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
The impact of a second chance
A second chance in life is not destined for everyone, and when it comes across your way, you have to grab it with both hands and make the best of it. This is exactly what 33 young people at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering did when they enrolled in the Xcel programme at the beginning of the year.
They…
NWU academic awarded for being a stroke ambassador
Every 30 minutes in South Africa a stroke patient who could have been saved, dies or is permanently disabled because they were treated at the wrong hospital.
Prof Ronel Pretorius, an associate professor and programme manager for clinical education at the North-West University (NWU), was recently recognised for her instrumental role…
NWU launches an innovative literary project for visually impaired persons
The subject group Creative Writing of the North-West University (NWU) took on a Byderhand project together with the Pioneer School for the visually impaired in Worcester. This project was introduced in an excellent manner in Worcester on 30 August 2018 with the opening of the multisensory garden at the Pioneer School.
Byderhand, an…
International centre will fight neuromuscular diseases
The North-West University (NWU) will play a prominent role in establishing a new International Centre for Genomic Research in Neuromuscular Disease, and South Africa’s participation in this virtual centre. The centre will bring scientists, academics and clinicians from six nations in four continents together in the fight against…
Stanford invites bright PhD student for master’s class
A PhD student of the North-West University (NWU) and a master’s degree alumnus of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Information (BMI), has been accepted into the PhD Master’s Class on money management at Stanford University in America.
Simon du Plooy will attend a three-day workshop that will start on 12 November.
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NWU astronomers play a role in bid to host first General Assembly of IAU in Africa
The 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) will be hosted on African soil for the first time in 2024 with the help from two astronomers of the North-West University (NWU).
Prof Christo Venter and Prof Markus Boettcher of the Centre for Space Research were both involved in the process to compile the bid…
Multimodal learning and multilingualism is his passion
Prof Jako Olivier’s passion and research focus are multimodal learning and multilingualism, and this was also the topic of his recent inaugural address.
Prof Olivier is currently a professor in multimodal learning in the School of Professional Studies in Education at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education.
…NWU research: The effect of veld fires on air quality, climate and human health
The South African Weather Service issues on an annual basis numerous warnings on veld/bush fires that have the potential to cause significant damage to the environment and infrastructure. These fires are not only a South African problem, they are also an international hazard.
Prof Paul Beukes, Prof Pieter van Zyl and Dr Micky…
SA needs more strenuous efforts to break out of ‘low growth trap’
According to renowned economist Prof Raymond Parsons from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Business School, South Africa will need to make much more strenuous efforts to break out of the ‘low growth trap’ into which a recession has now pushed it.
He says that the extent to which the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures for…
Research explores preferences of game meat eaters
Earlier this year, Statistics SA stated that over six million South Africans are currently unemployed. With the country’s current economic climate resulting in shrinking opportunities for formal employment, more and more South Africans are turning to entrepreneurship.
North-West University (NWU) Tourism Research in Economic Environs…