Study develops health-promotion strategies for caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans

Caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS carry responsibilities that shape family stability and community support. A new study has produced health-promotion strategies to strengthen their ability to care and sustain their own well-being.

Led by Dr Boitumelo Joy Molato, a PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), the study…

NWU Research Paper featured in Institute of Physics collection

After long days of teaching English in South Korea, Marcel van der Westhuizen would often find himself pondering the biggest questions imaginable: How will the universe ultimately end? His persistence and curiosity have now paid off.

The Institute of Physics (IOP) has published a special collection of papers featuring the research paper…

Cannabis tourism raises interest In Mahikeng community – and Portugal

By Gofaone Motsamai

When tourism researcher Dr Jean Manaliyo began asking people in Mahikeng what they knew about cannabis tourism, many were curious about how it could shape their community and economy. That curiosity has now taken his research across borders.

The North-West University (NWU) researcher…

Researcher studies traditional plants for natural pest control

When farmers face pests that damage their crops, many turn to chemical sprays. They often do not realise that indigenous plant-based practices can protect crops naturally, and that pest-control solutions already exist within traditional farming knowledge.

The use of chemicals is one of the common ways of managing pests. However, these…

Doctoral candidate takes indigenous knowledge research to Berlin

In a rapidly warming world, Africa has much to teach about harnessing indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) for global health resilience and trauma risk reduction.

Diane Thelma Molokwa, a doctoral candidate at the IKS Centre on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, demonstrated this when she participated at the 7th…

Innovative research delivers eco-friendly, cost-effective feed solution for beef cattle

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to celebrate the recent graduation of Dr Nozipho Phila Gamedze, who received her PhD on 16 July 2025. Her research marks a significant contribution to both sustainable agriculture and nanotechnology, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary science rooted in African innovation.

Her thesis,…

Building bridges beyond graduation: research highlights power of relationship marketing in fostering loyal alumni

At a time when the role of higher-education institutions (HEIs) is increasingly tied to their relevance and impact in society, alumni have emerged as one of the most vital stakeholders in driving institutional success and community development.

Groundbreaking research by Dr Anna Maria Matthysen, titled “Relationship marketing as…

Recognising top achievers in academic mentorship programme

The Optentia research unit, in collaboration with the People and Culture department at the North-West University (NWU), recently honoured a group of exceptional academic mentors and mentees who completed the university’s flagship development programmes: Being a Successful Academic Mentor and Being a Successful Academic Mentee.

Between…

Indigenous languages bring meaning to health care messaging

By Gofaone Motsamai

When Perpetual Umeaku realised that many communities lacked access to health information in a language they could understand, she set out to challenge the status quo and started exploring indigenous languages in health communication.

This focus led her to win the Doctoral Poster…

Breaking barriers: Prof Suranie Horn on science, sustainability, and women in STEM

When a research paper leaps from the quiet world of academia into the glare of public debate, it is rarely accidental. For Prof Suranie Horn of the North-West University (NWU), that moment arrived when she and her colleagues revealed that HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs) such as lopinavir and efavirenz were not only saving lives but also seeping into…