Institutional News

Stars and circuits spark curiosity ahead of Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day on 6 August in Kuruman once again brought science out of the laboratory and into the community.

Kicking off the proceedings, NWU astrophysicist Prof Thebe Rodney Medupe led teachers and learners from local schools in a stargazing workshop.

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NWU leaves it late to snatch vital point in Varsity Football opener

The North-West University (NWU) left it until the 89th minute to earn a valuable away draw against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the opening round of the 2025 Varsity Football season.

Playing under chilly skies in front of a packed UJ Stadium on 7 August 2025, the home side struck early. UJ’s Thabo Moshikere tapped in from close range after a well-placed free kick was headed into his path by Yasidu Lifa. The early goal gave UJ the momentum as they went into halftime leading 1-0.

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Pitso 2025.5: Operation Vulindlela shows promise despite obstacles

South Africa's bold economic reform initiative, Operation Vulindlela (OV), is gaining momentum as it enters its second phase. Government officials are promoting significant progress in tackling the deep-rooted issues holding back the country’s economy.

The programme focuses on improving key services like electricity, water, transport, and digital communications, essential building blocks for a strong economy.

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TTIS launches innovation impact events to empower SHAPE researchers

The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted its first-ever SHAPE innovation impact events across all three campuses. These sessions occurred on 24 July in Potchefstroom, 25 July in Vanderbijlpark, and 28 July in Mahikeng.

Researchers from the faculties of Humanities, Education and Economic and Management Sciences assembled to explore ways to transform SHAPE research into high-impact projects for communities.

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NWU academic recognised as finalist in South Africa’s ‘Forty Under 40’ Leadership Awards

The STEM education specialist behind Renewable Rangers, a digital educational game designed for children aged 4 to 6, has been selected as one of South Africa’s Forty Under 40 leaders for 2025 in the Education category.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and a member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the North-West University (NWU). The official Forty Under 40 awards ceremony will be held on 18 October 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Johannesburg.

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The new artificial intelligence gospel

Generative artificial intelligence has learnt to mimic the divine. It now produces not only music, prose and images once thought uniquely human, but also digital deities: chatbots that speak in the first person as God. Christianity boasts AI Jesus, Virtual Jesus, Text with Jesus and Ask Jesus. Buddhism has Norbu AI, Islam has Brother Junaid.

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HART researcher steps into key SA Heart® leadership role

Researchers from the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) at the North-West University (NWU) are making meaningful contributions to cardiovascular health in southern Africa. A member of this dedicated team, Prof Ruan Kruger, will now also contribute to the workings of the professional organisation representing cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons in South Africa – SA Heart®.

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Prof Welma Lubbe appointed Associate Editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal

Professor Welma Lubbe from the North-West University’s (NWU) Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) Research Focus Area has been appointed Associate Editor of the International Breastfeeding Journal, a leading open-access, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in breastfeeding.

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