The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the national Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Nyandeni Local Municipality, recently concluded a two-day conference focused on smart villages, themed “Indigenous Knowledge-led Smart Village Regeneration”. This event attracted participation from a diverse group of scholars, researchers, indigenous-knowledge students, traditional leadership and innovators representing various universities both nationally and internationally.

Television advertisements influence how society views gender roles, and a new study from North-West University (NWU) explores how women are represented in South African adverts. The research, conducted by Koketso Rabanye from the NWU’s School of Communication, examined both traditional and changing portrayals of women in the media.

Instead of further depleting overharvested indigenous plants for medicinal purposes, it might be possible to use the bacteria inside their roots. This would preserve at-risk plants while still allowing access to the medicinal properties associated with them.

The trade relationship between South Africa and the United States (US) faces uncertainty as tensions between Pretoria and Washington grow. The potential loss of benefits under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) raises concerns about economic consequences for key industries.

"If South Africa loses AGOA benefits, the impact will be felt in manufacturing and agriculture," said Mpho Lenoke, an academic at the North-West University (NWU). "Increased tariffs will make South African products less competitive in the US market, affecting export revenue."

By Gofaone Motsamai

In the dry, sandy soils of southern Africa, a rugged survivor stands tall: Vachellia erioloba, more commonly known as the camel thorn. Once classified under the genus Acacia as Acacia erioloba, this hardy tree is also called the giraffe thorn, mokala tree, or kameeldoring in Afrikaans.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Governance Studies hosted a panel discussion on Friday, 14 February 2025 on the Mahikeng Campus.

The discussion aimed to critically analyse President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), focusing on key themes, omissions and broader political implications.

By Oscar Mosiane and Precious Miyambu

A partnership between the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe and the North-West University (NWU) is taking shape.

On 11 February the NWU’s Global Innovative Forefront Talent (GIFT) research niche area hosted a delegation led by His Majesty Chief Charles Moshoette of the Barolong Boo Ratlou Ba Ga Seitshiro tribe at the Mahikeng Campus.

China’s involvement in Africa has long been a talking point, with some commentators convinced of its good intentions and others sceptical. A North-West University (NWU) PhD graduate, Reverend Dr Dimpho Gaobepe, has brought some much-needed balance to the debate through his PhD research on international relations.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Oscar Mosiane

For students and staff who are passionate about farming and agriculture, the ideal place to learn, do research and reap fresh produce is the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Molelwane Agriculture Farm.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Bontle Manana, a 34-year-old industrial psychologist and PhD candidate at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU), is breaking barriers and inspiring women across South Africa.

Hailing from Phola Village in Mahikeng, she recently achieved the prestigious milestone of being named a Mrs South Africa semi-finalist.