NWU education linguist looks at reading literacy crisis in SA

The Covid-19 pandemic has once again highlighted the reading literacy crisis in South Africa. The inaugural 2030 Reading Panel calls for “fundamental reforms” to ensure that all children read for meaning by 2030 at the age 10. Currently, 78% of children cannot read for meaning. Due to rotational timetables and school closures in 2020 and 2021,…

NWU SCC provides support to the less fortunate

Oldrin Masowa

It took five days, long working hours and no shortage of commitment but, thanks to the Student Campus Council (SCC) of the North-West University (NWU), less fortunate individuals of Potchefstroom can now protect themselves - to some extent - against the prevailing cold conditions. The NWU SCC has…

NWU donates computers and books to JB Marks community libraries

Local libraries often do not have the means to acquire much-needed computers and books on a regular basis. Staff of the North-West University (NWU) Library and Information Service (LIS) in Potchefstroom saw this need and reached out with a generous donation to the JB Marks community libraries.

Louise Vos, LIS senior manager, says the…

What needs to be done to ensure ECD coding and robotics curriculum succeeds

An early childhood education specialist at the North-West University (NWU) has welcomed the recently published, first-ever draft curriculum for teaching coding and robotics from Grades R to 3. However, she emphasises that some hard work lies ahead if the proposed curriculum is to succeed.

The Department of Basic Education published the…

Paving the way for the next generation

Prof Lebo Gafane-Matemane, an associate professor of Physiology at the North-West University (NWU), is paving the way for the next generation of researchers by carving new paths in cardiovascular health research.

Prof Gafane-Matemane, who carries out her research activities as part of the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) and…

“Attached to the Soil” ― NWU experiences Fulbright scholar’s touching exhibition

An exhibition capturing the hopes and dreams of South Africans living in a democratic country since 1994 is currently touring six of South Africa’s university campuses. Members of the management, staff and students of the North-West University (NWU) attended a walkabout at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus where they could experience Fulbright…

NWU Gender Awareness Week encourages getting comfortable with the uncomfortable

Gender Awareness Week (GAW) has become an integral part of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) strategy of promoting diversity and inclusivity among students, staff, and other stakeholders.

GAW takes place from 8 to 12 August 2022, with activities, sessions, and presentations focusing on creating awareness and discussing issues such as…

NWU academic elected as president of SAAFECS

Dr Adri du Toit, a member of the research unit for Self-directed Learning, was recently elected as managing president of the South African Association of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences (SAAFECS) for a period of two years.

This was announced at the bi-annual General Meeting of the SAAFECS organisation, which was part of the SAAFECS…

Sediba Talk “Imbizo” focuses on the strength of women

Ontiretse Motingwa

Lebogang Mosidi, vice-primaria of the Sedibeng residence on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, recently hosted a talk at the Sedibeng recreational hall in preparation of women’s month.

“A strong woman knows she has strength enough for the journey, but a woman of…

Dr Anja graduated and stood out from the rest

The famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel said to be irreplaceable, one must always be different and that was definitely the case when Dr Anja Erasmus received her PhD in Environmental Science on 29 July 2022. She stood out by wearing a dress with her research printed on it.

Her journey at the NWU started in 2012 where she enrolled…