Newsroom - Potchefstroom Campus

Social interaction is essential for healthy childhood development

Parents often focus on academic achievement, but one of the most powerful influences on a child's development is something far simpler: meaningful social interaction. According to Linique Hanekom, a speech-language therapist at the Centre for Health & Human Performance in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), everyday interactions such as talking, playing and responding to children are fundamental to their language development, emotional wellbeing and ability to build healthy relationships.

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Madlanga Commission and IDAC testimony: Is SA witnessing the failure of leadership or the failure of its anti-corruption system?

The testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission on 29 July 2026 concerning the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), together with the resignation of its head, Adv. Andrea Johnson, should serve as a watershed moment in South Africa's fight against corruption. 

Opinion piece by Dr Nkosingiphile Mkhize, a senior lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Government Studies

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Mandela Day: Choose your legacy at the NWU

By Michelle Hammann

Mandela Day is an international annual celebration on 18 July to commemorate late president Nelson Mandela’s lasting legacy. People around the world are encouraged to make Mandela’s principles and values part of their lives. 

“It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build,” Nelson Mandela said.

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Conference places collaboration at the heart of research and societal impact

For many who grew up in the 1990s, Captain Planet was the environmental superhero who could only be summoned when five young Planeteers united the powers of earth, fire, wind, water and heart. 

It was this familiar image that Prof. Habib Noorbhai, deputy dean for research, innovation, community engagement and postgraduate studies in the Faculty of Health Sciences, used to describe the Faculty of Health Community Engagement Champions and delegates at the African Community-Led Knowledge Co-Creation Conference. 

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Legal scholar explores new approach to municipal service delivery

As South Africa prepares for local government elections later this year, questions around the future of municipalities, public participation and service delivery remain central to national discussions. Research by North-West University (NWU) Faculty of Law lecturer Dr Krisdan Bezuidenhout offers a legal framework aimed at strengthening collaboration between municipalities and the communities they serve.

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Soil Science students fly the South African flag on the global stage

Soil Science students from the North-West University (NWU) proved that excellence goes beyond rankings when they represented South Africa at a recent international soil judging competition, competing against some of the top young soil scientists in the world.

Facing a field of 18 international teams and 72 students from across the globe, the South African team secured 11th place overall, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. 

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NWU Eagles set to fly with new professional contracts

The North-West University (NWU) Rugby Institute has been the breeding ground for some of the most talented rugby players in the country – this is no exception in 2026.

Six Varsity Cup stars of the NWU Eagles have signed professional contracts with South African rugby unions. They are Matthew Fortuin (Sharks), Jaco du Toit (Sharks), Stephan Krugel (Pumas), Jordan McLoughlin (Pumas), Sean Roulston (SWD) and Ricardo Fourie (Leopards).

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How NWU experts can help you: Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month

By Michelle Hammann

Men who are struggling with their mental health seek treatment less often than women. This is in part due to the ongoing stigma against men who ask for mental health support. At the North-West University (NWU), Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in June is centred around making male students and staff aware of how they can ask for support and whom they can approach.

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