Beatrix Bouwman meets Pope Francis – a historic moment for global service-learning

In a groundbreaking moment for the North-West University (NWU) and global service-learning, Beatrix “Bibi” Bouwman, director of sustainability and community impact (SCI), met His Holiness Pope Francis on 9 November 2024 during the V UNISERVITATE Global Symposium in the Vatican City.

This meeting marked a significant milestone in the NWU…

Prof Raubenheimer is advancing quantitative risk analysis

Prof Helgard Raubenheimer, director of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a presentation demonstrating his expertise to the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Science (NITheCS) community.

The title…

Good news for interest rates as 2024 draws to a close

It is good news for business and consumers that the repo rate was unanimously reduced by 25 basis points (bps) on 21 November.

In commenting on the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) statement to again reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps), Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School…

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

Medical experts agree smoking is a health hazard, but many smokers choose to justify this habit by highlighting the calming and socialising effects they believe it may have. Some smokers of plants such as dagga also point to the medical benefits some studies have shown.

A new NWU study is challenging smokers’ perceptions and…

What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?

The consumption of pork meat products is increasing due to its affordability, versatility and high protein content.

A North-West University (NWU) research project from the Consumer Sciences subject group in the School of Applied Health Sciences, is focusing on food product cues (sensory and non-sensory attributes) that influence…

Use of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes

Research from the North-West University (NWU) and partner institutions has highlighted the role of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes mellitus, a chronic and potentially fatal metabolic disorder affecting millions globally. 

The study, published in the journal Diabetology, explains how traditional…

Goal! A new ‘vision’ for young female netball players

A sports vision programme can significantly improve visual and motor skills in young netball players. This is according to the research findings of Prof Dané Coetzee from the School of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sport Science at the North-West University (NWU) and her research partner Dr Elna van der Merwe.

Their research article,…

Gamification boosts loyalty in South African fashion retail

South Africa’s fashion retail industry is witnessing a shift as gamification emerges as a potent tool for improving customer loyalty, retention and brand recall.

In an increasingly competitive digital environment, retailers are turning to gamified experiences to engage customers. A recent study led by Prof Roland Goldberg from the…

Art industry summit shares timeless insights beyond the canvas

The History of Art subject group, which is located in the School of Communication, held its inaugural industry summit on Tuesday, 22 October on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), bringing industry experts to our students.

Students from the History of Art subject group attended the event and gained first-hand…

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…