To shine a spotlight on the widespread issues of fraud, the North-West University (NWU) Internal Audit Department hosted a robust awareness campaign in accordance with the celebration of International Fraud Awareness Week.

Esteemed speakers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) – Klerksdorp (the Hawks) and Nexus Forensic delivered insights into fraud prevention and investigation to the NWU community – emphasising the need for ethical behaviour.

Dineo Mdingane has always believed in the power of community and the importance of lending a helping hand to those in need. As the managing director of Bafenyi Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting people in difficult circumstances through ministry and practical support, she has turned her passion into action.

One of the trust's most impactful initiatives is a soup kitchen in Promosa in Potchefstroom.

Prof Helgard Raubenheimer, director of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a presentation demonstrating his expertise to the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Science (NITheCS) community.

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions.

World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November, is a global awareness day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of preterm birth and the impact it has on families and communities worldwide.

Every year, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation), making preterm birth a leading cause of death in children under five years old. World Prematurity Day aims to highlight the urgent need for action to reduce preterm birth rates and improve care for preterm infants.

The global impact of preterm birth

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU) is intensifying its efforts to support the higher education sector in advancing the implementation of the Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions.

Two Potchefstroom secondary schools are reaping the benefits of an initiative of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Theology aimed at improving study methods and motivating learners.

According to Prof Fazel Ebrihiam Freeks, project leader, there has been a definite improvement in the pass rates of Grade 12 learners at Promosa Secondary School and Potchefstroom Secondary School.

It is good news for business and consumers that the repo rate was unanimously reduced by 25 basis points (bps) on 21 November.

In commenting on the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) statement to again reduce the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps), Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says it was widely anticipated that the MPC would continue its cautious stance on easing monetary policy.

Medical experts agree smoking is a health hazard, but many smokers choose to justify this habit by highlighting the calming and socialising effects they believe it may have. Some smokers of plants such as dagga also point to the medical benefits some studies have shown.

A new NWU study is challenging smokers’ perceptions and justifications by looking at the possible detrimental effect the habit may have on the effectiveness of chronic medication.

The consumption of pork meat products is increasing due to its affordability, versatility and high protein content.

A North-West University (NWU) research project from the Consumer Sciences subject group in the School of Applied Health Sciences, is focusing on food product cues (sensory and non-sensory attributes) that influence consumers’ food choices. Prof Annchen Mielmann is now looking into the cues of pork meat because of its increased popularity among consumers.