Parasites may be viewed by many as pesky organisms,but understanding them and their impact on ecological systems is crucial in nature studies. The researchers and students at the North-West University (NWU) excel as experts in this field.

The NWU made history during the recent International Congress of Parasites of Wildlife by not only winning all the medals for postgraduates but also receiving the most coveted award for a researcher.

It is the diagnosis dreaded by most: cancer. Two professors at the North-West University (NWU) who were both affected in different ways by this life-threatening disease, say the emotional toll it takes can be just as detrimental as the physical havoc it causes. They offer expert advice on how to deal with it when cancer becomes a personal reality.

Prof Welma Lubbe, director of the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences, says her journey started almost seven years ago when she discovered a lump in her breast.

By Oldrin Masowa

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus recently hosted an awards ceremony in recognition of top student achievers.

During the event students were rewarded for achieving top academic results in their various modules during the first semester.

Renewable energy constitutes an increasingly important part of our country’s energy package while we move away from fossil fuels. This, together with an attitude of becoming more environmentally friendly, means that renewable energy like solar and wind power will definitely continue to play a bigger role in power generation.  

That is why the North-West University’s Faculty of Engineering presented a five-day short learning course from 3 to 7 October, which was facilitated by the NWU’s Unit for Continuing Education.

I paid the debt I owed them, but they’re still not satisfied; now I am a branded man out in the cold.”

These words of singer Merle Haggard ring true for many ex-offenders when they try to reintegrate into society.

Oldrin Masowa

Oldrin Masowa

Entering the world of work can be challenging particularly in a world which is constantly changing and in demand of new skills and information. Thanks to the North-West University (NWU’s) Career Centre students and alumni are able to reach their full potential through provision of academic developments, CV training, preparation for the world of work, interview preparations and financial intelligence.

Dr Richard Beteck, of the subprogramme Drug Discovery at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharMaCen), has left the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) extremely proud of his latest achievement! Dr Beteck received the runner-up award for best oral presentation at the Annual Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APSSA) of the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa (PSSA), hosted at Rhodes University in Makhanda from 21 to 23 August.

By Oldrin Masowa

It was an extremely emotional day as the People and Culture Office of the North-West University (NWU) donated food parcels to the Tshwaraganang Day Care Centre for children living with disabilities. This is a community-based centre that is situated in Ikageng and it was established as an initiative to take care of children living with disabilities.

Prof Shan Simmonds, North-West University (NWU) academic in the research unit Education and Human Rights in Diversity (Edu-HRight), has been elected as the South African representative of Women in Higher Education Management (WHEM).

The WHEM network is an international feminist research consortium. It analyses challenges for women in higher education and in university management, and finds ways to develop strategies that can empower women to apply for positions in and succeed in higher education.