Research News

Alternative measures for discharging debt under the spotlight

Many South Africans drowning in debt could be thrown a potential lifeline following a study by North-West University (NWU) master’s degree graduate Paballo Mothibi into the discharging (cancelling) of the debts of those who have no income or assets. The topic of the study is “Alternative measures for the discharge of debts for over-indebted…

Why big game hunting in Botswana should open again

Numerous articles have recently been published on different online news platforms regarding the reopening of big game hunting in Botswana. Most of these articles try to put hunting in a bad light, or try to show that hunting does not contribute that much to the local economy of the country or region. Prof Peet van der Merwe from the North-West…

Moms and children behind bars have pros and cons

In South Africa, a woman can live with her child at a correctional facility while serving time for the crimes she has committed. This is permitted for the first two years of the child’s life and allows the mother and child to bond.

According to a study conducted by Belinda Ruzvidzo, a North-West University (NWU) LLM graduate, children…

How to build your research skills online

The thought of conducting research can be intimidating for young researchers. Confidence comes with knowing you have the skills and insight to do justice to any research project you tackle. These skills can now be acquired online, through the North-West University’s (NWU’s) newly approved online version of the short learning programme (SLP) in…

NWU’s McTronX is at the forefront of dynamic modelling and control of large-scale industrial systems

 The North-West University’s (NWU’s) McTronX research group has been at the forefront of dynamic modelling and the control of large scale industrial systems since 2003. Led by Prof George van Schoor, the group is multi-disciplinary and comprises four full-time staff members. These staff members include Prof Kenny Uren, who specialises in…

NWU researcher now member of African Academy of Sciences

A senior lecturer in the research focus area Human Metabolomics at the North-West University (NWU) was selected as an affiliate member of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) for the next five years.

Dr Rencia van der Sluis was selected from…

NWU honours excellence in community engagement

Thirteen academics from the North-West University (NWU) received recognition for their excellence in community engagement.

They were honoured during the NWU’s Excellence in Community Engagement (CE) Awards Ceremony that took place on 31 March.

The…

Hypertension: a problem among young people

No one escapes the silent killer.

High blood pressure is one of the major factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease and is often referred to as the “silent killer”.

It is clear from several studies conducted by the Hypertension in Africa…

Covid-19 and the fuelling of global individualism

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research focus area recently hosted a webinar by Prof Ian Goldin, a world-renowned researcher.

The title of the webinar was “The Covid-19 pandemic: From global crisis to a better world”, during which Prof Goldin talked about the necessity to think about life after Covid-19.

Whisper’s PhD research could help South African industry embrace digital transformation

Just as offices, shops, classrooms and lecture halls are embracing digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so must the manufacturing industry. Known as Industry 4.0 or I4.0, the transformation is essential for the sustainability of local manufacturing. This prompted a PhD Engineering student at the North-West University (…