Research News

Researchers find ‘spiral arms’ around massive stars

Researchers have found an important piece of the puzzle in the formation of massive stars, also known as protons (stars with a mass that is about eight times or more greater than that of the sun). In the first-ever observational evidence, they have determined that accretion discs around forming protostars have spiral arm structures.

ILMA research unit engages on African language media development

The Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research unit of the North-West University (NWU) wants to find out why businesses in African language media are unstable, and what can be done about it.

The research unit hosted an event on 23 February 2023 to engage with relevant stakeholders to discuss the survival, management and…

New book uncovers age inclusive ICT use for service delivery

by the Optentia research unit

A book was recently published under the editorial leadership of researchers from Optentia Research Unit on the Vanderbijlpark Campus. The team lead by Profs. Vera Roos and Jaco Hoffman from the sub-programme Ageing and Generational Dynamics in Africa (AGenDA), included researchers…

WaterNet symposium a great success

Water is an essential component of life on earth, and without it we cannot survive. However, the sad reality is that we take this resource for granted, and much more should be done to conserve it.

The North-West University (NWU) played its part by being the primary host of the 23rd WaterNet WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium that took place at Sun…

Parents differ from learners and teachers in their views on corporal punishment in schools

It is clear that something needs to be done about discipline in schools, but reintroducing corporal punishment, even on a limited scale, is probably not the answer.

This is one of the findings of a study by Dr Noorullah Shaikhnag, senior lecturer and deputy director at the School of Psycho-Social Education of the North-West University (…

Researcher points the way to enhancing academic integrity

The academic world can easily be infiltrated by dishonesty and plagiarism, especially in trying times such as the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Good academic practice is essential for lecturers and students. 

Prof Anné Verhoef, director of the School of Philosophy at the North-West University (NWU), is an avid campaigner for…

Bank failures in Zimbabwe are due to poor regulatory supervision

The rampant failure of banks in Zimbabwe in the past 20 years has now been explained: a major reason is inadequate supervision of banking institutions by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) and other regulatory bodies.

This is according to the doctoral study of Menelisi Ncube, who recently graduated from the North-West University (NWU)…

NWU academic reflects on her B2 NRF rating

To be compelled to pursue research and to be grateful. These sentiments are what Prof Susan Coetzee-Van Rooy, research professor at the North-West University (NWU), values when she reflects on receiving her B2 National Research Foundation (NRF) rating in 2022.

Prof Coetzee-Van Rooy is an NWU-grown B-rated scholar in languages –…

Using the law to advance justice and sustainability

When it comes to seeking innovative solutions to the social and environmental challenges faced by South Africa, the Research Unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability from the North-West University (NWU) is at the forefront.

“The research unit utilises law to find innovative juridical solutions to advance justice and sustainability in…

NWU’s flagship research projects are contributing to SA’s future

The North-West University (NWU) is at the cutting-edge of research that seeks to embed community engagement and contribute meaningfully to people’s lives locally, continentally, and globally.

Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation, is under no illusion about the intricacies involved in research and…