Human Interest

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:05:28 +0000

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

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/23/2025 - 10:05

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.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes just before her first birthday, Lize has lived with the condition for most of her life. In 2016, she suffered a severe seizure due to low blood sugar levels and was hospitalised. After two more similar incidents, her mother began searching for alternative ways to help her manage the condition—leading them to Holly.

Holly, once a stray, was rescued and trained for over a year and a half to become Lize’s service dog. Though her exact breed is unknown, they suspect she is a Samoyed cross. “I paid R50 000 for her—funds I raised by selling fudge, which is quite ironic for a diabetic,” Lize says with a laugh.

Holly has been trained to detect changes in Lize’s blood sugar levels by scent. “She alerts me 30 minutes before my meter picks it up, and 15 minutes before my continuous glucose monitor does,” Lize explains. “She scratches my leg or gets very antsy. In extreme cases, she barks—but that’s rare.”

Now nearing ten years old, Holly is preparing for a well-earned retirement. Fortunately, Lize has already started training Nova, a spirited pit bull puppy who will take over Holly’s duties in time.

Reflecting on her time at the NWU, Lize describes the university as incredibly supportive. “The NWU was extremely welcoming to my situation. I’m very grateful,” she says. “I’d encourage students living with similar challenges to go for it—don’t be scared.”

She fondly recalls many special moments with Holly on campus – including one that still makes her giggle. “We once swam in the Ratau Lebone fountains. It wasn’t really allowed, but that’s what made it so much fun,” she says. “Holly loved it too!”

Having majored in English and Afrikaans, Lize is eager to begin her teaching career and hopes to pursue a postgraduate degree next year. “I love working with children and can’t wait to start teaching,” she says.

Outside of her studies, Lize enjoys reading, baking, and exploring new places with Holly. “Holly always gets a treat when I bake—maybe that’s why she’s a little chubby,” she jokes affectionately.

As Holly retires and Nova takes over, Lize’s story reminds us to stay strong, value friendship, and face life’s challenges with courage.

‘Assume that I can’: putting a spotlight on Down Syndrome awareness

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:15:02 +0000

‘Assume that I can’: putting a spotlight on Down Syndrome awareness

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/16/2025 - 12:15

Society tends to have low expectations of people with Down Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects the development of the brain. Such perceptions are unfair and uncalled for, according to the international advertising campaign titled “Assume that I can”, which challenges widely held stereotypes of Down Syndrome.

The North-West University (NWU) has added its weight to the global call for greater Down Syndrome awareness. On 21 March 2025, a day that celebrated human rights and World Down Syndrome Day, the NWU turned classrooms and community halls into spaces of learning, sharing and unlearning long-held misconceptions.

In partnership with the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), the NWU’s Science Centre and the School of Nursing, hosted two public lectures, one in the Tsetse community and another on the Mahikeng Campus, under the theme "Celebrating diversity: We are all unique".

Nursing science lecturers and professional nurses Kgomotso Mathope and Modiegi Motlhokodi addressed the medical and social aspects of Down Syndrome for a diverse audience of community members, students and educators.

“Down Syndrome is not the result of anything a mother did or did not do during pregnancy,” said Kgomotso, at the Tsetse session. “It is a chromosomal condition, and early understanding helps reduce stigma.”

Modiegi explained the available diagnostic tools for expectant mothers and emphasised the importance of inclusive community practices. “Participation in activities such as sports is important. These individuals have abilities that can be developed and supported,”

Attendees raised questions ranging from educational inclusion to reproductive health and support systems for families. Some parents shared personal experiences of raising children with Down Syndrome, which, according to the organisers, added depth to the discussions.

Later in the evening, the lecture was repeated for NWU students and staff on the Mahikeng Campus. The session included a screening of the “Assume that I can” awareness video, prompting reflection and engagement from the audience.

“These conversations are necessary, especially on a day when we reflect on rights, dignity and the value of every individual,” said Kgomotso.

Nursing science lecturers and professional nurses Kgomotso Mathope and Modiegi Motlhokodi addressed the medical and social aspects of Down Syndrome on World Down Syndrome Day.

NWU AI Hub: Now it is official!

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 10:34:45 +0000

NWU AI Hub: Now it is official!

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 04/15/2025 - 12:34

The groundwork was laid over a year ago, and the foundation has been continuously reinforced through engagement with staff and students, the formulation of policies and guidelines, extensive planning and investigations and – most importantly – a shared commitment to embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in an ethical and responsible way at the North-West University (NWU). Although the wait is over, and there is still much hard work ahead, the University can say: Congratulations, the NWU AI Hub has officially been launched.

NWU’s picturesque Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted the official launch of the NWU AI Hub, attended by Prof Linda du Plessis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, who expressed her admiration for the progress already made by the NWU and her excitement for what the future holds.

According to Prof Anné Verhoef, Director of the NWU AI Hub, the NWU has a very strong educational approach to the ethical and responsible use of AI, and many restrictive and remedial measures have been put in place as a barricade against its misuse.

“The integrity of degrees at the NWU is crucial. It is given the highest priority by the Registrar and the University’s management, especially now with the new challenges posed by AI. We are addressing this in a number of constructive ways. The AI Hub plays a crucial role at the NWU. AI affects everything and everyone, and the Hub provides a central place or platform to coordinate all AI matters. One of the great successes of the AI Hub so far is that it has helped to develop training courses and opportunities for students and staff. AI training has been identified globally as the biggest need for AI in higher education, and NWU has developed two AI courses so far. The first is for students and we call it AI for Academic and Career Success, and the second is for lecturers and focuses on assessments that incorporate AI,” Verhoef explains.

The first course was launched on 17 February and is specifically designed to meet the needs of students in the South African context.

“The aim of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of AI and to guide them in the practical, ethical and responsible use of the most well-known AI applications. The course is a two-hour online course, it is free, and in the end the students will receive an NWU AI certificate.”

AI courses for staff will start in May.

This is just a drop in the ocean of what has already been done, and the NWU AI Hub has much more to offer.

Verhoef says: “The NWU is leading the way in AI with our dedicated AI website, the establishment of the AI Hub, the functioning of our inclusive AI Steering Committee, our unique AI courses for students and staff, and our educational approach to academic integrity in the age of AI.”

Not even ChatGPT can predict the next steps for this bold NWU initiative.

Prof Linda du Plessis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, address attendees during the official launch of the NWU AI Hub.

Prof Anné Verhoef, Director of the NWU AI Hub.

Rocking the Vaal 2025 breaks three Guinness world records

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 11:34:28 +0000

Rocking the Vaal 2025 breaks three Guinness world records

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 04/08/2025 - 13:34

In a powerful showcase of unity and community engagement, the North-West university (NWU) proudly participated in Rocking the Vaal 2025, a lively, cultural and charitable event held at Emerald Casino Tsogo Sun on Saturday, 29 March.

The event, organised by the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce (GTCOC) in collaboration with Emerald Casino Tsogo Sun and the Rotary Club of Vanderbijlpark, drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 7 500 people and served as a testament to the Vaal community's unwavering resilience and togetherness.

Building on the success of previous years, this edition of Rocking the Vaal created a lasting impression by smashing three Guiness World Records in one weekend, and these records include:

· The largest serving of kebab meat, spanning to an incredible three kilometres

· The largest pot of maize porridge, weighing 2 334 kilograms

· The most people breaking bread, a new global record of 607, exceeding the previous record of 478 set in the United States of America in 2019.

This historic achievement electrified the atmosphere, transforming the Vaal into a stage of international recognition and collective pride. The NWU showed excellent support and involvement in the event with an impressive attendance of about 272 employees and students, as well as the installation of eleven vibrant exhibition stalls. Their attendance emphasised the NWU’s dedication to social impact and active community involvement.

Beyond entertainment and breaking records, Rocking the Vaal committed to supporting local charities by directing all event proceeds and donations toward community upliftment, including feeding programs, educational support and development projects in the Vaal Triangle. A remarkable 10 000 plates of food were donated to charitable organisations, cementing the event’s purpose-driven culture.

The sponsors played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the event, with their support highlighting their dedication to fostering stronger relationships within the community and build goodwill.

A stretch of kebab meat cooks on open flame during the record-breaking attempt.

Freshly grilled kebab on display before the official measurement.

The programme was filled with local and national talents.

The Guiness World Records certificates on display, marking the historic achievements of the event.

NWU staff and students came out in style showcasing institutional pride.

Academic elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:48:18 +0000

Academic elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:48

Prof Amare Abebe, research director at the Centre for Space Research at the North-West University (NWU), has been elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

AfAS was established to create a globally competitive and collaborative astronomy community in Africa.

Prof Abebe’s focus will be on expanding membership, fostering research collaboration and enhancing astronomy education and outreach across Africa.

He highlights the need to increase membership across African nations, noting that Africa, with a population of nearly 1,5 billion people, has about 500 active AfAS members.

"To put matters in perspective, in the United States, with 340 million people, the American Astronomical Society has more than 6 000 members, and in the United Kingdom, with 68 million people, the Royal Astronomical Society has over 3 000 members."

Prof Abebe also emphasises the importance of building stronger ties between AfAS, governments, industries and international organisations to foster interdisciplinary research, industry partnerships and policy support.

"Out of the more than 50 countries in Africa, no more than 20 of them have any meaningful astronomy programme. There is a lot of room for growth, and there needs to be enhanced public awareness of astronomy across Africa, particularly in underserved regions."

He identifies outreach programmes, educational initiatives and integration into school curricula as key to increasing interest in astronomy. "Improving data-sharing infrastructure across African nations, possibly facilitating better collaboration and access to global astronomical databases, will lead to enhanced collaboration," he says.

Prof Abebe mentions the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, led by South Africa, as an example of infrastructure that supports collaboration between African countries and scientists.

"One of AfAS’s objectives is to bring leading African and international scientists together during its different annual activities to foster collaboration and create professional networking opportunities for its emerging astronomers and students."

He stresses the need to use traditional media and digital platforms to raise awareness. He says active outreach and education campaigns, especially in astronomically speaking underdeveloped regions, as well as formal workshops and conferences, are a great way to introduce astronomy to future astronomers.

Prof Abebe notes that astronomy has long captured human imagination and encourages critical thinking. "On the practical side, it encourages interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), fostering a skilled workforce and driving technological innovation. Astronomy has become a highly collaborative endeavour, enhancing collaborations among people from different cultural, geographical, and socio-economic backgrounds."

Prof Amare Abebe, research director at the NWU's Centre for Space Research, has been elected as the new president of the African Astronomical Society (AfAS).

2025 SAICA and ICAN results reaffirm NWU as a leader in accounting education in South Africa

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:27:04 +0000

2025 SAICA and ICAN results reaffirm NWU as a leader in accounting education in South Africa

by Oscar Mosiane

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:27

The North-West University (NWU) has again emerged as a leader in accounting education in South Africa. Its candidates achieved an overall pass rate of 95% in the January 2025 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examinations of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN).

This compares to the national average pass rate of 70%, according to the results, which were announced on Friday, 4 April 2025.

“This year, a total of 141 candidates from the NWU passed the SAICA and ICAN exams, which is the highest number of successful passes in these exams in the history of the university,” says Prof Heleen Janse van Vuuren, director of the NWU’s School of Accounting Sciences. Among the university’s SAICA candidates, the pass rate was 95%, while the figure for ICAN candidates was 100%.

The latest results also reaffirm the NWU as a top contributor to the transformation of the chartered accountancy profession: 88% of the NWU’s African, coloured and Indian SAICA candidates passed, compared to the national average of 64%.

A total of 42 African, coloured and Indian candidates from the NWU passed the SAICA exam, 10 of whom are part of the SAICA Thuthuka programme. This is the highest number in the history of the university.

Prof Janse van Vuuren attributes these outstanding results to the support the faculty and its flagship programmes receive from the university’s management. “We celebrate our contribution to the transformation of the accounting profession, this year and over many years,” she says.

The January 2025 IAC exams were the first held under SAICA’s new Chartered Accountant of the Future Competency Framework. This updated framework reflects global trends in digital transformation and integrated thinking, focusing not only on financial but also on non-financial performance, ensuring a future-ready profession.

SAICA has applauded all the high performers and notes that the overall pass rate of 70% marks an improvement from the previous year’s overall pass rate of 67%, reflecting the effectiveness of SAICA’s initiatives aimed at supporting candidates.

US tariff hikes are bad news for the South African economy

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:24:43 +0000

US tariff hikes are bad news for the South African economy BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/03/2025 - 15:24

The scale of the further wide-ranging United States (US) unilateral tariff hikes announced by President Donald Trump will not only drive a huge wedge into the world’s multilateral trading system but is also bad news for the South African economy.

In commenting on President Trump’s liberation day announcement of wide-ranging higher tariffs on the world economy, Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says the international impact of much higher US tariffs will now be disruptive toglobal value chains. He says it will invite retaliation, ignite inflation, dampen world economic growth and prompt repricing of risks in financial markets.

“The world’s trading system is at a fork in the road and global reaction has understandably been highly negative. Tariff wars have a bad history. Whatever advantages may be thought to accrue to the US economy through much higher tariffs, beggar-my-neighbour policies have never been good news for the world economy.”

Prof Parsons points out that the collateral economic damage is usually high. All the economic evidence suggests there will be many more losers than winners as a result. Some economies may potentially be brought to the brink of recession, with accompanying job losses and even social dislocation.

According to Prof Parsons, the additional US tariffs therefore come at a growing cost and their unpredictability will heighten the pain. Even after the latest watershed announcement by President Trump, the US retains the right to swiftly and occasionally retract or reinstate tariffs. This uncertain environment created by the constant change in the rules of the game makes trade and investment decisions by business very problematical. Tariff uncertainty can be as economically damaging as tariffs themselves.

“Higher tariffs of 30% on South African exports to the US are also a serious headwind for South Africa. South Africa needs a calm and pragmatic approach grounded in evidence-based homework. The automotive sector will take a particularly hard hit. In seeking to manage higher US trade tariffs, South Africa must mobilise the necessary economic diplomacy to try to offset the economic damage and stabilise the situation. Given President Trump’s reciprocal approach to tariffs, South Africa must see what trade adjustments might be made to win concessions to ameliorate the situation.”

Prof Parsons says South Africa must also prudently seize the moment to begin to identify alternative markets as the US withdraws behind protectionist barriers. The isolationist direction of US trade policy is now abundantly clear and is the new normal. “For South Africa, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) is one ready mechanism that seeks to reduce existing barriers to intra-Africa trade. African economies, including South Africa, will need to steadily integrate as the US pulls back. ACFTA must be given a much higher priority.

“Then, as the world economy is now likely to be less supportive of domestic growth, it becomes even more necessary for South Africa to demonstrate a strong strategic pivot in growth policy to offset the negative consequences of external shocks. The need to accelerate internal structural reforms is consequently extremelyurgent. Both government policy and business strategies will need to adapt to a new range of risks, and should also explorenew or alternative economic opportunities. To do so, South Africa must draw on the best advice possible to expedite and implement the necessary solutions.”

Public lecture urges renewed commitment to preserving indigenous languages

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:35:21 +0000

Public lecture urges renewed commitment to preserving indigenous languages MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/04/2025 - 15:35

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

In a world wired for global communication, local languages are falling silent.

This was the stark message during a recent public lecture hosted at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, where policymakers and scholars addressed the growing threat to indigenous languages.

The lecture, held on 3 April and organised by the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area, focused on how publishing, arts and media can contribute to language preservation.

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Tsotso Tlhapi, delivered the keynote address and called for stronger national action. “Language is the soul of a people, the custodian of their heritage, and the thread that weaves together their history, culture and traditions. If we lose our languages, we lose ourselves.”

She noted that many South African languages face diminishing use due to globalisation and shifting cultural practices. “We cannot afford to watch helplessly as our languages disappear,” she said. “We must take deliberate and urgent steps to protect and promote them.”

The lecture served as a platform to examine how creative industries, including radio, television, books and digital media, can serve as tools for cultural continuity. MEC Tlhapi commended ILMA’s work in exploring the role of indigenous-language media. “If our languages are not spoken on radio, seen on television, published in books or reflected in digital spaces, they will cease to exist”

She urged content creators and publishers to take responsibility in amplifying indigenous languages. “We must tell our stories in our own voices, in our own languages. The world must know who we are through the languages that define us.”

Beyond cultural production, the MEC called on institutions and government departments to embed indigenous languages in education, governance and public policy. “It is not enough to talk about language preservation,” she said. “We need strong policies, funding and tangible initiatives that place indigenous languages at the centre of public life.”

The event concluded with a roundtable discussion involving students, academics and language activists who debated strategies to sustain linguistic diversity in daily life.

Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe, a research professor at ILMA, underscored the importance of the lecture in strengthening public discourse around language rights. “Bringing this conversation into the public space was essential,” he said. “We cannot rely on symbolic gestures. Real preservation begins when languages are treated as living, working tools of communication.”

North West MEC for Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, Tsotso Tlhapi, spoke about how publishing, arts and media can contribute to language preservation.

Researchers explore the environmental impact of HIV-ARVs on South Africa’s water systems

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:12:14 +0000

Researchers explore the environmental impact of HIV-ARVs on South Africa’s water systems MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:12

By: Gofaone Motsamai

NWU researchers have completed a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the environmental implications of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in South Africa’s water resources. The report, “Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources”, was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC) and is the most comprehensive study to date on the issue.

The research was conducted by the NWU’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research. The team of experts included Prof Suranie Horn, Prof Rialet Pieters, Prof Henk Bouwman and Prof Petra Bester, among others. Their collaborative effort combined expertise from environmental, health and social sciences to address this pressing issue.

The study revealed significant concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The drugs most frequently detected were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms. This is attributed to South Africa’s large-scale HIV treatment programme, the most extensive of its kind worldwide.

The research highlighted alarming effects on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages – viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment – were significantly impacted.

Such disruptions could lead to bacterial bloom and reduced water quality. The report noted: "The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may intervene with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects. The presence of antiretrovirals in water can be considered a hidden or latent risk."

Further, the study highlighted the potential risks for human health: "Humans are also exposed to these compounds via drinking water, and at concentrations exceeding calculated hazard quotients. Although not found in this study, humans and other organisms may potentially ingest antiretrovirals and their breakdown products via aquatic organisms such as fish."

The team employed state-of-the-art analytical methods, including liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, to quantify ARV levels in water. Their work also involved biological assays to assess the toxicological impacts of ARVs on non-target organisms and hazard assessments to evaluate risks to human health.

The findings

The study found that concentrations of ARVs in some water sources exceeded acceptable thresholds, posing potential long-term health risks to humans. The research team emphasised that current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, highlighting the need for technological advancements.

The report presented to the WRC includes several key recommendations. These include developing regulatory guidelines for ARV concentrations in water, improving wastewater treatment technologies, and conducting further research to understand the long-term ecological and human health impacts of these pharmaceuticals. In addition, the team advocates a multidisciplinary approach to address the intersections of public health and environmental sustainability.

This research marks a pivotal step in addressing the environmental consequences of pharmaceutical pollution. By documenting the unintended impacts of ARV treatments, the team has provided critical insights to policymakers and environmental scientists. Their work underscores the importance of balancing the need for widespread HIV treatment programmes with the necessity of protecting South Africa’s water resources and ecosystems.

This study sets a benchmark for future research, placing the NWU at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges linked to public health initiatives.

Indigenous agricultural practices promote food security

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 12:09:05 +0000

Indigenous agricultural practices promote food security

by Oscar Mosiane

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:09

Although indigenous agricultural practices play a major role in enhancing food security in local communities, they are still undervalued, overlooked and regarded as old fashioned. A master’s student at the NWU is conducting research that could help to give indigenous agricultural practices a place in the sun.

Thato Hazel Seemise, a master’s student in indigenous knowledge systems at the Mahikeng Campus, is studying the indigenous agricultural practices used to enhance food security among the Batswana of Moruleng in the North West province.

Since food security (having access to an adequate amount of nutritious food) is a basic need, Thato says that understanding indigenous knowledge associated with indigenous agricultural practices is fundamental to promote food security at household level.

These practices have the potential to gear the agricultural sector towards sustainable agricultural production, which promotes at least three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are SDGs 1 (No poverty), 2 (Zero hunger) and 12 (Responsible consumption and production).

“Indigenous agricultural practices are significant for small-scale farming worldwide, as they are crucial in guaranteeing food abundance, community well-being and economic benefit,” Thato says.

She further adds that regardless of the challenges, indigenous agricultural practices remain the shield in preventing food insecurity within the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela in Moruleng.

“Documenting, disseminating and recognising these practices deserves special attention. There is a need for policymakers to stimulate the utilisation of indigenous agricultural practices and acknowledge their contribution to the agricultural sector.”

Thato Hazel Seemise