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 PUKfm rakes in Radio Awards nominations

It is that time of the year again where the trailblazers and go-getters of the radio waves get recognised for their efforts.

The Radio Awards, which honour outstanding achievements in the radio industry, recently announced their 2021 finalists.

Using management technology to ensure the constitutional right to water

Intelligent water management technologies could be the answer to some of South Africa’s water challenges. This is the view of Nicolene Steyn, one of the youngest PhD students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, who believes smart technologies could help ensure the right to water. Her study, a desktop-based investigation of…

There’s more to wind and solar power than electricity

In the past decade, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have made some inroads in supplying “green” energy to the country’s power grid. To be self-sustainable with the use of renewable electricity, methods of energy storage are required, as solar and wind are naturally fluctuating and not constant sources of energy. This is one of…

Liberal energy supply approach is good for investment

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on 10 June about new rules of engagement on the energy front in South Africa is good for investment sentiment.

Prof Raymond Parsons, an economist from the Business School of the North-West University, says the more liberal approach to…

NWU joins in the move for health

Over the years there has been a significant increase in the number of people who suffer from lifestyle diseases. This is mostly due to unhealthy eating, alcohol intake, smoking and a lack of physical activity.

To this end, the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR…

NWU engineers and biokineticists brainstorm for 2024 Bionic Olympics

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) engineers and biokineticists are preparing to take on universities from around the world in the 2024 International Cybathlon, which will see athletes with physical disabilities competing to complete everyday tasks using state-of-the-art technical assistance systems. 

 New NWU centre for children with developmental delays will focus on the whole family

When children have disabilities or developmental delays, the whole family can be affected. This is why the Care2Kids division of the Centre for Health and Human Performance at the North-West University (NWU) is embracing a family-focused intervention.

A work of art

Since South Africa went into lockdown last year the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Gallery has been doing its part to keep promoting the arts during the pandemic.

It recently launched two virtual exhibitions: PIM PAM PUM, a solo exhibition by Helena Uambembe, and another exhibition for International Museum Day, featuring artworks from…

CHHP helps promote literacy skills development

The Centre for Health and Human Performance: Care2Kids at the North-West University (NWU) recently got involved in a literacy enhancement programme for young learners. The aim is to create awareness of the importance of family literacy activities for the development of learning, self-regulation, and executive function skills in children.

South Africa needs to spend wisely now

Prof Raymond Parsons, an economist from the Business School of the North-West University (NWU), says the decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to again leave interest rates unchanged at the level it has been since July 2020 was widely expected.

“It is in line with market…