One of the greatest challenges facing Africa is food security. Dr Godfrey Mhlongo, a recent PhD graduate in animal science from the North-West University (NWU), believes indigenous chickens, brown seaweed and oyster mushroom spawn could help feed the continent and preserve the environment.

He has conducted research on the use of oyster mushrooms to optimise brown seaweed in feed for indigenous chickens.

By Bonolo Monaisa

Mogomotsi Ntehelang, afternoon drive show presenter at NWUFM, the radio station on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, has been nominated for the North West Media Awards in the Radio Presenter of the Year category.

The North-West University (NWU) is gearing up to face the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Cape Town on 1 August, following a 3-1 loss to the University of the Free State (UFS) in their first Varsity Football game.

Coach Nkululeko Malgas acknowledges the challenges ahead but emphasises the need to bounce back to stay in contention for the 2024 Varsity Football title.

By Bonolo Monaisa

The Faculty of Law at the North-West University (NWU) has been running its Clothing Project for five consecutive years, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community service and social responsibility.

Coordinated by Simon Rasikhalela, director of the Mahikeng Law Clinic, this project has become a vital initiative, providing essential clothing to those in need within the community.

By Bonolo Monaisa

Students and staff from the North-West University (NWU) recently attended the 28th South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBMB) Congress in Polokwane on 10 July 2024.

Hosted by the University of Venda, the congress was themed "Biochemistry Leading the Future" and attracted more than 350 delegates from around the globe.

Tsholofelo Moloi, Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, Marakia Moetlediwa and Masibulele Mdutyana were among the students in attendance.

By Keaoleboga Motshabi

Two alumni from the North-West University (NWU), Tumelo Malebelela and Mapule Sechogo, have been recognised for their exceptional teaching abilities.

Tumelo was honoured at the Ngaka Modiri Molema district Teaching Awards and will represent the district at the Provincial Awards in August 2024.His dedication to education was previously acknowledged when he received the Teacher’s Award in the Excellence in Secondary Teaching category during the North West Provincial Teaching Awards in 2023.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and student Sinenhlanhla Mthembu have been named finalists for the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

These awards recognise outstanding contributions by women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Prof Babalola and Sinenhlanhla will join other distinguished women at the awards ceremony on 15 August in Mbombela.

Without the help of a particular enzyme, HIV/Aids cannot replicate itself and take over the body’s cells. Dr Andrew Motsilanyane, a recent PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has been targeting this enzyme, HIV-1 protease, in research that could open up new possibilities for drug development.

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Kgalalelo Pakwe, an entrepreneur and forensic analyst for the South African Police Service, has created an innovative health product, Flu-Away Shots.

With a BSc in biological and environmental science and an honours degree in microbiology, Kgalalelo developed Flu-Away Shots to help boost the immune system, particularly during the winter months when flu is more prevalent.

Commemorating Nelson Mandela Day on 18 July 2024, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Khayelitsha residence on the Mahikeng Campus spent 67 minutes at the Mahikeng Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) centre.

“When we think about community engagement work, advocacy for animal rights often takes a backseat to other issues in society. Our residence initiative to partner with the Mahikeng SPCA aims to raise awareness about the rights of animals in society, and advocate for their care,” says Fazlin Lahri, residence administrator.