Potchefstroom Campus News

NWU School of Mines and Mining Engineering set for future success

The North West province of South Africa sits on a bedrock of riches. From platinum to chrome, vanadium to gold, the region is among the most mineral-endowed in the world. Yet its communities remain scarred by poverty and unemployment, relics of a resource economy too often divorced from local benefit. For a province where mines dominate both the landscape and livelihoods, the need to convert mineral wealth into long-term skills, jobs and technological leadership is a necessity. The North-West University (NWU) believes it has found part of the answer: a new… Read more

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…

NWU’s fatherhood project rebuilds family bonds from prison

An award-winning programme of the North-West University (NWU) is changing the lives of imprisoned men and their children by coaching and supporting them to be better fathers.

Launched in 2015 at the Potchefstroom Remand Detention Facility, the fatherhood training and equipping programme, “A life beyond iron bars”, is a transformative…

Astronomy is the name of the game in global contest for 'quasi-moon'

Astronomy enthusiasts from nearly 100 countries have submitted thousands of suggestions for the naming of a rare celestial body. The task of narrowing this down to the top 10 possible names has been entrusted to an international panel of experts, one of whom is Prof Thebe Medupe, an astronomer and academic at the North-West University (NWU).…

Cumulonimbus: A journey of imagination and introspection

By Marize Language

When one enters the NWU Art Gallery, you are immediately dragged into an adventure of colour and texture. Right next to the foyer of the gallery the magical work of Dr Colette Lotz unfolds before your eyes. Lotz is a local artist and academic in the Graphic Design subject group at the…

Research examines the need for regional policy in the Southern African Development Community

Creating and executing supranational regional policies is a critical first step in preparing regions to become core players on the global stage. Such policies seek to modernise and restructure a region’s foundations, promote sustainable development across borders and address economic and social inequalities.

Prof Mariske van Aswegen and…

In lean times, more food can be produced with fewer resources

Agriculture is at the forefront of ensuring food security and researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are constantly looking for innovative and more effective ways to enhance this crucial sector.

Associate professor Rojanette Coetzee from the School of Industrial Engineering is focusing on “lean agriculture” to reduce waste and…

NWU prepares for semi-final clash against UJ in Varsity Netball

The North-West University (NWU) netball team is gearing up for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the Varsity Netball tournament.

The two teams previously faced off in round 5, where UJ secured a victory. Now, the NWU is determined to turn the tables and secure a spot in the final.…

Puseletso Lesofe honoured with prestigious Mail & Guardian award

The North-West University (NWU’s) Puseletso Lesofe, a medical biological scientist on the Potchefstroom Campus, was announced the winner in the STEMI category of the 2024 Mail & Guardian Power of Women Awards on 29 August.

This specific award celebrates the accomplishments of women making significant contributions in the fields of…

Celebrating Tourism Month: Marine tourism and South Africa’s place on the global tourism stage

In the final part of our series of articles celebrating Tourism Month, we again look at the phenomenal work the North-West University’s (NWU’s) research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) is doing to infuse the tourism sector with its expertise, to make the sector visible and to protect our tourism heritage. This…

Celebrating tourism month: Why tourism matters for economic growth

The North-West University (NWU) is celebrating Tourism Month, and when it comes to tourism experts in the country, the NWU’s research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) has distinguished itself as a leader in its field.

In our ongoing series of articles, we take a closer look at what TREES are doing to…