Human Interest

Book launch marks a milestone in ethical caring discourse

In a powerful affirmation of compassion as a catalyst for social change, the Optentia research unit at the North-West University (NWU) and the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area co-hosted the hybrid launch of the groundbreaking book, Relational Caring: A Soft Voice in Transforming Society.

The event brought together scholars, practitioners and community leaders from across the globe to reflect on the necessity for empathy and ethical care in transforming communities and institutions.

Submitted on Wed, 05/14/2025 - 08:48

Groundbreaking pilot project to test the effectiveness of podcast-based learning

In an ambitious effort to reimagine how entrepreneurship education is delivered in resource-constrained environments, the bhive Enterprise Development Centre (bhive EDC) at the North-West University (NWU), in partnership with Leuphana University in Germany and the Kitso Information Development Centre, has embarked on a groundbreaking pilot project to test the effectiveness of podcast-based learning.

The project, launched in February 2025, is being conducted in the township of Sharpeville and targets a cohort of 112 unemployed adults.

Submitted on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 15:12

NWU Celebrates International Nurses Day

Nursing is an indispensable, noble profession – the backbone of our healthcare sector. It demands unwavering commitment and a dedication to serve a purpose higher than oneself. Too often, nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, but not today. Every year on 12 May, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Today, we collectively reflect on the immeasurable value of nurses as they are deservedly placed in the spotlight.

Submitted on Mon, 05/12/2025 - 13:16

Volunteers needed for groundbreaking TRACTOR Awareness Rally

The North-West University (NWU) is calling on volunteers to help bring a transformative awareness campaign to life. Ahead of the launch of the TRACTOR Awareness Rally – a pioneering community initiative to raise awareness about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease – support is needed in areas such as logistics, event coordination, research and media.

Submitted on Mon, 05/12/2025 - 09:40

Faculty of Humanities hosts first Africa International Teaching Week

The Faculty of Humanities of the North-West University (NWU) is excited to host its inaugural Africa International Teaching Week (AITW) from 31 August to 5 September 2025 across its Vanderbijlpark, Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses.

This prestigious event invites 20 higher education practitioners based outside South Africa to participate in a vibrant academic and cultural exchange centred on the theme “The role of the humanities in social justice”.

Submitted on Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:15

Nursing Sciences leads outreach to Northern Cape school

New career horizons in healthcare are opening up to Northern Cape learners thanks to an outreach visit by healthcare professionals from the School of Nursing Sciences on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

A team from Nursing Sciences visited Tlhwahalang Secondary School in Jan Kempdorp in the Northern Cape on 16 April 2025 to offer career guidance to Grade 11 and 12 learners and assist them with university applications.

Submitted on Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:06

Call for climate-smart cattle breeding to promote food security

By Gofaone Motsamai

Heat stress is among the most urgent climate-related challenges affecting beef cattle productivity, requiring South African cattle breeders to adopt climate-smart strategies to bolster food security under changing environmental conditions.

“Heat stress is becoming a major threat to livestock productivity,” said Prof Giel Scholtz of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in an online guest lecture hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on 24 April 2025.

Submitted on Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:10

Alumni business breakfast sparks dialogue on regional tourism and development

The Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) played host to a dynamic Alumni Business Breakfast on Thursday, 11 April, at the scenic Big Lapa venue.

This networking event brought together alumni, industry leaders and NWU academics for a morning of insightful dialogue centred on tourism, business development and regional growth opportunities.

Submitted on Tue, 04/29/2025 - 09:22

Holly’s final bow: Lize graduates with her faithful companion by her side

It was a bittersweet day for North-West University (NWU) graduate Lize Marais, who celebrated her academic achievement and marked the final public appearance of her beloved service dog, Holly.

Lize received her Bachelor of Education in Senior and FET Phase in English, on 16 April, with Holly—her steadfast companion since 2018—right by her side. The moment was deeply symbolic, as Holly prepares to retire after nearly a decade of loyal service.

Submitted on Wed, 04/23/2025 - 10:05