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
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…
NWU faculties come together to improve postdoctoral fellowship
The eight faculties of the North-West University (NWU) and their postdoctoral fellows, who hail from all over the world, came together on 20 September at Crista Galli in Potchefstroom to discuss different ideas on how to improve the postdoctoral fellowship programme at the NWU.
After Prof Dan Kgwadi, NWU vice-chancellor, had…
Unchanged interest rates are a lost opportunity to send a more positive message
“With unchanged interest rates at this stage, the MPC has lost an opportunity to send a more positive signal to business and consumers, given the very low levels of confidence.”
This is according to Prof Raymond Parsons, a well-known economist and academic from the North-West University (NWU) Business School.
“There is indeed…
Helping the most vulnerable
Academics at the North-West University (NWU) are not only passionate about teaching and learning, but also about engaging with communities about important issues.
Dr Lynn Preston and Dr Wanda van der Merwe from the Faculty of Education are going the extra mile to try and protect South Africa’s most precious citizens, children.
…NWU Master’s students – the best of the best!
Students from the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences recently showed what they are made of when they defeated their peers from other universities.
This happened during the South African Telecommunications, Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) held in Ballito…