Community Engagement

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: what does it hold for South African consumers?

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sent shockwaves across the globe, causing significant uncertainty in global markets.

Although geographically far removed from these warring countries, the modern era of globalisation and fierce integration of markets through trade and financial flows means that South Africans will possibly feel the effect on their pockets.

Submitted on Mon, 03/28/2022 - 13:26

Anja sets her sights on early detection of kidney disease in young South Africans

The earlier kidney disease is detected, the more effectively it can be treated. Anja Degenaar, a master’s student in physiology at the North-West University (NWU), has set out to identify the biomarkers which will indicate deteriorating kidney function in young South Africans, ensuring early detection and treatment.

“The global prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming an increasing concern, especially since CKD is expected to be the fifth leading cause of mortality by the year 2040,” she says.

Submitted on Mon, 03/28/2022 - 13:19

NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus to host business breakfast

Zeno John

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Alumni Relations office, in partnership with the bhive Business Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), will host the annual NWU Alumni & Friends Business Breakfast on 25 March 2022.

The event brings together various stakeholders, including alumni, staff, students, community members, local businesses, and various government departments, offering them the opportunity to join in robust discussions and to network with business members across the Vaal Triangle region.

Submitted on Wed, 03/23/2022 - 08:34

NWU academic elected President of African Astronomical Society

Phenyo Mokgothu

Prof Thebe Rodney Medupe, North-West University (NWU) academic and deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, has been elected as the president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

Prof Medupe was elected during the society’s General Assembly on 18 March 2022, which formed part of AfAS's hybrid conference that took place from 14 to 18 March.

Submitted on Tue, 03/22/2022 - 14:56

Veteran broadcaster advocates all-inclusive campaign for indigenous languages in Africa

Phenyo Mokgothu

It was a convergence of media practitioners, communication scholars, staff and students on the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) as the legengary broadcaster and famous isiXhosa language news anchor, Dr Noxolo Grootboom, delivered a public lecture on indigenous language broadcasting.

This public lecture was hosted in hybrid format by the NWU’s Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity.

Submitted on Tue, 03/22/2022 - 14:53

Historical collection sheds light on life in German internment camp

Willie du Plessis

Taken prisoner, isolated from loved ones and incarcerated with thousands of others in lice-infested camps.

This was the reality for many German men living in South Africa and South West Africa during the Second World War, when the government of former Prime Minister Jan Smuts held them in internment camps.

A new donation to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Library Services focuses on what life was like for these men during their incarceration.

Submitted on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 11:30

NWU appoints new principal and vice-chancellor

The North-West University (NWU) Council is proud to announce the appointment of alumnus Dr Bismark Tyobeka as its new principal and vice-chancellor.

Dr Tyobeka who is recognised as one of the leading nuclear power experts in the world, will steer the NWU for the next five years, commencing on 1 June 2022. He follows in the footsteps of Prof Dan Kgwadi who left the employment of the NWU at the end of January 2022.

Submitted on Fri, 03/18/2022 - 07:07

NWU to host Hockey World Cup in April at last

Bertie Jacobs

It is no joke. From 1 April, the North-West University (NWU) will host the 2022 Women's FIH Hockey Junior World Cup at the Astroturf fields in Potchefstroom.

This is the ninth time the event has been presented, and it would have taken place in December, but the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus put paid to those plans.

Now, 16 teams comprising the best under-21 hockey players on the planet will come together next to the Mooi River from 1 to 12 April.

Submitted on Thu, 03/17/2022 - 09:55