Academic

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.

Submitted on

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).

Submitted on

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.

Submitted on

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.

Submitted on

Renewable Rangers crosses borders with Eswatini launch

An educational game inspired by a mother's experience with her two sons has crossed the borders of South Africa for the first time.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele, an academic at the North-West University (NWU), formally launched Renewable Rangers in Eswatini during the fourth International Conference on Education at the University of Eswatini. The launch marked a new stage for an innovation that started at home and grew through research, classroom testing and university support.

Submitted on

PhD candidate takes her research to global social work platform

For North-West University (NWU) PhD candidate Dakalo Goitsilwe, presenting her doctoral research at an international conference in Kenya, marked another important milestone in her development as a social work researcher and scholar.

Dakalo represented the NWU and South Africa at the 2026 Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development (SWSD 2026), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 26 to 29 June 2026.

Submitted on

New book puts human judgement at the centre of AI-powered research

Artificial intelligence (AI) can support postgraduate research, but it should strengthen human thinking rather than replace it. This principle is at the heart of a new book by the North-West University (NWU) academic Prof. Kudzayi Savious Tarisayi.

Prof. Tarisayi from the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the Potchefstroom Campus, is the author of Artificial Intelligence in Postgraduate Research Methodology: Transforming Researchers for the AI Age.

Submitted on
Subscribe to Academic