Life goes on, death happens: loss and grief in a time of Covid-19

Across the world the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our assumptive worlds drastically, yet life continues to happen. Babies are born, people develop health conditions that are not related to Covid-19, others reach milestone birthdays, while others die.

Dr Nelia Drenth and Prof Alida Herbst of the NWU’s School of Psychosocial Health…

NWU student brings hope during lockdown through song

Vivien Redelinghuys, a second-year BA sociology and labour relations student at the North-West University (NWU), became an overnight sensation after going viral on social media.

Vivien and a family friend, Anthony Hattingh, posted a video of themselves singing their new single, Hallelujah of Hope, inspired by Jeff Buckley’s…

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.

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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…