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

Patria is FNB Res Rugby champion

At last! After four consecutive attempts the North-West University’s (NWU’s) men's residence, Patria, was able to beat Maties’ Vishuis at the Danie Craven stadium in Stellenbosch by 16–8.

Although this was not the first time that Patria has captured the crown as Varsity Residence champion, this was perhaps the sweetest victory.…

Mervyn Taylor is Leopards’ new president

Mervyn Taylor – ever-popular, particularly in North West rugby circles – was appointed as the new president of the Leopards Rugby Union on Tuesday evening, 16 April. Mervin, who is also the North-West University’s (NWU’s) rugby manager, takes over the reins from Advocate André May.

Mervyn has served as the NWU’s rugby manager since…

NWU prepares to host fourth Autism Symposium

The Institute of Psychology and Wellbeing at the North-West University (NWU) hosts its fourth Autism Symposium* on 8 and 9 July this year. The NWU and Autism South Africa (A;SA) are jointly presenting the event.

The annual Autism Symposium offers support to families and is a unique platform where parents, educationists, medical care…

NWU researchers nominated for NSTF-South32 Awards

When it comes to academic excellence and innovative research the North-West University (NWU) makes sure that it pulls out all the stops. Two esteemed NWU researchers have been nominated in the 2018/2019 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) -South32 Awards.

Also known as the “Science Oscars”, the NSTF-South32 Awards aim to…

NWU’s High Performance Institute is a global destination

Excellence begets excellence. For the North-West University’s (NWU’s) High Performance Institute (HPI) in Potchefstroom, that cannot be truer. Since its inception, the HPI has played host to a multitude of sportsmen and women from the province, the country and the globe.

The high altitude, safe environment and friendliness of its…

When can a child be imprisoned?

Over the past few weeks South Africa has witnessed a spate of crimes where children are committing heinous offences against each other and some even against adults. Community members from all over the country have called for these children to feel the full might of the law.

Prof Pieter du Toit from the North-West University’s (NWU’s…

The limit does not exist for Selouna

A determined young graduate has overcome a mobility disability and other challenges to obtain her BSc Hons degree in information technology during the autumn graduation ceremony in March 2019.

Selouna Visser, who is just 24 years old, suffers from a muscular illness called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, level 3 – also referred to as “…

Research identifies novel treatment options for rare disease

The research of a brilliant postgraduate student at the North-West University (NWU) is a breakthrough in the understanding of mitochondrial disease and identifying novel treatment options for patients.

Karin Terburgh investigated mitochondrial disease as part of her MSc studies, using mice already suffering from this disease, known as…

Faculty of Engineering celebrates exceptional alumni

He is an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), an entrepreneur and a professional engineer whose expertise and experience are recognised in the international arena of distillation, heat exchange, absorption, gas scrubbing and related process operations.

He is the founder and CEO of the company Mass & Heat Transfer Technology…

NWU’s engineering innovation brings relief to cyclone-stricken Mozambique

The catastrophic Cyclone Idai was one of the worst tropical cyclones on record to affect Africa and the southern hemisphere as a whole.

The long-lived storm caused catastrophic damage when it hit Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi earlier in March, leaving more than 800 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for.

More than…