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 academic reappointed as ambassador to global Magna Charta Observatory
After having been selected for the first time in 2015, North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Klaus Beiter has been reappointed for a second term as one of 16 ambassadors to the global Magna Charta Observatory (MCO) in Bologna.
He is one of only three ambassadors from South Africa, the other two being a former vice-chancellor of a…
Prof Chrisna Gouws, an inquisitive researcher destined for greatness in the scientific métier
According to Prof Chrisna Gouws, associate professor at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, inquisitiveness and a vigorous personality have led her to where she is today.
This dynamic researcher has a PhD in biochemistry and is well known in the scientific community for publishing…
From zero to hero – students taste the sweet fruit from hard work
Over the past few years, there were not nearly enough school-leaving applicants who met the minimum requirements for tertiary fields of study such as Engineering, Natural Sciences, Economic Sciences and Health Sciences. This is according to Elza Hattingh from the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU). She heads the faculty’s…
Round of applause to finalists and winners of the Modiragatsi Youth Innovation Competition
On Women’s Day this year, the Business School of the North-West University (NWU) had the privilege of honouring gifted young learners and students with great minds and the potential to shape a better future for all! The Modiragatsi Youth Innovation Competition finalists and winners were celebrated during a breakfast event at The Capital On The…
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…