Academic

Mines are contaminating useful plants in Limpopo

Chromium from mining activities has been found in high concentrations in plant species commonly grown in household gardens in Sekhukhuneland, Limpopo, representing a potential health hazard.

These are some of the findings of Sutapa Adhikari, a doctoral student from the North-West University (NWU), who has been studying the contamination of food and medicinal plants by chromium (Cr) and platinum mine dust in Sekhukhuneland.

Submitted on Fri, 09/17/2021 - 13:31

How families cope with mental health care issues

The whole family can be affected when living with a family member with a mental disorder, disability or developmental delay. Mechanisms to cope with the resulting stress include escape, avoidance, denial or looking to religion.  This is according to Tshepang Modise, nursing science master’s graduate at North-West University (NWU).

Tshepang has conducted research titled “Coping mechanisms used by families of mental health care users (MHCU) in Mahikeng Sub-district, North West Province”.

Submitted on Fri, 09/17/2021 - 13:12

It’s time to put environmental regulations to work

With calls for safer, cleaner environments, a North-West University (NWU) researcher suggests that local governments use and enforce existing environmental regulations to ensure a better quality of life for all.

Maricélle Botes, part of the research team at the Faculty of Law's South African Research Chair in Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES), says that while regulations and instruments are available, they are not being utilised.

Submitted on Fri, 09/17/2021 - 09:46

Plants offer home-grown solutions to healthcare

Approximately 80% of South Africa’s population depend on medicinal plants for their healthcare needs, leading to an increased interest in the commercialisation of plant-based remedies.

Research by Tshepiso Ndhlovu, a PhD candidate at the North-West University (NWU), is shedding light on the potential of medicinal plants in the skincare market and in the treatment of childhood diseases.

Submitted on Fri, 09/17/2021 - 09:03

Latest rankings reaffirm NWU’s quality subjects

Are you a health professional or psychologist, or would you like to study these subjects?  It has been confirmed. The North-West University (NWU) is just the right place to be for a quality education in these fields.

Like previous rankings this year, the latest rankings by Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings by subject have recognised the good standing of the NWU among the best higher-education institutions, both locally and internationally.

Submitted on Thu, 09/16/2021 - 16:15

Flexibility and staying positive are key to boosting tourism

A North-West University (NWU) academic at the School of Tourism Management is calling for fresh and innovative thinking to boost the local tourism sector, which has declined by almost 80% since 2019.

Prof Peet van der Merwe says there has recently been a slight increase in international visitors to South Africa, but nowhere near the volumes needed to boost tourism.

Submitted on Tue, 09/14/2021 - 11:36