Newsroom - Potchefstroom Campus

Alumnus nominated for film and television awards

by  Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) alumnus and acclaimed South African filmmaker Stefan Enslin has been nominated for two South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS).

His film War Dogs and I, which tells the gripping story of Kobus Olivier who refused to leave his four dogs behind as war broke out in Ukraine, has been nominated for Best Documentary Feature, while the inspirational Against All Odds: The Alwyn Uys Story, has been nominated for Best Achievement in Cinematography – Documentary.

Submitted on Fri, 09/29/2023 - 13:41

ESKOM Science Expo: Nurturing young innovators

The ESKOM Science Expo is a regional contest proudly sponsored by the North-West University's (NWU's) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and the Department of Education. The Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality recently played home to this year's event, which was held in the Weet and Sweet Hall on the NWU's Potchefstroom Campus.

This annual event serves as a platform for young scientists from primary and secondary schools to present their innovative research in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Submitted on Fri, 09/29/2023 - 08:34

Prof Beiter puts academic freedom violations under the spotlight

by  Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) academic from the Faculty of Law, Prof Klaus Beiter recently presented a talk at the Annual Association of Human Rights Institutes (AHRI) Network Conference in Bilbao, Spain.

The theme of this year’s conference was “Human rights defenders under siege”.

Prof Beiter says human rights defenders are people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights in a peaceful manner, often risking their lives or livelihoods.

Submitted on Fri, 09/29/2023 - 08:22

This is why Cape Town is ruling the tourism roost

  • Ensuring tourists feel safe – and are safe – plays an integral role in ensuring Cape Town and the Western Cape’s success as a tourist destination.
  • Other cities and regions would be wise to follow Cape Town and the Western Cape’s tourism blueprint.
  • Local governments and tourism authorities should work with the private sector as a thriving tourism sector not only creates jobs, but has numerous nature conservation advantages.

Safety, proactive cooperation between various role players, accessibility and, again, safety.

Submitted on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 14:05

A generous gesture - clothing donation drive benefits Potchefstroom communities

The Community and Stakeholder Engagement Office of the Student Campus Council (SCC) on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted its annual Barefoot Day.

The purpose of this event is to donate clothing and shoes to various projects, schools, children’s homes and non-profit and non-governmental organisations.

Keeping up with tradition, students tackle their daily routines without shoes on Barefoot Day, and this year a clothing race and fashion show added even more fun

Submitted on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:10

Engineers on track to take local innovations to Cybathlon in Switzerland

Zürich 2024, here we come, complete with a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg and wheelchair.

Headed by the formidable North-West University (NWU) team of Prof André Grobler and Ian Thomson from the Faculty of Engineering and Dr Mark Kramer from Health Sciences, the innovators are preparing to take the fruits of their research and designs in digital health to the international stage.

They will be competing at the 2024 Cybathlon competition* in Switzerland. This competition, in the form of a gruelling race, will take place in Kloten near Zürich in October next year.

Submitted on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:38

NWU supports a day of fun and exercise for all ages

Members of the Ikageng community and representatives of the North-West University (NWU) took part in the Ikageng fun run on the overcast Saturday morning of 23 September.

The primary goal of the event was to bring together diverse communities, including people of all races, genders and those who have special needs, to create a welcoming environment.

Among the participants were Comrades Marathon duo heroes Dr Adele Broodryk and Mr Tete Dijana.

Submitted on Thu, 09/28/2023 - 09:00

Shaping future drug development with ethical approaches

In the realm of pharmaceutical research Prof Chrisna Gouws, a professor at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen™) of the North-West University (NWU), is leading a significant charge towards transforming drug development.

Her work in animal-free testing methods revolutionises how pharmaceuticals are researched, tested and ultimately approved. This focus draws on her expertise in biochemistry, cell-culture models and herb-drug interactions, all of which have culminated in a mission to advance humane and effective pharmaceutical testing.

Submitted on Wed, 09/27/2023 - 15:44