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.

• 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

By Menziwa Msibi

North-West University (NWU) violinist Prof Piet Koornhof’s album with Albie van Schalkwyk on piano – Violin Plus One – recently received a glowing review on MusicWeb International.

Recorded by Delos Productions, the album features various arrangements by Prof Koornhof and Albie for violin and piano.

It is easy to see how a lack of the proper application of the law, particularly in the South African context, may ultimately lead to anarchy because of those determined to sidestep it.

Fortunately, efforts such as those by the Research Unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability at the North-West University (NWU) are at the forefront of seeking innovative solutions to our country’s social and environmental challenges.

Social justice in labour law is not abstract and intangible, but measurable. Setting out to prove this, labour relations researcher Prof Paul Smit is investigating whether it is possible to develop a social justice scorecard, similar to an employment equity or broad-based black economic empowerment scorecard.

On 14 September the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music proudly hosted its Music Ensemble Concert, presenting and celebrating its student groups’ remarkable talent.

During the event, students, staff and partners of the school also celebrated school director Dr Yvonne-Marie Brand whose directorship of six years had come to an end.

Prof Jaco Kruger delivered a special message to Dr Brand.