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
Burger now field marshal at the Rugby Institute
It is a sizzler of a Thursday afternoon with the mercury as high as load-shedding tempers. However, the team room of the Rugby Institute at the North-West University (NWU) – no, the war room – is cool. A table-sized replica of a rugby field greets you as you enter the room, as does Burger van der Westhuizen, the new Varsity Cup coach for the…
Parents differ from learners and teachers in their views on corporal punishment in schools
It is clear that something needs to be done about discipline in schools, but reintroducing corporal punishment, even on a limited scale, is probably not the answer.
This is one of the findings of a study by Dr Noorullah Shaikhnag, senior lecturer and deputy director at the School of Psycho-Social Education of the North-West University (…
Researcher points the way to enhancing academic integrity
The academic world can easily be infiltrated by dishonesty and plagiarism, especially in trying times such as the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Good academic practice is essential for lecturers and students.
Prof Anné Verhoef, director of the School of Philosophy at the North-West University (NWU), is an avid campaigner for…
Using the law to advance justice and sustainability
When it comes to seeking innovative solutions to the social and environmental challenges faced by South Africa, the Research Unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability from the North-West University (NWU) is at the forefront.
“The research unit utilises law to find innovative juridical solutions to advance justice and sustainability in…
South Africa’s water mavericks
Together they are known as the water mavericks: Prof Carlos Bezuidenhout and Prof Henk Bouwman from the North-West University (NWU) have a wealth of experience between them and have amassed acclaimed recognition for their water-related research in their respective fields.
Last year their work was honoured when they were awarded the 2021…
Meet the winners of the 2022 philosophy essay competition
The winners of the 2022 North-West University (NWU) School of Philosophy Essay competition were recently announced.
They are:
1. Mkhize Talent Faith - essay: The effects of technology on the environment: A case of environmental degradation.
2. Melisa Siziba - essay: How madness is socially constructed.
3. Aviwe…
NWU lecturer walks away with prestigious engineering award
Meelan Roopa, a lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering, received the award for Best Industrial Engineering Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering’s (SAIIE’s) 2022 awards ceremony.
Meelan received this prestigious award in recognition of his…
NWU designers receive Loerie and Pendoring awards
The talent and creativity of students and graduates of the Graphic Design subject group at the North-West University (NWU) have earned them recognition at the recent international Loerie Awards and national Pendoring Awards events.
The NWU’s students and graduates have always shone in these competitions and this year is no exception.…
Hat trick for ‘nicosmiti’ as a third living species takes his name
In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks the age-old question: ‘What’s in a name?’ In the case of North-West University researcher Prof Nico Smit, the answer is clear ― his name is synonymous with expert contributions in the field of zoology.
This celebrated academic and parasitologist taxonomist follows in the…
Andre Fouché is Rugby Institute’s best
His name is synonymous with hard defence, smooth skills and an indestructible engine without a reverse gear. Andre Fouché is steel moulded in the forge of the NWU Rugby Institute, and this year his play is the talk of the town.
During the year-end function of the NWU Rugby Institute Fouché was named the Rugby Institute’s Varsity Cup…