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…

Our own verified expert on Metafact.io

Prof Cornelie Nienaber-Rousseau is considered by Metafact, an online platform with a quest to dig into scientific information to deliver only verified facts to their audience, to be a verified expert. Their mission is to connect people with trusted evidence on questions that impact their lives, societies and the world around them. Cornelie has…

University collaboration reaches promising Covid-19 vaccine results

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the North-West University (NWU) jointly announced "very promising first results" from preclinical trials on a new Covid-19 vaccine candidate on Tuesday, 8 June. 

The WSU Medical School has a rich history of producing quality medical doctors and nurses for the South African and international health…

The future of the NWU Business School – Project Proton

Prof Jan van Romburgh nourished, planned and pondered over his vision for the NWU Business School for the next five years. He recently shared this vision in the form of a fresh and innovative metaphor – namely Project Proton. He invited all his colleagues, the advisory board, and other important figures from the NWU…

Protecting our children

According to the South African Crimes Statistics, there were 943 murders and 24 000 sexual offences against children from April 2019 until March 2020. Although these statistics are slightly lower than the previous year, the data still leaves a lot to be desired.

In light of national…