Academic

Nightmarish sleep condition inspires Ashley to create award-winning art

What started as a university illustration project inspired by the myths and mysteries of sleep paralysis has earned Ashley du Rand, graphic design graduate of North-West University (NWU), international recognition.

She has been named New Talent Winner in the publishing division of the prestigious World Illustration Awards, one of the world’s leading illustration competitions. 

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Kgosi Mamogale’s legacy offers lessons for Africa’s leadership and intellectual future

Africa can draw on the leadership values of its past to build stronger institutions, restore public trust and reclaim its intellectual future.

This was the central message from Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU). 

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Prof Laubscher’s inaugural lecture explores the future of self-directed learning in a digital age

“At what point have we moved from supporting learning to replacing the process in which learning develops?” This is a question that became part of Prof. Dorothy Laubscher’s intellectual journey that shaped her academic career.

Prof. Laubscher, acting director of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning, spent many years as a Mathematics teacher before she progressed into Mathematics Education at the North-West University (NWU). Her role contributes to research leadership, collaboration and the advancement of self-directed learning.

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Expert helps strengthen South Africa’s response to radiological crime scenes

North-West University (NWU) nuclear forensics expert Dr Tebogo Kupi has added his expertise to national efforts to strengthen the response by South Africa to incidents involving radioactive and nuclear materials.

Dr Kupi recently took part as an expert in the National Workshop on Radiological Crime Scene Management. The workshop ran from 31 August to 4 September 2026 in Centurion, with practical sessions held at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa).

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Better waste management can protect South Africa’s wild spaces

Waste in South Africa’s protected areas is more than a litter problem. Poor waste practices in South Africa’s protected areas threaten biodiversity, pollute sensitive habitats and weaken conservation efforts. New research shows that better planning, infrastructure and human behaviour can turn the situation around.

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Water users compete for a limited pool

Competition for water resources has become a reality in South Africa. With about 98% of South Africa’s available water resources already allocated, the country’s water challenge is no longer simply about finding new sources. It is increasingly about how the law protects, allocates and, when necessary, reallocates a scarce resource among competing users.

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