Academic

Growing successful emerging farmers through partnerships

What does it take for emerging farmers to be successful? This is the question North-West University (NWU) academic Dr Faan Pelser and Prof Theuns Pelser from the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Graduate School for Business and Leadership set out to answer in their recent research paper.

The paper is titled “The factors that contribute to the growth of emerging farmers in the agricultural sector, North West Province, South Africa”.

Submitted on Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:55

Sounding out the stars

Space is not as silent as it may seem, and asteroseismologists know this. Asteroseismology is a booming field full of opportunity for students and young researchers and has an impact on many other fields of astronomical research.

But what is asteroseismology all about? Prof Don Kurtz, an A1-rated professor now based at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, explains.

Submitted on Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:32

International fame may await NWU’s national FameLab® winner

North-West University (NWU) master’s student Letago Kgomoeswana has been announced as the winner of the 2021 national FameLab® competition, one of the biggest science communication competitions in the world.

This competition promotes science and technology by creating a platform for young scientists to find their voices and reach public audiences.

Submitted on Fri, 10/22/2021 - 15:41

Informal reclaimers make a huge contribution to recycling in South Africa

Informal waste reclaimers in South Africa play a key but often unrecognised role in the recycling value chain. Ways should be found to enable them to participate in decisions around waste management practices and community recycling programmes, says Prof Derick Blaauw from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Economics.

Submitted on Fri, 10/22/2021 - 13:50

Sexism and sexual harassment are major challenges for women entrepreneurs

Although entrepreneurship has its own challenges, women face additional obstacles that are unique to them. On paper South Africa has some great opportunities for female entrepreneurs, but in reality numerous economic, social and cultural obstacles affect women and their businesses.

According to a study conducted by Refiloe Moetsi, a North-West University (NWU) MBA graduate, sexism, sexual harassment, marital complexities, self-esteem issues and a lack of business knowledge are some of the problems women experience.

Submitted on Fri, 10/22/2021 - 12:56

Justice Bess Nkabinde receives an honorary doctorate from the NWU

The North-West University (NWU) honoured Justice Bess Nkabinde with an honorary doctorate on 21 October 2021 for her exceptional contribution to the legal profession and to social justice in South Africa.

She was nominated by the Faculty of Law, with which she maintains close ties, not only for her significant contribution to our country’s jurisprudence but also for being a role model to many, especially women in the legal profession, locally and internationally.

Submitted on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 11:04

NWU launches multi-sectoral community intervention project at Lokaleng

Leading the North-West University (NWU) delegation, Prof Sonia Swanepoel, acting deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, launched a multi-sectoral collaboration community engagement project on 15 October 2021 at the Lokaleng village in Mahikeng.

The main aim of this project is to promote multi-sectoral and inter-faculty interventions in solving real-life community problems.

Submitted on Wed, 10/20/2021 - 14:40

NWU’s researchers lead conversation on femicide

Time has proven that storytelling is a great tool for making difficult topics considerably more understandable.

We Should All Be Feminists, a published essay in book format by acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie, makes effective use of the “show, don't tell” adage that all authors are expected to follow by connecting with its readers through a personable conversational tone.

This conversation is carried forward by North-West University (NWU) senior lecturer and researcher Dr Tshepang Molale.

Submitted on Wed, 10/20/2021 - 11:50