From January 2022, the secretariat of the regional water research network known as WaterNet will be based at Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU) as part of a five-year agreement.

We caught up with the WaterNet executive management head, associate professor Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema, to obtain a better understanding of the 79-member organisation, a network of southern African university departments, research and training institutes specialising in water.

What is your role as WaterNet executive manager?

With 17 November being World Prematurity Day, Prof Welma Lubbe from the North-West University (NWU) is inviting all healthcare professionals to participate in a unique webinar series.

A collaborative effort by various health organisations and government is underway to step up individual and public efforts to encourage healthier eating as South Africa grapples with an increase in people suffering from diabetes, cancer and hypertension.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Education recently announced the appointment of three extraordinary professors who will be collaborating and doing research within the Self-Directed Learning research unit.

North-West University (NWU) final-year BAdmin student Mbulelo Mbiphi was announced as one of the winners of the South African men’s fashion magazine GQ’s Best Dressed Awards for 2021 on 16 October 2021.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dr Imtiaz Ismail Sooliman, founder of the humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers and holder of an NWU honorary doctorate, was announced Social Justice Champion for 2021.