Academic

PhD student nominated for Womandla Foundation STEAM Advocacy Award

Happy Msiza, a PhD student at the North-West University (NWU), has been nominated for the Womandla Foundation Award in the Advocacy in STEAM category. These awards honour women excel in their fields, drive innovation and inspire future female leaders. 

Happy’s nomination is in recognition of her efforts in promoting and supporting science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) initiatives. 

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Groundbreaking research leads to comprehensive and effective approach to forensic interviewing

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit recently celebrated a significant milestone with delivering the first PhD graduate in social sciences with relational dynamics and development. The groundbreaking research of Dr Constant Laubscher van Graan focuses on relational dynamics in forensic investigations. 

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Disappointing unemployment figures reinforce urgency for higher, job-rich growth

Not unexpectedly, the latest unemployment figures for the second quarter of 2024 rose to 33,5% against the background of previous weak economic data that negatively influenced job creation.

In commenting on the release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the second quarter of 2024 by Statistics SA, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures in recent quarters have been disappointing.

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Academic inducted as fellow of Nigerian Academy of Letters

Prof Abiodun Salawu, an academic at the North-West University (NWU) and the director of the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area, has been inducted as a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) during the academy’s annual convocation ceremony on 8 August 2024.

The Nigerian Academy of Letters, founded in 1974, serves as the apex body for arts and literature in Nigeria, promoting excellence in the humanities through its fellowship programme, which includes categories for foundation, regular, overseas and honorary fellows.

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Alumnus unpacks academic entrepreneurship

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) hosted its third Food Security and Safety (FSS) seminar on 8 August 2024.

NWU alumnus and CEO of Eco-Agro Enterprise Pty Ltd Dr Sydwell Sihlangu was the guest speaker.

Dr Sihlangu spoke about academic entrepreneurship, which he described as a means of commercialisation, transforming knowledge into products, processes and organisations, thereby contributing to economic growth and innovation.

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A new book from the NWU explores the digitalisation-employment relationship in Africa

A new book written by a group of researchers from the TRADE research entity at the North-West University (NWU) delves into digital developments in Africa and their effects on employment. Titled Digital developments and employment: Understanding trends in Africa, the book is published by AOSIS under an open-access licence.

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Renowned Kenyan author and scholar to deliver public lecture

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area will be hosting renowned Kenyan author and scholar, Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who will deliver a public lecture on 15 August 2024.

During the lecture, titled "The Joycean Paradox revisited: Language empires and literary identity theft", Prof Wa Thiong’o will explore themes related to linguistic imperialism and the impact of colonial languages on literary identity.

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