Potchefstroom Campus News

Special moment for dean as daughter graduates in programme she championed

Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.

“It is a full-circle moment that highlights the impact of academic leadership and the inspiration it offers to future generations of women in engineering… Read more

Game on: puzzle video games may grow critical thinking skills

The notion that playing video games is for the intellectually idle is widely held but might not be accurate. Research suggests that certain types of game play can in fact strengthen a range of cognitive, critical thinking and reasoning skills, according to Dr Byron Bunt of the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Education.

These…

NWU set to soar

The North-West University (NWU) is ready to soar. On the eve of the 2020 Varsity Cup, the NWU team is brimming with confidence and ready to strike.

“Our team is motivated and is ready to deliver on its promise,” says Mervyn Taylor, NWU rugby manager. “The NWU has a proud history in this tournament and we want to reclaim the title…

Reduced interest rates will help to underpin business and consumer confidence

“The Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC's) decision to reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points is a welcome recognition of the need to reduce borrowing costs for business and consumers in South Africa.”

This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and academic from the North-West University (NWU) Business School…

NWU appoints medical specialists

The North-West University’s (NWU's) Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP) is expanding their expertise in the field of psychology, neurology and biokinetics.

This multidisciplinary team applies leading scientific expertise to optimise the health, psychological well-being and performance of people ranging in age from…

NWU choir wins European competition

With their angelic voices, capturing the hearts and souls of their audiences, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus choir came out on top at the recent Prague Advent and Christmas Choral Festival.

The choir was not only announced as the festival winners, but also won gold in the big mixed choir category.

NWU hosts top-25 Science-in-Action and Mathematics-in-Action Olympics winners

It is well reported that when it comes to maths and science, South Africa’s performance is among the worst in the world. Academics at the North-West University (NWU), together with the South African Teachers Union (SAOU) and the South African Academy of Science and Arts (SAAWK), are committed to improving the country’s mathematics and…

Puppet show with a twist

As the result of a research study at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the North-West University (NWU), the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) recently presented a puppet show at the Potchefstroom Hospital to communicate information about the HIV virus.

The EndoAfrica study is a collaboration project between Stellenbosch…

ATP Challenger tennis returns to South Africa

Local tennis has been boosted by the news that Tennis South Africa (TSA) has secured the rights to bring an ATP Challenger tournament to the country in 2020. The ATP Challenger 50 event will take place from 9 March 2020 at the new tennis complex at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom.

Challenger events are,…

Former president tells NWU there is hope

“I am not ‘moedeloos’ (in despair). I haven’t lost hope for the future but I am deeply concerned about where we are at the moment.”

These are the words of former president, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Mr FW de Klerk. He said although he is worried about the position the country…

Growth figures stress need for credible turnaround plan

The latest worse-than-expected growth figures for the third quarter of 2019 again emphasise the urgent need to implement a credible turnaround plan to lift the economy out of its current 'low growth trap'.

It also underlines the serious economic challenges faced by South Africa, adds NWU Business School economist Prof Raymond…