Poor pass rates: Don't blame mathematics

Why is mathematics being singled out as the main culprit for poor pass rates? This is the question asked by Prof Robert Balfour, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching-Learning, at the North-West University (NWU), after the Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced proposed changes to the passing requirements for Grades 7 to 9,…

NWU takes aim at “future nuclear”

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering hosted the South African Network for Nuclear Education, Science and Technology (SAN – NEST) workshop on “Future Nuclear” research and knowledge creation, also known as “Green Frontiers” on 3 July 2017.

The workshop aimed to bring together stakeholders in…

NWU and SUNfarming scoop international award

"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." These words of famous basketball star, Michael Jordan, rang true when the North-West University (NWU), together with SUNfarming, a solar energy company, came out tops at the recent Intersolar Awards that were held in Europe.

The Intersolar AWARD is presented each…

Schutte and Saayman new ‘Oscar’ winners

The North-West University (NWU) is immensely proud of its two new Science Oscar winners, Profs Alta Schutte and Melville Saayman.These two esteemed researchers were recognised by the National Science and Technology’s (NSTF) for their contributions to their respective fields at a gala dinner in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

The…

NWU to host South African Sociological Association Congress

The Sociology Department on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng will host the 24th annual South African Sociological Association (SASA) Congress from 2 to 5 July 2017. The theme of the congress is ”#WHATMUSTRISE: Critical sociological reflections on contemporary protest movements“.

The purpose of SASA is to…

Freedom not free for Britain as SA awaits Brexit

The sun may not be setting on the British Empire, but the island nation will be shrouded beneath stormy clouds for the foreseeable future. Negotiations for Britain to leave the European Union commenced last week in Brussels and it is evident that two years of turmoil awaits a once proud empire that now face the prospect of being the derided…

Master’s research on oyster mushrooms makes student cream of the crop

North-West University (NWU) PhD student, Sidwell Sihlangu, has been awarded a prize worth R20 000 for the best-researched journal in scientific innovation at the Provincial Youth in Agriculture Awards for his master’s research on cultivating oyster mushrooms in the arid climate of Mahikeng.

The awards ceremony was hosted by the North…

Food and feed for thought at 6th ExtruAfrica event

Extrusion, a high-pressure cooking process, has revolutionised the food, feed, plastic and powder paint industries, among many others. Small wonder, then, that the annual ExtruAfrica conference, training seminar and exhibition is such an eagerly anticipated event for manufacturers from South Africa and other African countries.

The…

Four NWU researchers in running for Science Oscars

Four scientists of the North-West University (NWU) are finalists in the National Science and Technology’s (NSTF) prestigious science awards, also known as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa.

Prof Louis du Preez (zoology), Prof Alta Schutte (cardiovascular physiology), Prof Melville Saayman (tourism) and Prof Linda Godfrey (waste…

NWU hosts its second Autism symposium

Autism affects one in 68 children, and the earlier it is diagnosed, the more effectively it can be managed. The Institute for Psychology and Wellbeing at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Potchefstroom is helping to raise awareness by hosting its second Autism Symposium. It will be held at the Dawie du Plessis Lecture Hall on 29…