Fodder beet is gaining attention as a key livestock feed crop in South Africa, and new research from the North-West University (NWU) shows how nitrogen fertiliser and planting season shape its growth and nutritional value.

Zabesuthu Sithokozisiwe Mngomezulu investigated how two fodder beet varieties respond to different nitrogen levels during winter, spring, and autumn. The study focused on growth traits, yield, and nutrient profiles.

Caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS carry responsibilities that shape family stability and community support. A new study has produced health-promotion strategies to strengthen their ability to care and sustain their own well-being.

South Africans continue to navigate load-shedding while the right to sufficient water faces strain in vulnerable communities.

Recent North-West University (NWU) graduate Miranda Andhile Mkansi conducted research on “The impact of load-shedding on the right to have access to sufficient water”. Her study explores how disruptions in electricity supply challenge the constitutional right to water.

Efforts to strengthen mental health awareness and policy in South Africa were in focus as Prof Leepile Sehularo from the North-West University (NWU) received the “Special Impact Mental Health Award” during the first Keturah Mental Health Awards in South Africa.

“I am honoured to receive this award,” said Prof Sehularo. “It reflects the collective effort of professionals, students and partners who are committed to building stronger mental health systems. Our work must continue to centre on inclusion, access and collaboration.”

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Gofaone Motsamai

When the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus opens for the 2026 academic year, students will step into two newly built lecture halls designed with advanced digital and acoustic systems to improve teaching and learning experiences.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Three minutes and not a second more – that was the amount of time postgraduate students had to present their master’s or doctoral research in the Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT) that recently took place the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

By Gosego Phutieagae

A North-West University (NWU) law student has claimed top honours at the 2025 Martin Luther King Spoken Word Competition held on 9 October at Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.

Thabang Mnculwane, an LLB student currently participating in the NWU Faculty of Law Academic Exchange Programme in Amsterdam, won the contest hosted by VU’s Faculty of Law as part of the annual Martin Luther King Lecture series.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Labour migration has featured prominently in South Africa since diamonds and gold were discovered in the 1800s. Migration continues today as people move cross South Africa and Africa in search of new opportunities and a better life.

The subject of migration that took centre stage at a colloquium hosted by North-West University’s (NWU) Population and Health research niche area on 23 and 24 October 2025.

The theme of the event, held at the Mahikeng Campus, was “Migration and development research”.

By Gofaone Motsamai

When tourism researcher Dr Jean Manaliyo began asking people in Mahikeng what they knew about cannabis tourism, many were curious about how it could shape their community and economy. That curiosity has now taken his research across borders.

The North-West University (NWU) researcher will present his paper titled “Community perception towards cannabis tourism and socio-economic impacts in Mahikeng, South Africa” at a conference hosted by the University of Algarve in Portugal from 12 to 14 November 2025.

When farmers face pests that damage their crops, many turn to chemical sprays. They often do not realise that indigenous plant-based practices can protect crops naturally, and that pest-control solutions already exist within traditional farming knowledge.

The use of chemicals is one of the common ways of managing pests. However, these chemicals have negative effects on the environment, are expensive, and often unaffordable for small-scale farmers.