Research News

Summit to define, build and shape the future of digital humanities in South Africa

South Africa’s digital humanities community is set to come together for the Digital Humanities Cluster Summit, taking place from 7–9 October 2026 at UNISA in Pretoria, with online participation also available. 

The three-day national gathering will bring together researchers,…

Ubuntu approach can strengthen support for learners’ mental health

Refiloe Legodi, a lecturer in the subject group Social Work at the North-West University (NWU), presented her research at the Ubuntu Nursing Colloquium that took place in August at the Groenkloof Campus of the University of Pretoria. 

Her presentation, titled “Ubuntu in action:…

An unexpected academic journey into entrepreneurship

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele never planned to become a CEO. Her journey into entrepreneurship did not start with a business plan or a dream of running a company. It started at home, with her two young sons, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi.

When her sons experienced speech and language delays during…

Bridging trade technology and transformation at SSIRC 2026

More than a hundred researchers, policymakers and academics came together in Mauritius for the 11th Social Sciences International Research Conference (SSIRC), held from 8 to 11 September 2026.

An important message throughout the four-day conference was that the social sciences are no…

Alumnus expands indigenous knowledge scholarship with four new books

 

By: Phenyo Mokgothu and Sthembiso Seyama

Four new books are adding to the growing body of scholarship on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), with the North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda bringing together research on education, healthcare,…

Expert helps strengthen South Africa’s response to radiological crime scenes

North-West University (NWU) nuclear forensics expert Dr Tebogo Kupi has added his expertise to national efforts to strengthen the response by South Africa to incidents involving radioactive and nuclear materials.

Dr Kupi recently took part as an expert in the National Workshop on…

Iron study seeks answers for young South African women

Dr Mary Uyoga

Fatigue, poor concentration and declining physical performance are easily blamed on stress, demanding schedules or a lack of sleep. For many young women, however, these seemingly ordinary symptoms may point to an overlooked nutritional problem: iron deficiency.…

Relocated telescope opens wider window on the universe

Shedding light on a subject is usually positive, but when it comes to the stars, the North-West University (NWU) is giving scientists a clearer view of the night sky by moving its 20-inch optical telescope off the bustling, light-polluted Mahikeng Campus.

The Mahikeng Astronomy…

Better waste management can protect South Africa’s wild spaces

Waste in South Africa’s protected areas is more than a litter problem. Poor waste practices in South Africa’s protected areas threaten biodiversity, pollute sensitive habitats and weaken conservation efforts. New research shows that better planning, infrastructure and human behaviour can turn the situation around.Prof…

Should South Africa keep under-16s off social media?

As more countries restrict social media access for children, should South Africa follow suit, or find a solution better suited to its own realities? Social media may expose children to cyberbullying and harmful content, but its developmental cost could also lie in the conversations, play and sleep it displaces. “The issue is not simply…