Research News
NWU to host conference on social media, fake news and hate speech
The advent of social media has brought about the democratisation of communication. The public who has always been consumers of messages has now also become producers since social media is open to everyone who has a device, an account, and data or access to the internet.
…
NWU online colloquium shares the wonder of the Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the North-West University (NWU) hosted an online colloquium about its Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory (MAO) on 12 July 2021.
The title of the colloquium was “NWU Mahikeng Astronomical Observatory: science cases and usage…
NWU harnesses ozone technology as cost-effective Covid-19 combatant
The North-West University’s (NWU's) researchers and innovators are working towards solutions to effectively destroy viruses, bacteria and fungi, including the Coronavirus, on a large scale. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage, fast-working, low-cost disinfection solutions are essential in tackling the crisis. The NWU has taken up this…
Getting the Constitution to work for street traders
While the informal economy is lifting hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty, several municipal by-laws hinder the growth of their businesses, and – to some extent – allow for the violation of their rights. A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) believes a possible solution for the protection and development of this sector…
Tree plantations are harming ecosystems
Replacing native forests with tree plantations is harming the soil at a microbial level by having an impact on soil fertility and the health of the planet. This is one of the conclusions of North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola – who along with Dr Adenike Eunice Amoo – recently conducted ground-breaking research…
Optentia is top of the POPS
Positive organisational psychology (POP) is a fast-growing field, and the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research focus area is among the top 10 in the world for publications and citations in this field. What’s more, the top three POP researchers have had ties with Optentia, which stands for Enabling Optimal Expression of Individual,…
Using management technology to ensure the constitutional right to water
Intelligent water management technologies could be the answer to some of South Africa’s water challenges. This is the view of Nicolene Steyn, one of the youngest PhD students at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, who believes smart technologies could help ensure the right to water. Her study, a desktop-based investigation of…
There’s more to wind and solar power than electricity
In the past decade, renewable energy sources such as solar and wind have made some inroads in supplying “green” energy to the country’s power grid. To be self-sustainable with the use of renewable electricity, methods of energy storage are required, as solar and wind are naturally fluctuating and not constant sources of energy. This is one of…
Study shows 45% of young graduates consider themselves to be underemployed
After years of the proverbial blood, sweat and tears that go into studying, most graduates cannot wait to start their careers. With unemployment in South Africa as high as it is currently, getting your dream job is not always guaranteed. While many qualified graduates are able to find employment, some end up underemployed. Dr Precious Mncayi, a…
Liberal energy supply approach is good for investment
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement on 10 June about new rules of engagement on the energy front in South Africa is good for investment sentiment.
Prof Raymond Parsons, an economist from the Business School of the North-West University, says the more liberal approach to…