While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.
At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.
The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.
Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to prevention and treatment. Poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma continue to shape who gets care and who does not.”
“At NWU Sport, our passion is sport, and we are privileged to make our passion our work.”
These were the words of Mervyn Taylor, manager of the NWU Rugby Institute, as he concluded the North-West University (NWU) Sports Awards on 21 October. His statement captured the spirit of an evening that celebrated commitment, teamwork and excellence across all sporting codes at the university.
The North West province of South Africa sits on a bedrock of riches. From platinum to chrome, vanadium to gold, the region is among the most mineral-endowed in the world. Yet its communities remain scarred by poverty and unemployment, relics of a resource economy too often divorced from local benefit. For a province where mines dominate both the landscape and livelihoods, the need to convert mineral wealth into long-term skills, jobs and technological leadership is a necessity.
In their 2025 Varsity Netball campaign opener, the North-West University (NWU) Eagles displayed confidence and teamwork in their convincing 63-29 victory against Varsity College at the Maties Coetzenburg Indoor Centre in Stellenbosch on Sunday, 24 August.
The Eagles dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the first quarter and maintaining their momentum throughout the match. By the end of the second quarter, they were leading 32-14, showcasing a stellar team performance.
He was of a different ilk. His immense literary stature cast a shadow under which so many South Africans found solace and comfort. Now, it is with sadness but also gratitude for the many contributions he made both culturally and academically, that the North-West University (NWU) has to say farewell to Prof Hans du Plessis, who passed away on Friday 24 October at the age of 79.
Prof Hans was a beloved NWU faculty member since his appointment in 1981 as a professor in Afrikaans at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.
The North-West University (NWU) netball team is gearing up for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in the Varsity Netball tournament.
The two teams previously faced off in round 5, where UJ secured a victory. Now, the NWU is determined to turn the tables and secure a spot in the final.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, head coach Elsunet du Plessis shares insights on the team’s preparations. After losing to UJ earlier in the season, Elsunet and her squad have analysed their round 5 performance closely.
The North-West University (NWU) is celebrating Tourism Month, and when it comes to tourism experts in the country, the NWU’s research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) has distinguished itself as a leader in its field.
In our ongoing series of articles, we take a closer look at what TREES are doing to promote tourism in South Africa. This is why tourism matters.
The economic power of tourism: A vital contributor to South Africa’s growth
The widely expected pivot for the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to now commence its interest rate cutting cycle by a modest 25 basis points (bps) is good news for business and consumers.
In commenting on the decision by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on 19 September Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the Business school of the North-West University (NWU), says that, although the decision remains marginal in terms of present high borrowing costs, it nonetheless represents a positive turning point in the interest rate outlook.
The research unit Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU) has established itself as a leading research unit focusing on sustainable tourism.
TREES distinguishes itself by conducting innovative research on the economic, environmental and social impacts of tourism, and in promoting evidence-based strategies to enhance the sector's growth. The unit plays a crucial role in promoting tourism in South Africa by analysing market trends, developing sustainable tourism models, and engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.