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

Our hope lies in the power of our people

There is a saying in Tibetan: “Tragedy should be utilised as a source of strength. No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that's our real disaster.”

This quote by the Dalai Lama XIV has perhaps never been more fitting than in the turbulent times in which we find ourselves today. When one…

Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic: We are on a knife-edge

* A realistic, optimistic plan of action is needed

“The coronavirus pandemic is a health war that has led to an economic war, so South Africa requires a multidimensional plan to survive.”

Prof Danie Meyer, a development economist and director of the TRADE research focus area of the North-West University (NWU), believes…

Coronavirus pandemic: economic-impact scenarios in an uncertain environment

A development economist from the North-West University (NWU) says for South Africa to survive the current coronavirus pandemic, the current lockdown must be a success and the virus must be brought under control by the end of April.

Prof Danie Meyer, director of the TRADE research focus area at the NWU, says it is also of the utmost…

Take a 3D online tour of the NWU’s art exhibitions during lockdown

With the country being on lock down for the next few weeks, the North-West University (NWU) Gallery will entertain you from the comfort of your own home.

From 2 April until 5 May the gallery will display 3D online exhibitions of Phoka Nyokong and Philiswa Lila, previous winners of the ABSA L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award.

Not all superheroes wear capes

In the turbulent times in which we currently find ourselves, huge emphasis is being placed on the major role that healthcare workers play in our societies.

Nurses and midwives, among others, are the people who devote their lives to caring for mothers and children; giving life-saving immunisations and health advice; looking after…

Intervention creates hope for challenged families and children

The daily routines, activities, and socialisation of every family in South Africa are changing fast due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Parents suddenly have to balance working from home, minding children and ensuring hygiene practices to help fight the spreading of the virus.

Social media is showcasing the distress and coping strategies…

Focus your mind to keep sane during a lockdown period

With the recent announcement of a 21-day lockdown as a measure to tackle the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19), individuals will most certainly experience a pshycological impact due to limited social interaction.

According to Prof Ankebé Kruger, an associate professor and counselling psychologist at the North-West University (NWU…

NWU economist says lockdown comes at the right time

“President Cyril Ramaphosa’s lockdown of South Africa to combat the Covid-19 virus comes at the right time,” says an economist of the NWU Business School.

Prof Raymond Parsons says the decision follows the precedent set by some other countries in successfully dealing with the virus.

He believes the announcement of a drastic…

Psychological impact of COVID-19 and what to do about it

Two psychologists from the NWU say that, against the background of the current situation regarding COVID-19, it is evident that different individuals respond to this crisis in different ways.

Mr Rümando Kok and Prof Pieter Kruger, both senior clinical psychologists at the Institute of Psychology and Wellbeing (IPW) in the Centre for…

Modern equipment takes the NWU’s sport science to a new level

Have you ever wondered where the iconic Superman goes to maintain his excellent physique? It is quite probably to the sport science division of the new Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) of the North-West University (NWU).

Especially now that they have acquired another ultramodern piece of exercise equipment that is the…