Newsroom - Potchefstroom Campus

Teacher education project launches in Italy

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:23:32 +0000

Teacher education project launches in Italy

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 06/20/2025 - 13:23

Florence, the Italian city made famous by Renaissance artists such as Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, is also a modern-day hub for leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

In May this year, the city ushered in a new phase in STEM teacher education as global partners gathered to launch the Erasmus+ Capacity Building project, aimed at transforming how future teachers learn and teach.

Funded by the European Union, the project is led by the North-West University (NWU) under the coordination of Prof Dorothy Laubscher, holder of the UNESCO Chair in Multimodal Learning and Educational Resources. The project’s full title is “Transforming STEM teacher education in South Africa through self-directed open educational Practices (Ted-SOEP)”.

The project’s first in-person transnational meeting on 22 and 23 May 2025 brought together STEM education specialists from institutions in South Africa and Europe.

“Our goal is to support lecturers and students by developing sustainable, open learning environments that empower all participants in the education system,” said Prof Laubscher.

Seven universities join forces

South African universities involved in the project include the NWU, UNISA, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand and Sol Plaatje University. European institutions are Pixel International Education and Training Institution based in Florence and the University of Florence in Italy, along with the Instituto Politécnico de Bragança in Portugal.

The meeting in Florence focused on developing a training package aimed at integrating open educational resources (OERs), open educational practices (OEPs) and self-directed learning into STEM teacher education. The agenda included planning national workshops and reviewing strategies for embedding open practices into existing curricula.

“Building a shared understanding of how to implement open educational approaches and self-directed learning was a central outcome of our discussions,” Prof Laubscher said.

Following the meeting, the University of Florence hosted a workshop from 26 to 30 May 2025. The workshop was held at Il Fuligno, a historical complex in the Florence city centre. This served as the site for practical sessions, academic dialogue and collaborative learning.

According to Prof Laubscher, these sessions help contextualise educational practices for local environments. “The collaboration makes real change possible.”

The workshop included contributions from various renowned academics from the University of Florence, including Prof Maria Ranieri and Prof Luigi Barletti. The workshops covered best practices, capacity-building and context-sensitive approaches to implementing OEPs and OERs in teacher training.

NWU participants in the Florence events included Prof Laubscher, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, Dr Annalie Roux, Dr Judicial Sebatana and Dr Sukie van Zyl. Other NWU team members involved in the broader project include Prof Chanelle Bosch, Dr Donnavan Kruger, Prof Neal Petersen and Dr Gordon Sekano.

“The project strengthens our collaborative networks and supports transformation in education,” said Prof Laubscher. “We are building something that can have lasting value.”

For more information visit the Ted-SOEP project website: www.tedsoep.org.

The NWU team that attended the transnational workshop in Florence: from left are Dr Annalie Roux, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, Prof Dorothy Laubscher, Dr Judicial Sebatana, and Dr Sukie van Zyl.

Singing your way to well-being and growth

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:36:48 +0000

Singing your way to well-being and growth

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 06/19/2025 - 07:36

Music’s power to heal, inspire and connect took centre stage during the inaugural lecture of Prof Conroy Cupido, director of the School of Music at the North-West University (NWU).

Hosted by the Faculty of Humanities at the Potchefstroom Campus on 12 June, the lecture explored the intersection of music, emotion and positive psychology.

Drawing on research and personal experience, Prof Cupido reflected on how singing supports emotional well-being, flourishing, personal growth and meaningful teaching. “Music offers us more than sound; it provides a space for reflection, connection and growth,” he said. “It allows us to understand ourselves and others through a different lens.”

The event featured live performances by students and staff from the NWU’s School of Music, blending scholarly insight with artistic expression.

The lecture positioned musical engagement as a catalyst for human flourishing, an idea grounded in Prof Cupido’s academic and professional career. “Flourishing is not a luxury, it’s an essential part of education and life,” he said.

Prof Cupido, who holds the first doctorate in vocal performance awarded to a South African, recently completed a Master of Arts in positive psychology at the NWU. His research focuses on music, well-being and the emotional dimensions of teaching and learning.

He also serves as president of the South African Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and is a board member of Cape Town Opera.

Prof Conroy Cupido.

Exploring new paths in tackling the big three infectious diseases

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 12:57:50 +0000

Exploring new paths in tackling the big three infectious diseases

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/17/2025 - 14:57

Just a few drops of oil and water may be enough to change how the world treats tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/Aids – the “big three infectious diseases”, also known as BTIDs.

This was the central message delivered by Prof Joe Viljoen during her inaugural lecture at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus on 13 June 2025.

Prof Viljoen, from the Faculty of Health Sciences, presented her work under the title “Combating the BTIDs using innovative self-emulsification drug delivery systems”. Her lecture focused on how self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) can improve treatment for TB, malaria and HIV/Aids.

“These diseases are mostly treated with drugs that are highly lipophilic (water insoluble),” explained Prof Viljoen. “That makes them difficult to absorb, especially for patients who are malnourished and unable to take the high-fatty meals required for proper drug uptake.”

Harnessing the body’s natural movement

SEDDSs are oil-based formulations combined with surfactants and co-surfactants. Once swallowed or applied to the skin, they mix with the body’s fluids and form fine emulsions without the need for external mixing equipment.

“With just the body’s natural movement, for example, peristalsis in the stomach, SEDDSs form into very small droplets that help drugs dissolve and be absorbed more effectively,” she said.

These delivery systems further improve bioavailability by enabling drugs to bypass the liver’s first-pass metabolism through lymphatic transport. For skin-based applications, Prof Viljoen explained the importance of choosing oils that help the drug pass through the skin where water is limited.

“We have to carefully balance the oily and water-loving components. Natural oils are key, as they help the drug penetrate the skin barrier and are better accepted by consumers due to being viewed as safer.”

Challenges in developing SEDDSs include selecting the correct ingredients, ensuring stability and controlling droplet size to regulate drug release. Tools such as pseudoternary phase diagrams help design fixed-dose combinations, especially where drugs have different solubility characteristics.

“These systems are scalable, stable and can be produced at relatively low cost,” said Prof Viljoen. “They could make a significant difference in the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in low-resource settings.”

The lecture concluded with a call for interdisciplinary efforts to advance the development of SEDDS-based therapies.

Prof Joe Viljoen.

NWU law student selected for national Siyaphumelela Scholars programme

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 08:15:28 +0000

NWU law student selected for national Siyaphumelela Scholars programme

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/17/2025 - 10:15

A final-year law student at North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus has been chosen for the 2025 Siyaphumelela Scholars programme, a national initiative focused on student success and leadership in higher education.

Musa Bizani and four other students from the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of the Witwatersrand and University of the Western Cape will attend the Siyaphumelela Conference at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Fourways, Johannesburg, from 8 to 11 July 2025.

“This programme aligns with the kind of leadership and communication skills I’ve been working to refine as a student leader and aspiring legal practitioner,” says Bizani. “It’s also a space where I can help represent the NWU student voice in national conversations about student success.”

Coming from a previously underrepresented background, he aims to show how a combination of institutional support and student activism can lead to academic progress and institutional transformation.

“I want to share how holistic engagement through leadership, mentorship and community involvement has shaped my university experience,” he says. “It’s not just about helping students survive university but about building systems where they are empowered to thrive.”

The Siyaphumelela Scholars programme is an experiential learning initiative aimed at developing leadership, higher-order thinking, and interpersonal communication. Through the programme, Bizani hopes to strengthen his ability to advocate for social justice and prepare for his intended LLM studies next year.

“The ability to communicate clearly and with purpose is essential in both legal and academic environments,” he says. “This programme is a tool that will help me become more effective in those spaces.”

If selected by the Achieving the Dream (ATD) panel, Bizani could also participate in the DREAM Scholars programme and represent South Africa at the DREAM 2026 conference in Portland, Oregon in the USA, from 2 to 6 March 2026.

Musa Bizani will represent the university at the 2025 Siyaphumelela Conference in Johannesburg as part of the Siyaphumelela Scholars programme.

First Aid for School Teachers training: a community engagement initiative

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:47:40 +0000

First Aid for School Teachers training: a community engagement initiative BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/13/2025 - 12:47

The School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) is making significant strides in community engagement, bringing life-saving skills to primary school teachers in and around Potchefstroom. Their First Aid for School Teachers (FAST) initiative is a registered community engagement project that started with great enthusiasm this year. Aligning with the Community Engagement Policy of the NWU, the FAST team’s mission is to empower primary school teachers by equipping them with essential first aid skills, including the ability to treat common injuries and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

The FAST team, consisting of Dr Khumo Shopo, Ms Jacky Goosen, Ms Johandi Neethling, Ms Stephani Botha and Ms Johanna Ditefo, kicked off the project in February and March 2025 with a successful training session at President Pretorius Primary School, where 22 teachers received first aid training. This training, organised in collaboration with Mr JJ Viljoen, was so well received that another session will be held later in the year.

The initiative continued to grow, with a second session held on 5 June 2025, in which 16 teachers from other schools in Potchefstroom participated. The event, coordinated in partnership with Ms D Sengati, the SADTU branch secretary, aimed to ensure that teachers from a variety of schools across the region were trained. Schools that participated included the Technical High School Potchefstroom, Boitshoko High School, Bright Beginnings Potchefstroom, Promosa Primary, BM Choabi Potchefstroom, Mohadin Primary School, Botoka Technical School, Boitirelo Primary School, Nanogang Primary School, Tshepo Primary School, Potchefstroom High School for Boys, Potchefstroom Secondary School, Promosa Secondary School, and Buffelsvlei Intermediate School.

Feedback from the teachers has been overwhelmingly positive. Many reported that the FAST training significantly boosted their confidence in handling minor emergencies. They said they felt more prepared, empowered and capable of ensuring the safety of learners in the event of an emergency.

Looking ahead, the FAST team is eager to develop the programme further and continue enhancing the safety and well-being of schools in the region. By providing teachers with the tools they need to handle emergencies, the team is creating a lasting impact on the school community.

First Aid for School Teachers training at the President Pretorius Primary School.

The FAST initiative covers a range of medical emergencies, including sprains, choking, CPR and more.

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 May 2025 12:33:09 +0000

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/12/2025 - 14:33

They might be small and largely inconspicuous, but ants are becoming big business for a growing market of enthusiasts. In April, Kenyan authorities intercepted two Belgian teenagers, a Vietnamese national, and a local accomplice as they attempted to smuggle 5 400 live queen ants out of the country.

Their illicit cargo, consisting mainly of the Messor cephalotes species, was carefully packed into over 2 200 modified test tubes and syringes, all designed to keep the ants alive during their journey to European terrariums. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) estimated the collection’s local value at approximately 1.2 million Kenyan shillings, though European collectors might have paid as much as one million US dollars for the entire haul – a clear indication that the ant trade is becoming a lucrative target for smugglers.

This marks another troubling shift in the world of wildlife crime. According to Prof Henk Bouwman from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, such trafficking poses a significant threat to local ecosystems unprepared for the arrival of foreign species.

“The smuggling of ants, it is not a good thing. The smuggling of any animal to places where they don’t occur naturally is quite troublesome. Ants are a fantastic group of animals to study and to look at. There are 12 000 to 15 000 known species, and we estimate that there might be more than double that. They're really, really incredible. They occur in almost any habitat, from deep underground to right at the top of trees in rainforest. Those in rainforest, for instance, are so well adapted that if they fall out of the tree, they can actually steer themselves back towards a trunk of the tree and don't fall all the way down to the ground, so they don't have to climb back up. So, this illustrates the adaptability of ants to different conditions. When they end up in places where there's no resistance from plants or animals to these ants - which is not their fault, of course - then it can have tremendous consequences for the ecology and even economy of that region. And it is really, really bad to have people doing this kind of thing,” he explains.

As traditional smuggling targets like elephants and rhinos come under increased protection, traffickers are turning their attention to smaller, less conspicuous species. For conservationists, this is a stark reminder that preserving Africa’s natural heritage must include not only its largest residents but also its smallest.

Click here to listen to Prof Bouwman discussing ant trafficking.

Prof Henk Bouwman

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:37:22 +0000

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/30/2025 - 08:37

Opportunities for international research experience are one of the many benefits of the newly expanded research and teaching partnership between the North-West University (NWU) and Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

The two universities, who have had an engineering collaboration for over two decades, have deepened their partnership following a three-week visit by HSZG’s Prof Frank Worlitz to the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus in April this year.

The visit was part of the NWU’s drive to advance its global academic agenda and strengthen ties with high-calibre partners such as HSZG.

This collaboration began in 2004 between the NWU’s Prof George van Schoor of the Faculty of Engineering and Prof Worlitz, and focuses on engineering research, academic exchange and postgraduate training.

Enabling investment in human capital

Prof van Schoor says the relationship has produced measurable results over the years. “We have seen this partnership move from joint research to real investment in human capital. Several students who participated in the exchange, now hold prominent academic and industry positions.”

During the South African visit, the NWU and HSZG colleagues discussed curriculum development and research priorities. A key focus was energy-based fault detection in large-scale industrial systems, a field that holds industrial relevance in terms of system reliability and energy efficiency.

Prof Worlitz’s engagements included workshops with teaching staff in the Mechatronics programme on topics ranging from pedagogical approaches to assessment methods.

The sessions also covered the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in engineering education. “We are exploring how staff and students could be educated in the responsible use of AI,” says Prof van Schoor.

A session was also held with current and prospective postgraduate students to outline the available support structures for international research exchanges.

International research experience for students

“Our goal is to prepare students not only with technical knowledge, but with international research experience,” says Prof van Schoor.

As part of future planning, Prof Worlitz has proposed a new international degree programme at HSZG in automation and robotics. The programme would feature modules on AI applications and specialisations in fields such as building automation and systems management.

The partnership has also contributed to the design of a new HSZG module, “Introduction to AI applications for engineers”, based on discussions held during the visit.

The two universities plan to expand their joint initiatives through new research projects, mobility funding proposals and academic exchange programmes.

“We don’t see this as a short-term academic exercise,” says Prof van Schoor. “We are building a long-term model for shared knowledge creation.”

From left are Prof Kenny Uren, Prof Andre Grobler, Prof Frank Worlitz, Dr Henri Neser and Piet van Huyssteen in front of the Mechatronics Laboratory.

New study explores future biology teachers’ views on AI in the classroom across two continents

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:56:32 +0000

New study explores future biology teachers’ views on AI in the classroom across two continents

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 04/25/2025 - 06:56

A new international study is shedding light on how future biology teachers from South Africa and Indonesia perceive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, and what they believe is needed to make it work effectively.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the North-West University (NWU), led the comparative study. It focused on the perceived benefits of AI in biology education and teachers’ self-reported Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK).

“There is growing interest in how AI can be used in classrooms, but we found that teachers still need support to understand how to use it effectively,” says Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo.

The international research team included:

· Prof Lindelani Mnguni – University of Pretoria

· Prof Prasart Nuangchalerm – Mahasarakham University, Thailand

· Dr R Ahmad Zaky El Islami – Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Indonesia

· Dr Doras Sibanda – University of KwaZulu-Natal

· Dr Indah Juwita Sari – Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa, Indonesia

The study surveyed 113 participants, 62 from South Africa and 51 from Indonesia, via an online questionnaire. Results revealed that Indonesian participants reported higher levels of technological knowledge and technological pedagogical knowledge. Despite this, both groups expressed similarly strong views on the benefits of integrating AI into biology teaching.

“AI was generally seen as useful for collaboration and for helping students engage with the content, but without the right training, these benefits may not be fully realised,” says Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo.

A key finding was that among Indonesian pre-service teachers, higher technological knowledge was significantly associated with stronger beliefs in AI’s educational value, particularly in promoting peer collaboration.

“This suggests that when future teachers feel confident in their tech skills, they are more likely to see value in using AI,” she adds.

The study also highlights ongoing gaps in teacher preparation and emphasises the need for improved training and equitable access to technological tools in teacher education.

“We need to think about how institutions support pre-service teachers,” says Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo. “If we want classrooms to benefit from AI, we have to start by equipping the teachers.”

This research contributes meaningfully to the global discourse on AI in education by identifying the conditions necessary for its successful integration in schools.

Future biology teachers from South Africa and Indonesia weigh in on the promise and challenges of integrating AI into classrooms, highlighting the need for better training and support.

Grade 10 SETH learners explore occupational hygiene hands-on at the NWU

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 13:45:59 +0000

Grade 10 SETH learners explore occupational hygiene hands-on at the NWU BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/24/2025 - 15:45

On 10 April 2025, a group of Grade 10 learners from the SETH Academy at Hoërskool Ferdinand Postma visited the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) for an exciting hands-on experience in occupational hygiene. The session, hosted by the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI), gave the learners the chance to see first-hand how occupational hygienists play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy work environment.

The learners were guided through a series of experiments in which they used specialised instruments to test everyday items for lead and nickel content. The hands-on activities sparked their curiosity and provided a unique opportunity to see the science they have been learning about in action. The experience gave them an in-depth understanding of how the environment in workplaces – from offices to factories – can directly impact health. The session was educational, but fun and engaging. It is a fantastic example of how experiential learning can inspire young minds to pursue careers that make a real difference in the world.

“The learners really enjoyed the session and found it very insightful,” said a representative from the SETH programme. “We appreciate the continuous collaboration with the NWU, and the efforts by Ms Ansulé Engelbrecht and Mr Clyde Uren were invaluable in making this session such a success.”

The NWU Faculty of Health Sciences and OHHRI value these kinds of engagements with schools and communities. There is a need for real-world learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By offering such opportunities, the NWU hopes to raise a next generation of professionals who will be more than equipped to tackle harsh realities and real challenges in the health and safety sectors.

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:30:39 +0000

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/24/2025 - 08:30

By Gofaone Motsamai

While the release of weevils into the hyacinth-infested waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome development, these insects alone cannot be expected to permanently solve the dam’s pollution problem.

“The use of weevils must be part of an integrated plan to resolve the issue,” says Prof Wynand Malherbe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

“They can help treat the symptoms of the problem, but they won’t address the root cause – which is nutrient-rich inflows and poor water quality in the catchments of Hartebeesport Dam.”

Prof Malherbe, commenting on the recent release of a weevil biotype – a small beetle species used in biological control – into the dam, says weevils can help combat the rapid spread of water hyacinth, but that reinvasion will reoccur if the underlying causes are not addressed.

On the one hand, the use of weevils is part of a scientifically backed method of restoring ecological balance without the use of chemicals, he says, noting that research from the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University has shown limited risk to the ecosystem.

On the other hand, biological control of this kind is not without its challenges.

“These weevils are unable to survive the region’s cold winters, which naturally limits their population and prevents uncontrolled spread,” Prof Malherbe says. “They also take time to become effective, and their performance is affected by environmental conditions such as water quality, temperature and pollution, making outcomes difficult to predict from year to year.”

He says biological control works best when combined with mechanical removal and, in some cases, the use of selective herbicides. “It is a very effective method to control water hyacinth in the long run, but it will never fully eradicate the problem.”

Ongoing management and coordination are essential, he adds. “Water hyacinth will return in the new season, so continuous efforts and monitoring are essential. Without proper oversight, there’s also a small risk that the biological agents could impact indigenous systems, especially if mismanaged.”

Prof Wynand Malherbe.