Misinformation about cannabis use can have serious implications for people facing mental health challenges. Mental healthcare practitioners can counter this by running education campaigns for vulnerable people, including mental healthcare users and especially the youth.

This recommendation comes from Isaac Mokgaola, an academic in the School of Nursing Science, who recently conducted a study on mental healthcare practitioners’ perspectives on the legalisation of cannabis in South Africa.

His study was supervised by Prof Leepile Sehularo and Prof Emmerentia du Plessis.

A secret, closely guarded since 2019, was at long-last revealed during the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science graduation session on 23 May 2022.

Not only did NWU mascot Eagi graduated with a BSc degree in agriculture and agricultural economics, but his true identity was revealed.

Kabelo Mathope, wearing the iconic grey, blue and purple mascot sneakers, got a standing ovation from the crowd as he was announced as Eagi, the iconic mascot.

The burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions are among the major sources of air pollution in South Africa. However, there are other sources that are found in residential areas, for example unpaved roads, of which there are plenty in low-income residential areas in South Africa.

Air pollution is one of the top environmental problems that have a negative impact on human health and the environment in general.

Prompted by the high cost of chemicals fertilisers and their impact on the environment, a master’s student the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, took on the challenge of searching for environmentally friendly options to replace or supplement chemical fertilisers.

Motlagomang Khantsi’s study titled “Determination and comparison of intraspecific variation in the bacterial strains resident around the root area of bambara nut”, was conducted in the Food Security and Safety research focus area at the NWU.

Farming runs in Prof Kenny Mnisi’s blood, and his life-long passion for animal sciences is finally paying off. Based in the School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, he has been awarded a Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is known for its rigorous and robust rating process.

“Partnerships between the government, the private sector and civil society are critical for any sustainable development agenda. However, experience in Africa has shown that participation by local communities in development projects is rarely interactive or empowering,” says Otsile Maditsi, a PhD candidate and lecturer at the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre of the North-West University (NWU).

Prof Leepile Sehularo, an associate professor in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing, conducted a literature review in line with the theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 – “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.

The World Federation for Mental Health has encouraged researchers to share their knowledge about mental health inequality and to suggest ways how this inequality may be addressed.

Written from a South African perspective, Prof Sehularo’s paper was submitted to and accepted by the Journal of Gender and Behaviour.

Africa has abundant flora that can be used for food and medicine, and a young botanist at the North-West University (NWU) and his collaborating researchers are determined to ensure that communities themselves benefit from the rich plant life around them.

By Ontiretse Motingwa

North-West University (NWU) graduate Siphiwe Ncube from Lonely Park in Mahikeng has chosen to not only focus on using her qualification to better her life, but also to knock an all doors that could possibly open to better opportunities.

During her final year in 2021, Siphiwe got a job at a lodge to make extra money, since she was studying remotely during the pandemic. Soon thereafter she joined the Department of Agriculture in Zeerust as a general assistant.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola was elected a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) during its annual general meeting earlier this year.

She was formally inducted as fellow, along with 10 international distinguished scientists on 12 May 2022.

The NAS fellow induction is one of the highest honours of the academy, and each fellow receives a certificate and gold medal.