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

NWU helps preserve Potchefstroom’s heritage

Walking down the historical oak avenue in Potchefstroom brings about a feeling of calmness and serenity. The first oak trees were planted in 1910, but now, 108 years later, Potchefstroom’s most prized heritage is slowly dying.

“The research done by urban ecologists at the North-West University (NWU) shows that the trees are dying…

Budding scientists to rub shoulders with Nobel Laureates

Two exceptional young researchers of the North-West University (NWU) will embark on a life-changing journey to Lindau, Germany where they will be rubbing shoulders with Nobel Laureates.

Edith Phalane and Blessing Ahiante from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) are two of only six young scientists in South Africa to…

NWU Business School walks for cancer

The North-West University School of Business and Governance’s team held the university’s name high during the annual Cansa Relay for Life that took place on 3 March 2018 at the Rag Farm in Potchefstroom.

The team – consisting of staff members, students and alumni – participated with enthusiasm and completed their numerous laps…

NWU empowers with German skills

On 5 March 2018 the subject group German in the School of Languages on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom celebrated a group of students who successfully completed their Goethe-Institut examination.

The Goethe-Institut is a German cultural institute, active worldwide, that promotes the study of German abroad…

Screening at birth can spare babies and parents much pain

Newborn screening (NBS) is internationally recognised as essential in preventive healthcare practices. It involves the testing of newborn babies for treatable genetic conditions or inborn errors of metabolism that may not be apparent at birth. All newborn babies’ tests in South Africa are screened by the NBS laboratory at the North-West…

Humanities crosses the digital divide with SADiLaR

For many years, the North-West University (NWU) has been at the heart of technology advances that support the use and development of South Africa’s 11 official languages. Now, as host of a national research infrastructure, the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), the NWU will be able to take its commitment to…

Try the NWU’s cookbook on traditional Tswana cuisine

Impressing your family and friends with traditional Tswana dishes has just become easier. Dr Nicole Claasen from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), together with 129 women, has compiled a Tswana traditional food cookbook, A Taste of Vaalharts.

“While some…

Budget 2018: Decision to raise VAT was inevitable

According to renowned economist Prof Raymond Parsons from the North-West University’s School of Business and Governance, the 2018/2019 Budget remains a tough budget, despite its laudable goals and commitment to the National Development Plan.

According to Prof Parsons the budget confirms that, as long as government spending is not…

NWU golf day back to old format

The North-West University’s annual staff golf day was a huge success, with approximately 50 players taking part.

According to Francois van der Westhuizen, organiser of the staff golf club, the format of the day has been changed back to the original. “The purpose of the day is to focus on staff wellness and therefore organising a day…

NWU student business wins major prize

Two students from the North-West University (NWU) recently achieved second place with their own business in the category for green technology in the national Gauteng Accelerator Programme (GAP) competition.

Kgaugelo Maripane and Mzwakhe Sifuba, co-founders of the student business, Business In A Bag™ (BIAB), are both BCom Accounting…