Research News

Early childhood development rises from the (tr)ash

It is a fact that many children find themselves in barren school classes and playgrounds because their parents, educators and caregivers are often unaware of the importance of providing opportunities for purposeful play in the early years.

Fortunately, researchers from the North-West University (NWU) are joining forces with…

Quality steers NWU to ranking excellence

The quality subject offerings in the fields of atmospheric science, clinical medicine, education, hospitality and tourism management, and public health at the North-West University (NWU) have elevated the university in global rankings. It is also a great achievement for the NWU to be ranked first in the region for mathematics.

Putting edible insects on the menu

While many people cringe at the thought of consuming bugs, entomophagy – the term for eating insects – has been practised for hundreds of years in South Africa.

In the North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, flying ants, grasshoppers, mopane worms, African metallic wood-boring beetles and edible stinkbugs are delicacies.

However…

The plastic problem: NWU researchers highlight major data gaps

Our oceans are choking on plastic debris. In fact, marine plastic debris is one of the most pressing environmental concerns facing the world today, with devastating effects for both humans and the environment.

But just how big a culprit is South Africa?

Prof Henk Bouwman, from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of…

Insights into debt relief measures for low-income earners

 Debt relief is important in the current credit-driven South African society where consumers live off credit for their day-to-day needs.

North-West University (NWU) LLD candidate and temporary lecturer Phemelo Magau examined debt relief measures for low-income earners during his LLM degree research.

In his dissertation titled…

NWU takes on pandemic on many fronts

The disruptive Covid-19 pandemic has not sidetracked the North-West University’s (NWU’s) researchers and academics from using their expertise to the benefit of society.

NWU staff and students have been involved in various pandemic-related projects. These range from involvement in communities to finding workable solutions in the fight…

Breastfeeding is best

It has been proven conclusively that exclusively breastfeeding a baby for the first six months has numerous long-term health benefits for a child. However, a large number of South African women are not doing this.

Chantell Witten, who recently completed her PhD at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre of Excellence for Nutrition…

NWU academic tackles youth unemployment

As statistics for youth unemployment in South Africa continue to rise, a North-West University (NWU) academic is at the forefront of seeking solutions to the crisis.

Dr Celestin Mayombe from the School of Professional Studies in Education recently published a research paper titled: “Needs assessment for vocational skills training for…

NWU continues to shine in rankings

The North-West University (NWU) continues its good run in international rankings. The university has now also been ranked among the best 101 to 150 universities out of more than 350 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings.

This is the first time the NWU appears in this particular ranking, which…

How the pandemic is affecting children’s health

South African children will miss two or more months of school this year due to the lockdown, and are therefore missing out on school sport, while other physical activities are also limited to a large extent. This inactivity, coupled with eating patterns linked to life under lockdown, could have unwelcome effects on children’s health.