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

International report raises red flags

In the light of political and economic developments in South Africa in recent years, the further slippage from 62 to 67 out of 140 countries in the country's overall global competitiveness ranking is not unexpected. 

This is according to renowned economist Prof Raymond…

NWU male voices soar at Varsity Acapella 2018

“The trophy came home!”

This was the reaction when the sêr group of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Laureus men’s residence scored first place in this year’s national Varsity Acapella competition.

During this past weekend in Stellenbosch, Minjonet ladies’ residence once again took third place in the ladies category.…

NWU delivers SAIPA Top Achiever

After four long years of blood, sweat and tears, Dr Corrie Cloete not only walked away with a PhD from the North-West University (NWU), but also a South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) Top Achievers Award.

 

Dr Cloete received first prize in the doctoral degree category of the 2018 SAIPA…

Boytjie from Braamfontein makes his mark

With his glass of white wine and ice in his hand, his eyes sparkling with life, he sometimes interrupts himself to share one of his hundreds of stories (with all the facts, dates and names) at the North-West University (NWU).

He is my mentor, my teacher, my example of joie de vivre and inexhaustible energy.

Yes, I am talking…

Qumbu to shape rugby princesses into queens

With the help of Timothy Qumbu, the “princesses” of the Springbok women’s rugby team may soon become the “queens” of the game.

Yes, it is true that our women’s team cannot yet compete with the likes of New Zealand or England, and this can be attributed to the amateur nature of the code in South Africa.

It is also a fact…

United Nations welcomes Prof Klaus Kellner

His list of accolades continues to grow. Prof Klaus Kellner has been appointed as a member to serve on the National Coordination Body for the United Nations’ Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in South Africa.

Prof Kellner hails from the School of Environmental Sciences and Development at the North-West University (NWU).…

Tito Mboweni is a step in the right direction for SA’s economy

The appointment of Tito Mboweni as new Finance Minister is a confidence-building and reassuring step for the economy.

This is according to renowned economist Prof Raymond Parsons from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Business School.

“The replacement of outgoing Finance Minister Nene by former South African Reserve Bank…

Grooming future engineers

In an effort to educate learners about the different fields of engineering, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering is hosting a four-day Engineering Week from 1 to 4 October.

More than 60 Grade 10 to 12 learners interested in studying engineering from across the country are currently attending the event.

NWU’s solar car fuels inspiration among youth

Two birds with one stone: celebrating the North-West University’s (NWU’s) solar car’s success, and investing in our leaders of tomorrow.

Learners from the surrounding Potchefstroom area recently joined students and staff from the Faculty of Engineering in celebrating the performance of the Phoenix after the Sasol Solar Challenge.…

NWU finishes fifth in race against the sun

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) solar car, Phoenix, recently returned to home base after a gruelling race over 4 000 km during this year’s Sasol Solar Challenge.

For this eight-day event, teams from across the world design and build solar-powered vehicles to drive across South Africa.

The journey started in Pretoria on 22…