QS ranks NWU among the top eight universities in South Africa

The North-West University (NWU) is firmly positioning itself as a globally engaged, innovative university committed to excellence and societal relevance. Prime examples of how the strategic priorities of the NWU align with the quest for globally relevant, sustainable solutions are the establishment and proposed establishment of three future-fit…

Study finds crop rotation boosts soil health

Farmers looking to improve soil health and crop yields may find a solution in crop rotation, according to a study by North-West University (NWU) researchers. The study, published in the International Microbiology Journal, reveals that the rotation of crops leads to a more diverse and beneficial microbial community in soil.

Researchers…

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation People are far more likely to protect what they can name South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not…

Digital lifeline: how a community newspaper keeps language alive

Can a digital platform save a language from fading away?

A recent study by Phenyo Mokgothu, a master's graduate and communication practitioner with the North-West University (NWU), has shown that digital community newspapers can indeed preserve language and culture, even in the shifting landscape of online media.

"Every issue is…

How to make young people part of the solution to tackling crime in communities

By Gofaone Motsamai

As South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of crime, a North-West University (NWU) researcher has highlighted the critical role young people can play in prevention efforts when supported and included in meaningful ways.

Dr Kgomotso Bosilong, a research support coordinator…

Call for climate-smart cattle breeding to promote food security

By Gofaone Motsamai

Heat stress is among the most urgent climate-related challenges affecting beef cattle productivity, requiring South African cattle breeders to adopt climate-smart strategies to bolster food security under changing environmental conditions.

“Heat stress is becoming a major threat to…

Researchers explore the environmental impact of HIV-ARVs on South Africa’s water systems

By: Gofaone Motsamai

NWU researchers have completed a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the environmental implications of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in South Africa’s water resources. The report, “Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources”, was submitted to the Water…

Indigenous agricultural practices promote food security

Although indigenous agricultural practices play a major role in enhancing food security in local communities, they are still undervalued, overlooked and regarded as old fashioned. A master’s student at the NWU is conducting research that could help to give indigenous agricultural practices a place in the sun.

Thato Hazel Seemise, a…

Albertina Sisulu Research Chair will continue to shine its light on nursing

In a nod to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) outstanding research abilities, the Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science has been upgraded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and will continue for another five years under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).

The SARChI extension followed a…

Research and Innovation Colloquium showcases NWU’s commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration

“To expand beautiful ideas of working together across disciplines.” These were the words of Professor Jeffrey Mpahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the North-West University (NWU), as he captured the essence of the university's Research and Innovation Colloquium that was held at Sun City from 02-04 March 2025.

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