Potchefstroom Campus News

Prof Hans du Plessis: A literary giant passes away

He was of a different ilk. His immense literary stature cast a shadow under which so many South Africans found solace and comfort. Now, it is with sadness but also gratitude for the many contributions he made both culturally and academically, that the North-West University (NWU) has to say farewell to Prof Hans du Plessis, who passed away on Friday 24 October at the age of 79. 

Prof Hans was a beloved NWU faculty member since his appointment in 1981 as a professor in Afrikaans at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

He was an esteemed writer,… Read more

Graduates work together to help prospective students

While most people will be at home relaxing this festive season, a number of graduates from the Youth Empowerment Organisation (YEO) will be doing their bit to help the less fortunate.

From 1 December until the end of January 2019, graduates in their graduation gowns will stand at various intersections in Potchefstroom, Pretoria and…

Stats SA Council to benefit from skills of top NWU researcher

All the facts and figures around public health add up neatly for Prof Andries Monyeki. He has been appointed to the council of the official keepers of statistics in the country, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

Prof Monyeki, an academic and researcher from the North-West University, says he is delighted and honoured by his…

The earlier, the better for Africa’s children

Imagine looking at a page and not being able to read or fully understand the words because you never developed the skills to do so. This is the reality for many children in Africa. It is also a big obstacle to the development of the continent’s people as early literacy is essential for children’s reading abilities and future success in their…

Christian scholars ponder their place in higher education

Christian scholars from across Africa have come together at a conference in Potchefstroom to consider the role of Christian scholarship in higher education.

The International Association for the Promotion of Christian Higher Education (IAPCHE) recently held its first-ever All-Africa Conference, giving Christian scholars food for…

Research must have an impact in communities

It is important for the North-West University (NWU) to focus on critical community challenges in research – this makes research more relevant and useful to the community.

The emphasis has shifted increasingly from research of academic interest to research that communities can use. It is not about the number of research outputs – such…

NWU makes a clean sweep at annual clean air conference

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management recently demonstrated why it is the leading national institution in the field of air quality. They did this during the annual National Association for Clean Air (NACA) conference that took place in Vanderbijlpark from 30 October to 2 November 2018.

Of…

Before and now: the contrast in miners’ living conditions

Crammed into tiny rooms in same-sex hostels, away from their partners or families and without proper access to water, electricity or sanitation, South African miners used to live in appalling conditions. Today, the situation of miners at Impala Platinum in Rustenburg has improved markedly, although there are still challenges, as a North-West…

Make sure cosmetics are safe to use

A large number of cosmetic products that are produced by micro and small businesses in Africa have not been cosmetically tested. This increases the chances of using a cosmetic product that has the potential to do more harm than good.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) / North-West University (NWU) Preclinical Drug…

NWU's Engineering still at the forefront

A great honour was recently bestowed upon the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering when their programme in mineral processing has been named under the top 100 best programs in the world in this field.

This announcement was made by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai Rankings. It…

NWU Students impress at the Symposium of Natural Sciences

For Students from the North West University’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences recently participated in the Student symposium for Natural Sciences 2018 Competition. They managed to win some great prizes. Students who are enrolled for the relevant fields of study may participate: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Metallurgy, Physics,…