Potchefstroom Campus News

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 Friday 24 October at the age of 79. 

Prof Hans was a beloved NWU faculty member since his appointment in 1981 as a professor in Afrikaans at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

He was an esteemed writer,… Read more

From humble beginnings to the grand stage

Sisikelelwe Mngenela, a second-year student pursuing a BA degree in music and society at the North-West University (NWU), has recently been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the prestigious BelCantoBootCamp (BCBC).

The BCBC is a programme designed to bring together…

NRF boosts funding for coal research at NWU

The quest for more sustainable and greener coal energy is receiving a boost through the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) renewal of the Chair for Coal Research at the North-West University (NWU).

The chair has secured funding of R4,15 million per year for the next five years as part of the NRF’s South African Research Chairs…

Researcher secures place of parasites on red list for endangered species

Parasites. Just uttering the word may send shivers down the spine, conjuring up images of rapidly proliferating organisms devouring or destroying other species. A celebrated researcher from the North-West University (NWU) hopes to change those perceptions.

Credited with playing a crucial role in global conservation efforts to protect…

Cutting back on bush encroachment

Bush encroachment is a global challenge, but through the multi-million rand RIBS project, this major contributor to land degradation is being tackled with renewed vigour.

RIBS is an acronym for “Rangeland Improvement through Bush Control and Sustainable Intensification to mitigate Climate Change and improve Livelihoods and Food Security…

Practitioners learn about the power of music

By Menziwa Msibi

Music plays an important role in early childhood development. It enhances cognitive abilities, support language development, promotes social and motor skills and nurture creativity and imagination, among others.

This is why the NWU recently hosted a workshop for practitioners from…

Faculty of Humanities embraces teaching with technology

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Humanities (FHUM) recently hosted a Teaching with Technology Showcase on the Potchefstroom Campus.

More than 40 academics representing the six schools in the faculty attended this face-to-face event, allowing lecturers the opportunity to demonstrate how they actively use technology in their…

Canoe champ Chris is crushing it

Chris Prinsloo was but five years old when his family uprooted from Belville in Cape Town to the United Kingdom, then back to the heart of KwaZulu-Natal a few years after, before settling in the Paarl, back in the province where it all started.

His father’s job as a psychiatrist necessitated all these moves, but although his terra firma…

SABPP honours students

The South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) recently honoured students who successfully registered as members of the board’s student chapter during a ceremony held at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus.

The SABPP is the professional quality and standards body for the human resources profession.

NWU students get first-hand experience at Nampo Harvest Day

By Menziwa Msibi

Third- and fourth-year students from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering attended the annual NAMPO Harvest Day that took place from 16 to 19 May 2023 at NAMPO Park in Bothaville.

The students were accompanied by Prof Rojanette Coetzee and her postgraduate students…

Students put entrepreneurial theory into practice

By Sandile Mahlangu

The School of Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) hosted its first entrepreneurship market day for the third-year Business Management students on 9 May at the NWU's Potchefstroom Campus.

The purpose of the market day was to expose students to the practical side of…