (NWU), emerged as the victor in the recent Operations Research Society of South Africa (ORSSA*) optimisation modeling competition.

The competition, which took place during the tutorial session of this year's 52nd annual ORSSA conference, presented…

National Autism Symposium: Rethink, Reignite

By Menziwa Msibi

The Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) at the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with Autism South Africa and the South Africa-Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (SA-ACAPAP) hosted the eighth National Autism Symposium from 8 to 10…

Comrades hero Adele to show her mettle in India

In November, citizens of Hyderabad in India are given a little bit of a respite from the stifling heat that so often engulfs the capital of southern India's Telangana state.

However, this will not be the case on 5 November, when the red-hot superstar of ultramarathons from the North-West University (NWU), Dr Adele Broodryk, will be…

Empowering high school learners through holistic wellness

Holistic wellness entails achieving a sense of well-being by balancing the physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of life. It is about recognising that these different areas are interconnected and that neglecting one can impact the others.

For high school learners, holistic wellness is crucial as it provides a…

Many colours, one objective: running with passion for gender awareness

On Wednesday, 6 September the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds welcomed staff and students of the North-West University (NWU) at the run-with-colour-fun event that was hosted jointly by the Faculty of Health Sciences, the School of Human Movement Sciences and the Centre of Health and Human Performance (CHHP).

The event was about more than…

Prof LJ Grobler: An engineer with purpose

Prof LJ Grobler, a professor in mechanical engineering at the North-West University (NWU), is a man with determination. His CV and numerous engineering accomplishments reveal his dynamism.

He has come a long way – from growing up in the beautiful farmlands of Ermelo in Mpumalanga – to sitting in international boardrooms and sharing his…

Scarce skill puts NWU taxonomist at forefront of describing parasites

“What is in a name?” William Shakespeare wanted to know.  A young researcher from the North-West University (NWU) knows exactly how important a name is. She is currently believed to be the youngest gnathiid taxonomist in the world, at the forefront of describing these parasites and identifying their names – or the lack thereof.

Dr…

Inaugural lecture delves into export diversification in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Prof Ireen Choga from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences delivered her inaugural lecture on 24 August 2023.

Her lecture was titled “Exports and export Diversification: key drivers and trends in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

Home-grown vaccine demonstrates 100% protection against tuberculosis

In an intriguing joint announcement, the Walter Sisulu and North-West universities unveiled the astounding results of their preclinical trials for a groundbreaking combination vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) and Covid-19. The universities reported an unprecedented 100% protection in vaccinated animals – a significant step forwards in the…