The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) , together with the Water Research Group, the Safety, Health and Environment Department and the Green Team, celebrated International Water Week from 26 to 30 August in Potchefstroom.

The Zoology subject group of FNAS organised three community engagement activities to raise awareness of the importance of clean water and sustaining water sources for the future. This included a river clean-up at the Trimpark, a Fish Day at Vyfhoek Primary School, and a citizens Science Shop.

The principal and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) – and internationally renowned nuclear energy expert – Prof Bismark Tyobeka, has lauded the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) proposed recommendation to Cabinet that three possible ownership models to acquire and fund more nuclear projects in SA under the Nuclear New Build Programme (NNBP) be considered.

“After the revised zero growth (0,0%) in the first quarter of 2024, the better news is that real gross domestic product (GDP) in South Africa grew by a modest 0,4% in the second quarter of 2024.”

In commenting on the second-quarter GDP figures that Statistics SA released on 3 September, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the NWU Business School, says it could represent a turning point in South Africa’s business cycle, as the growth performance has clearly been too low for too long.

Young man, you have got some wheels on you! Bradley Nkoana from the North-West University (NWU) once again burnt up the tarmac on the international stage when he won bronze in the 100 m event at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru on Thursday, 29 August.

When a species becomes extinct in the wild, the loss is permanent. For Africa, a serious loss is the extinction of the Tanzanian Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) due to habitat change and infectious disease.

This should serve as a wakeup call for policy makers to prioritise and implement conservation measures for endangered species.

Nico Kroucamp, a senior IT technician at the North-West University (NWU), is not just a whiz with computers - he is also a talented sailor! Nico and his team recently made waves when they secured second place in the J22 Keelboat Nationals, hosted by the Lake Deneys Yacht Club in Deneysville.

Competing against the top 30 teams from across the country, Nico and his crew showcased exceptional skill and teamwork on the Vaal dam from 9 to 11 August.

North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has appointed Prof Raymond Parsons and Prof Mokgadi Molope from the North-West University (NWU) as members of the provincial Economic and Investment Advisory Council (EIAC). The announcement comes at a critical period in the developmental trajectory of the province, with the expanded unemployment rate stubbornly at 54%.

African Women in Business (AWiB) and Regenesys Business School honoured the chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) with their prestigious Outstanding Leadership Award during the AWiB Inaugural Conference awards ceremony in Sandton on 24 August.

Dr Anna Mokgokong, who was inaugurated as the NWU’s chancellor in 2019, received this special award in recognition of her entrepreneurship journey.

Her laugh is always at the ready. It is a quick-draw one, holstered but unlocked, an infectious six-shooter that disarms in an instant. “I laugh at everything!” Ntsikie Kote, Chief Strategy Officer at the North-West University (NWU), readily admits.

Outside her office in Building F1 on the University’s Potchefstroom Campus, spring is slowly awakening from its slumber, and there is a flurry of sounds as students make their way to and from classes.

It is a moment of respite from a position that is as time consuming as it is rewarding.

The School of Pharmacy has launched a cutting-edge simulation facility on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).