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 flavour at IRB Rugby World Cup

There is a distinct North-West University (NWU) flavour to this year’s IRB Rugby World Cup in Japan with both the Springboks and the Namibian national side boasting some NWU talent.

The Springboks’ forwards coach Matt Proudfoot is somewhat of a legend in NWU rugby circles. Matt was the head coach of the NWU’s first rugby team that is…

Former NWU coach gets Proteas’ top job

Names evoke responses, they conjure up images. They are our legacies and some are more resistant to the ravages of time and fading memories than others. Utter the name Dorette Badenhorst and the image you’ll see is one of a champion team celebrating, the response will be that of joy.

Dorette was coach of the first netball team of the…

SA must build on WEF’s better global competitiveness ranking

“The rise in South Africa's ranking from 67th to 60th out of 141 countries in the 2019 World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report is welcome news at a time when the country's economic performance is at a low ebb and the economy is in a 'low growth trap'.”

This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known…

Internal auditors won’t be left behind by the 4IR

The world is already knee deep into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and South African academics and researchers need to come up with innovative technological solutions to ensure students’ skills keep up.

Dr Cameron Modisane, who recently obtained his PhD from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic Management…

A loss of sight, never a loss of vision

Although one often sees various initiatives promoting the importance of physical activity for a healthier lifestyle, children with disabilities are seldom included in these projects. One of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) research focus areas is now exploring the possibility of investing its expertise to place the spotlight on these…

Kit enhancing a pedagogy of play is changing the way maths is taught

As in many other countries, the South African schooling system is formal and performance driven as teachers work toward the completion of a content-driven curriculum. This is especially true for mathematics, and many teachers view mathematics as abstract facts that are disconnected from daily life.

According to Prof Marthie van der…

NRF honours NWU researcher for excellence in science education

Science can open up a magical world of possibilities and career paths to young learners if they have the opportunity to explore the true meaning of research. Armed with the right skills and enthusiasm, teachers can encourage learners to not only learn about science but actively experience it.

An esteemed and prolific researcher of the…

Cancer is not a death sentence – you can live life to the fullest

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, Prof Welma Lubbe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing shares her story on surviving breast cancer and why awareness campaigns are necessary.

At the age of 41, and with no family history of cancer, Prof Lubbe was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Fortunately…

Much-needed leadership to support the tiniest humans

A few decades ago it was quite common for premature babies to die before their parents had even had the chance to hold them in their arms for the first time. The smaller the infant, the lower the chances of survival were.

However, during the past few decades, the survival of these tiny infants has received a lot of attention and…

Renowned sports psychologist captains new centre

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences is taking its level of expertise to an even higher level with the recent appointment of its first director for the newly established NWU Centre for Health and Human Performance (CHHP).

Prof Pieter Kruger, a well-known sports psychologist in the global sports arena, will…