A milestone reached on World AIDS Day has focused new attention on how faith communities influence South Africa’s response to HIV. On 1 December 2025, a PhD study focusing on HIV stigma in religious settings was formally completed when the degree was awarded, marking the completion of research that examined a long-standing barrier to treatment.
When communities across Africa face droughts, floods, and shifting climates, the solutions often begin in the minds of innovators, researchers, and leaders who are committed to a more sustainable future. In March 2026, these changemakers will gather at the Protea Hotel in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, for the International Conference on Green and Sustainable Development (ICGSD) 2026.
North-West University (NWU) student Chrismarie Grundlingh has been selected as one of the “10 of the Finest” GradStar achievers for 2025, placing her among the country’s top emerging leaders recognised for workplace readiness and leadership potential.
By Mzwandile Ndlovu
Two postgraduate students from the North-West University (NWU) were awarded top honours at the national Virtualise Your Thesis (VYT) Competition.
Christa Matlou from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Makatu Mashanyu from the Faculty of Engineering represented the NWU at the competition held on 7 November 2025 at the University of Johannesburg.
Student radio talent stood tall at the 2025 North West Media Awards, where NWU FM, the radio station of the North-West University (NWU), won major categories and reaffirmed its status as one of the province’s leading community radio stations.
From best station to top presenter, producer, programme and social media influencer, the student-driven team collected top honours across the board.
The station walked away with the prestigious Community Radio Station of the Year award, cementing its influence within the North West’s competitive broadcasting space.
The Telkom Radio Awards celebrated its 15th year in 2025, confirming its status as a powerhouse of broadcasting excellence. On Saturday 6 December, the industry’s most influential voices gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre for a night of pride, recognition, and celebration.
The future of mining in the North West Province depends on the availability of high-calibre mining professionals with specialised skills, and the North-West University (NWU) is an integral part of achieving this.
Now, a potential partnership with one of Australia’s top mining schools is set to boost the university’s efforts to strengthen mining education and research and establish a mining school.
A new pilot study led by Prof. Welma Lubbe, director of NuMIQ in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), has highlighted the potential benefits of a structured parenting education programme for mothers of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The findings were published on 1 December 2025 in the journal Children.
Understanding the true state of biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa has long been a challenge, especially for those responsible for shaping environmental policies. A major new study published in the prestigious Nature journal now offers much-needed clarity.
It is welcome news that in the third quarter of 2025, the economy showed its fourth consecutive rise in economic activity, albeit off a low base.
In commenting on the 0,5% rise in the third quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth, Prof. Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this expected better growth trend confirms that a modest economic recovery is indeed underway.