For artificial intelligence (AI) to become a tool for economic empowerment without worsening existing inequalities, various ethical considerations around AI must be addressed.

This is according to Evans Mohlatlole, a lecturer in the subject group Social Work at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

Evens, who is also the acting deputy director of the School of Psychosocial Health, won the Best Oral Presenter Award at the 2024 Ubuntu Africentric Conference.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Obesity and Metabolic Disease research group, led by Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje from the subject group Biochemistry, together with the Lifestyle Diseases research focus are, led by Prof Ushotanefe Useh from the Faculty of Health Sciences, recently organised a diabetes awareness drive.

With the increasing prevalence of diabetes in South Africa, particularly among young adults, this initiative aimed to promote early prevention and raise awareness.

Astronomy enthusiasts from nearly 100 countries have submitted thousands of suggestions for the naming of a rare celestial body. The task of narrowing this down to the top 10 possible names has been entrusted to an international panel of experts, one of whom is Prof Thebe Medupe, an astronomer and academic at the North-West University (NWU).

Indigenous games, songs and riddles brought new meaning to the phrase “team spirit” when the Student Life department on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus held its second team-building session.

“Games are the glue that can connect people,” said Khumo Feni from the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre, and one of the facilitators.

Student Life staff members put this principle into action throughout the day by taking part in games and other team-building activities aimed at encouraging them to understand and rely on each other.

With matric finals just days away, North-West University (NWU) academic in the Faculty of Education Dr Judicial Sebatana says they must focus on the present and not on past shortcomings.

Sharing his insights on the readiness of matric learners for their final exams which start on 21 October 2024, Dr Sebatana points out that the final exams account for 75% of their mark, whereas past performance only counts for 25%. “It’s important for learners to remember that it’s not too late.”

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is on the rise in South Africa and the North-West University (NWU) is responding by raising awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles.

The prevalence of this condition has increased in recent years due to diets rich in processed food, sugary drinks, a lack of exercise and obesity.

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is among the top 10 leading causes of mortality globally, with South Africa witnessing a significant increase in cases, from 4,5% in 2010 to 12,7% in 2019.

In a commendable effort to address social issues and uplift the standard of living in the Barolong Boo Mariba communities, the School of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) has partnered with the Tswelelopele Empowerment Foundation.

This collaboration is focused on engaging with seven local communities through educational empowerment initiatives, with a particular emphasis on supporting learners in their journey towards higher education.

The School of Social Sciences and the School of Philosophy at the North-West University (NWU), represented by lecturers Kagiso Phake, Germinah Motshegwa and Amantle Mothelesi, participated in a community engagement event organised by the Gaabo Motho Foundation in Zeerust.

The event aimed to promote the NWU, highlighting the academic programmes offered by the two schools.

Improvements in the North West province’s support systems for psychiatric nurses would directly impact the quality of care for children with mental health issues.

This is one of the findings of a recent study led by Dr Rorisang Machailo, an academic at the School of Nursing at the North-West University (NWU). She focused on developing strategies to address the gaps in resources, training and support for psychiatric nurses caring for children with mental health issues in the province.

Chicken farmers in underprivileged communities are battling to contain feed costs while meeting growing consumer demand. An NWU master’s student has been exploring a potentially win-win solution.

Keamogetswe Constance Mokubung recently earned her master's degree in animal science under the guidance of Prof Upenyu Marume. Her research focused on the effects of incorporating fulvic acid into broiler diets in place of antibiotic growth promotants, specifically examining its potential impact on growth performance, health and meat quality.