The nuclear debate has raged for more than three quarters of a century. Proponents of nuclear power continue to extol its virtues, while its detractors remain steadfast in their belief that its risks outweigh its benefits. Renowned nuclear energy expert and vice-chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Bismark Tyobeka, was recently nominated to serve as South Africa’s representative on the Senior Industry Advisory Panel (SIAP) of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF).

Dr Tyobeka gives his thoughts on what the future holds for nuclear energy.

By Angeline Marokoane and Ontiretse Motingwa

This annual event takes place across campuses, and aims to showcase the NWU's cultural diversity, to broaden horizons, to strengthen respect for each other, and to enable the renewal of ideas. This year’s theme was “Multilingualism: a powerful resource for inclusion and academic development”.

Prof Manitza Kotzé’s current research is an extension of what she has been working on for years. She works between the two fields of Christian ethics and systematic theology, which aims to formulate an orderly, rational and coherent account of truths in a Christian-consistent whole. She is profoundly interested in the topic of developing biotechnology as a challenge to Christian ethics. She specifically looks at transhumanism, which is the belief that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology.

This webinar analysed the country’s stance and the extensive criticism it received on its decision not to vote on three United Nations General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia's intervention within Ukraine - with both the United States of America and the Russian Federation equally vying for support from South Africa.

On Wednesday, 7 September, the North-West University (NWU) recognised two outstanding individuals for their grit, determination and perseverance during the 2022 Comrades Marathon. This took place during an event at which outgoing Council members were honoured for their contribution and services to the NWU. 

The Hypertension Research and Training Clinic of the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) at the North-West University (NWU) is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a symposium that will see esteemed international and local experts in high blood pressure research converge on the Potchefstroom Campus.

The symposium, A decade of hypertension research: reflecting on the past to strengthen the future, will take place on 19 and 20 September.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to show why this institution is a conveyer belt for South African athletics.

During this year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, the NWU once again made sure that the South African team had a characteristic NWU flavour.

For the national netball team, goal shooter

Elmeré van den Berg showed her steel time after time and established herself as a player of the future.

As with all endeavours earmarked to better society and to save that which is precious, it starts with innovation in renewable energy, and the Sasol Solar Challenge promotes this. The key word is “challenge”, and the Engineering team at the North-West University (NWU) has proven itself time and again to be up to the task. 

The Chartered Accountancy programme of the North-West University (NWU) is truly a force to be reckoned with. This after the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) released its Initial Test of Competence (ITC) results, in which the NWU’s class of 2021 achieved a remarkable 100% combined pass rate in the January and June 2022 ITC sittings. Of the limited number of candidates who passed with distinction, three hailed from the NWU.

The North-West University (NWU) welcomes its newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC) that officially took office on 6 September.

The incumbent SRC will serve for a period of one year under the leadership of the SRC president, Yikumba Andreas, a graduate in Management Sciences and Marketing Management, and a current bachelor’s degree student in Economic Sciences with Economics and Risk Management.