Why hypertension in Africa demands a new approach

Hypertension is no longer only a concern for older people. It is affecting younger Africans, increasing the risk of kidney disease and heart complications, and demanding a shift from treatment to prevention. That was the central message delivered by Prof. Lebo Gafane-Matemane from the Faculty of Health Sciences during…

Testing the will of the people: the state-citizen confrontation in South Africa

Opinion piece by Dr Mabutho Shangase, senior lecturer in Political Studies and International Relations at the North-West University (NWU) 

The emergence of anti-illegal immigration movements such as Operation Dudula, and more recently, March and March, represents a…

Government must stop confusing paperwork with performance

The Governing Body Foundation national report on the administrative load of public-school principals should force a national conversation about the administrative burden placed on schools and public institutions.When did paperwork become more important than educating children? South Africa's principals are becoming administrators when they…

The forgotten cost of food production in South Africa

Opinion piece by Ella Mogashoa, a researcher in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU).

South Africans have become all too familiar with rising food prices. Every trip to the supermarket seems to confirm the same reality: the weekly grocery…

NWU researchers shine at 2026 BRICS Postgraduate Forum in Brazil

The North-West University (NWU) strengthened its international research profile through successful participation in the 2026 BRICS Postgraduate Forum, held from 9 to 11 June 2026 at the University of Campinas in Brazil.

The forum, convened by the BRICS Research Institute in…

Mothers need more support to breastfeed

Breastfeeding is a public good – so why are mothers carrying the cost alone? South Africa has the policies, but have we counted the cost for mothers to breastfeed? Breastfeeding shouldn't be a choice between feeding a baby and feeding a family.  We tell mothers to breastfeed, but do we make it possible?…

Young adults may show early signs of high blood pressure before symptoms appear

A young adult may feel healthy, exercise regularly and have no signs of illness, yet changes taking place inside the body could already be laying the foundation for future high blood pressure and heart disease.

This is one of the key findings of a North-West University (NWU) PhD…

NWU research explores new approach to snakebite treatment

Venomous snakebites affect thousands of people across Africa each year, but help can come too late if antivenom medication or expert assistance is unavailable. A team of researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is investigating whether medicines already used to treat other…

The degree and the broken promise of mobility

South Africa's higher education system continues to expand at a time when the economy into which it feeds remains largely unchanged. Universities are expected to serve as engines of social mobility, offering individuals a path out of poverty and into the middle class.

Professor leads landmark international book on the future of non-chicken poultry production

A new upcoming book by Prof. Caven Mguvane Mnisi as lead editor and fellow researchers is repositioning ostrich, quail, waterfowls and other non-chicken poultry at the centre of discussions about food security and sustainable farming systems.

Published by Elsevier, Non-chicken…