The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering understands how the minds of young prospective engineering students work.

With a 25-year age gap between them, mother and son Susan and Janu Fouche have both been accepted to do their first year at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

She really is the stuff legends are made of.

Lincoln Daniels picks up his phone and he is a bit hesitant. Cordial to a fault, he tries not to let anything show. What I do not know, is that it is his birthday.

The North-West University’s annual Potchpourri concert series promises to be a delightful showcase of the many talents of the staff at the NWU’s School of Music and other South African musicians that will thrill enthusiasts of classical music.

“The decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to again leave interest rates unchanged was widely anticipated and in line with market expectations.”

Prof Raymond Parsons from the North-West University (NWU) Business School says that whereas, in the past few months, the MPC voted 3 to 2 in favour of “no change” ― as opposed to another 25 basis points cut ― the outcome of the MPC’s latest meeting was a unanimous decision.

Jo-Ané van Dyk has just completed and hour-long physio session, but – like always – her personality is bubbling like champagne. “No,” says the 23-year-old javelin champion of the North-West University (NWU), there are no injuries: “Just maintenance work!”

Just as offices, shops, classrooms and lecture halls are embracing digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so must the manufacturing industry. Known as Industry 4.0 or I4.0, the transformation is essential for the sustainability of local manufacturing. This prompted a PhD Engineering student at the North-West University (NWU) to help the South African industry develop the skills and competencies needed for a digital future.

Ever since the World Trade Organisation Chairs Programme (WCP) was launched at the North-West University (NWU) some years ago within the TRADE research focus area, Africa has remained a key focus area for the WCP’s research and outreach activities.

The fungus that spoils bread does not work alone. It has guests hidden deep within its cells – bacteria – with whom it has a mutually beneficial relationship that can be positive or negative for humans. Understanding and modifying this relationship can have a profound impact on the food, medical and agricultural industries.

This is the focus of a four-year international collaboration between the North-West University (NWU) and two universities in the United States.