By Gofaone Motsamai
When individuals blend professional media experience with academic work, they are “pracademics” who build bridges between the two spheres. This is according to Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe, research professor at the North-West University (NWU), who used the term during his recent inaugural lecture titled “Pracademics bridge the gap between media and academia”.
Mother-tongue education for North West Province school learners is set to be expanded through a pilot project in January 2025. The expert view of Dr Judicial Sebatana of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education is that the provincial government’s plans are a critical step forward for mother-tongue learning. However, some foundational issues will need to be addressed for the initiative to succeed.
By Phenyo Mokgothu and Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu
For his PhD study challenging traditional gender roles in education, North-West University (NWU) alumnus Dr Obakeng Kagola has received the Best Doctoral Thesis Award for 2024 from the South African Education Research Association (SAERA).
Dr Kagola received the award during SAERA’s annual conference, held from 29 October to 1 November at the University of the Free State, another of his alma maters.
“Will you be a benchwarmer, enforcing the status quo, or will you be part of the legal revolution?” This is North-West University (NWU) law professor Boitumelo Mmusinyane’s challenge to students as he advocates for their greater involvement in efforts to decolonise South Africa's legal system.
Prof Mmusinyane highlights the ongoing challenge of integrating indigenous knowledge into the country's Eurocentric legal framework, a legacy of colonisation and apartheid that continues to marginalise African governance traditions.
Exam season at South African schools can give rise to stress, anxiety and self-doubt among learners, especially in Grade 12, as well as educators.
Dr Khido Ramadie, educational psychologist and senior lecturer at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education, is collaborating with the North West Department of Education to support mental health during the National Senior Certificate examination period.
A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) has dedicated her research to advancing perinatal mental health in Africa.
Dr Patience Kovane, senior lecturer and research coordinator at the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences, says her mission is to promote the mental health of women, especially in low- and middle-income settings.
Prof Leepile Alfred Sehularo’s research on mental health and substance abuse has resulted in the development of a programme that is designed to support both adults and learners and focuses especially on the abuse of illegal substances in North West.
He is the director of the Lifestyle Disease research niche area in Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU). “I started with this research during my master’s-degree studies. My research explores the perceptions of psychiatric patients regarding marijuana use.”
By Gofaone Motsamai
By joining forces to tackle the social and economic challenges surrounding the Hartbeespoort Dam, the North-West University (NWU) and the provincial government aim to defuse current tensions and generate long-term solutions.
A new and unique form of Setswana poetry called Mosinete is being pioneered at the North-West University (NWU). Coming from the pen of Setswana lecturer Lesego Motlhankane, it marries traditional and contemporary elements and resonates with both heritage and modernity.
With an academic foundation in linguistics and literature, Lesego's passion for Setswana’s oral traditions and evolving poetic forms led him to create this genre.
In a much-needed boost for food safety monitoring in South Africa, sophisticated sensors are being developed at the North-West University (NWU) to detect vitamins, harmful chemicals and contaminants at microscopic levels.
Prof Omolola Esther Fayemi of the subject group Chemistry is leading a research group working on innovative ways to detect important substances in food, water and the environment, using advanced sensors.