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

Fulbright scholar joins NWU to investigate secrets of serpentine ecology

A Fulbright scholar from the United States is joining the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management for 10 months to do research in a field where many stones are still unturned.

There are gaps in knowledge that scientists have about plant and insect species living on serpentinite rocks and filling in…

Microscopic wonder on yellow-bellied sea snake is a scientific breakthrough

Just as vastness induces awe, so there is wonder to be found in the miniscule. For Dr Roksana Majewska from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), this is an absolute truth. Before we zoom in, we need to talk about Hydrophis platurus – or the more friendly sounding yellow-bellied sea snake. This…

NWU cross country runner has his sights set on the stars

By Oldrin Masowa

North-West University (NWU) student Itumeleng Sesiko is an upcoming athletic star. He won his first national medal at the age of 10 from Athletics South Africa (ASA) and is now on his way to becoming a professional cross country athlete.

Itumeleng is set to represent the NWU athletics…

It’s all about the vintage – of wine as well as people

The older the wine lovers, the drier the wine they prefer, and the longer it takes to consume what they bought.

These are two of the findings of a recent study on the wine preferences of different age groups that the research unit TREES (Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society) undertook.

In the study, “That old…

Autistic viewpoint: representation of autism in popular culture

The seventh national Autism Symposium is taking place at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) from 30 June until 2 July 2022. The event highlights the realities of autistic persons and their families. It promises to deliver insightful perspectives by experts in the field.

This year the format will be a hybrid…

Young NWU poet shines bright

Oldrin Masowa

In a race all the runners run, but only the best ones end up on the podium. This is exactly where North-West University (NWU) student and young poet, Lesego Motlhankane, found himself recently.  Last year he was crowned the winner of the third AVBOB Poetry competition. Fast forward to 2022,…

Sustainable growth strategies and African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 - Interview with Minister Naledi Pandor

The North-West University Business School's Prof Raymond Parsons interviews Minister Naledi Pandor and unpacks the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (DIRCO’s) vision and mission in Africa and to examine whether the relationship between DIRCO and business can be strengthened for this purpose.

To this end the role of…

Trailblazer Dube does not dodge any challenge

He never says “no” to anything. Never. This is how people who know Rethabile Dube describe this 25-year-old trailblazer.

He is commonly known as just Dube. Everybody knows Dube. Like Cher, Prince, Drake and Madonna. As senior administrative assistant at Graduations and Ceremonies at the North-West University (NWU) his face is well known…

NWU alumnus wins prestigious US music competition

North-West University (NWU) alumnus and a decorated operatic baritone Tshilidzi Ndou is brimming with pride after winning the pre-professional division of the prestigious George Shirley Vocal Competition: African American Vocal Repertoire.

A highlight of the competition was his performance of the Genius Child, a winsome rendition…

NWU athletes shine at CAA African Athletics Championships

Athletes from the North-West University (NWU) had a stellar showing at the recently held CAA African Athletics Championships in St Pierre, Mauritius. It is the third time Mauritius has played host to the event after the 1992 and 2006 competitions had been held there.

The event, which took place from 8 to 12 June, saw South Africa bag 36…