Potchefstroom Campus News

Special moment for dean as daughter graduates in programme she championed

Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.

“It is a full-circle moment that highlights the impact of academic leadership and the inspiration it offers to future generations of women in engineering… Read more

NWU supports a day of fun and exercise for all ages

Members of the Ikageng community and representatives of the North-West University (NWU) took part in the Ikageng fun run on the overcast Saturday morning of 23 September.

The primary goal of the event was to bring together diverse communities, including people of all races, genders and those who have special needs, to create a welcoming…

Piet Koornhof’s album receives glowing reviews

By Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) violinist Prof Piet Koornhof’s album with Albie van Schalkwyk on piano – Violin Plus One – recently received a glowing review on MusicWeb International.

Recorded by Delos Productions, the album features various arrangements by Prof Koornhof and Albie for…

Shaping future drug development with ethical approaches

In the realm of pharmaceutical research Prof Chrisna Gouws, a professor at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™) of the North-West University (NWU), is leading a significant charge towards transforming drug development.

Her work in animal-free testing methods revolutionises how pharmaceuticals are researched…

Using the law to advance justice and sustainability

It is easy to see how a lack of the proper application of the law, particularly in the South African context, may ultimately lead to anarchy because of those determined to sidestep it.

Fortunately, efforts such as those by the Research Unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability at the North-West University (NWU) are at the forefront of…

Exploring social justice in labour law, and how can it be measured

Social justice in labour law is not abstract and intangible, but measurable. Setting out to prove this, labour relations researcher Prof Paul Smit is investigating whether it is possible to develop a social justice scorecard, similar to an employment equity or broad-based black economic empowerment scorecard.

“What is social justice and…

Ensemble concert celebrates school director and students

On 14 September the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music proudly hosted its Music Ensemble Concert, presenting and celebrating its student groups’ remarkable talent.

During the event, students, staff and partners of the school also celebrated school director Dr Yvonne-Marie Brand whose directorship of six years had come to an…

AI symposium sparks innovation and collaboration in higher education

By Menziwa Msibi

The North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service and the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering recently hosted the 3rd IFLA Symposium on Artificial Intelligence in Potchefstroom.

They did this in collaboration with the International Federation of…

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…