Human Interest

Book launch marks a milestone in ethical caring discourse

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 14 May 2025 06:48:12 +0000

Book launch marks a milestone in ethical caring discourse

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/14/2025 - 08:48

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.

The book, published by Policy Press in 2025, offers a profound exploration of relational caring and the theory of presence. It challenges conventional care models by emphasising deep, attentive and ethically grounded relationships between caregivers and those they support, especially individuals in vulnerable or marginalised circumstances.

The launch featured opening remarks by Prof Jaco Hoffman, who heads up the Ageing and Generational Dynamics programme of the Optentia research unit, recognising the importance of the book’s contribution to care ethics, social work, theology and healthcare education.

Prof Andries Baart, extraordinary professor at Optentia, founder of the presence theory and a globally respected scholar in theology and philosophy, shared reflections on the book’s core message: the transformative potential of presence – being with, listening and staying in connection – as a quiet but powerful force for social change.

Dr Guus Timmerman from the Netherlands co-authored the book but unfortunately could not join the launch. He highlighted how the book is rooted in over three decades of practice-based research across Europe and South Africa.

The programme included two discussants, one from practice and the other from the teaching and learning context of the university. Dr Rayne Stroebel, the founder and managing director of GERATEC, a South African company, focused on helping older people live a quality life. Prof Emmerentia du Plessis from NuMIQ provided insight into the value this new book will have for the training of tomorrow’s nursing practitioners.

Several participants shared moving accounts of how the theory of presence had already informed their daily work, especially in contexts where technical competence alone falls short. "This book speaks to what many of us feel but do not always have the words for: the human, relational heart of care," one healthcare practitioner noted. Relational Caring: A Soft Voice in Transforming Society is now available through Policy Press and is expected to become a foundational text for scholars, practitioners and students in the fields of healthcare, social work, theology and ethics.

The launch affirmed the NWU’s position as a leading hub for innovative and socially responsive research on human well-being.

As Prof Baart concluded in his keynote address: “In a world growing louder with efficiency and systems, relational caring offers a soft voice – but one capable of transforming how we live and care together.”

Attendees at the launch of the book, Relational Caring: A Soft Voice in Transforming Society.

Prof Andries Baart

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 13 May 2025 13:12:33 +0000

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

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/13/2025 - 15:12

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.

The initiative is part of the globally recognised Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) programme, an evidence-based entrepreneurship training model that has been implemented in over 20 countries. What sets this pilot apart is its bold experiment with format: it evaluates whether storytelling podcasts can successfully replace traditional classroom-based instruction in delivering core entrepreneurial concepts and fostering action.

Participants in the study are divided into two equal groups. One group attends weekly three-hour in-person STEP training sessions facilitated by a certified trainer. The other group engages with 30-minute podcasts, specially developed to translate the training content into compelling, accessible audio experiences. These podcasts integrate narrative storytelling, reflective prompts and structured exercises that participants are encouraged to apply in real-life entrepreneurial contexts between sessions.

Both training modes follow the same 12-week structure, covering key themes such as opportunity recognition, resource mobilisation, risk-taking and the development of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. By condensing rich educational content into an audio format, the project aims to reduce the cost and logistical barriers often associated with in-person training programmes.

“This project is about more than knowledge transfer – it is about understanding how people learn in different contexts,” explains Dr Leonie Greyling, senior manager for enterprise development at the NWU. “We are evaluating whether storytelling through podcasts can spark the same entrepreneurial action and mindset shifts as traditional classroom training – and perhaps even go further by meeting people where they are.”

She adds that podcast-based learning offers a powerful opportunity to reach individuals in underserved areas who are often excluded from traditional education. “For many, travel and access to infrastructure are daily barriers. With this pilot, we are seeing how audio learning can overcome these hurdles and create a more inclusive path to entrepreneurship.”

The pilot uses a robust mixed-methods research approach, collecting data through surveys, interviews and observational tools at multiple stages of the project before, during and after the training sessions. The research team is monitoring several key indicators: changes in entrepreneurial attitudes, business ideation, confidence in self-employment and actual engagement in entrepreneurial activities.

Dr Greyling says this project also marks a deepening of the NWU’s commitment to community-engaged scholarship and innovation in teaching and learning.

“This initiative is a testament to what can happen when universities, communities and international partners co-create solutions. It reflects the NWU’s ongoing commitment to transforming academic research into practical, empowering outcomes for people who need it the most.”

Preliminary results from the project are expected in June 2025 and will inform future iterations of the STEP programme both in South Africa and internationally.

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 May 2025 12:33:09 +0000

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/12/2025 - 14:33

They might be small and largely inconspicuous, but ants are becoming big business for a growing market of enthusiasts. In April, Kenyan authorities intercepted two Belgian teenagers, a Vietnamese national, and a local accomplice as they attempted to smuggle 5 400 live queen ants out of the country.

Their illicit cargo, consisting mainly of the Messor cephalotes species, was carefully packed into over 2 200 modified test tubes and syringes, all designed to keep the ants alive during their journey to European terrariums. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) estimated the collection’s local value at approximately 1.2 million Kenyan shillings, though European collectors might have paid as much as one million US dollars for the entire haul – a clear indication that the ant trade is becoming a lucrative target for smugglers.

This marks another troubling shift in the world of wildlife crime. According to Prof Henk Bouwman from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, such trafficking poses a significant threat to local ecosystems unprepared for the arrival of foreign species.

“The smuggling of ants, it is not a good thing. The smuggling of any animal to places where they don’t occur naturally is quite troublesome. Ants are a fantastic group of animals to study and to look at. There are 12 000 to 15 000 known species, and we estimate that there might be more than double that. They're really, really incredible. They occur in almost any habitat, from deep underground to right at the top of trees in rainforest. Those in rainforest, for instance, are so well adapted that if they fall out of the tree, they can actually steer themselves back towards a trunk of the tree and don't fall all the way down to the ground, so they don't have to climb back up. So, this illustrates the adaptability of ants to different conditions. When they end up in places where there's no resistance from plants or animals to these ants - which is not their fault, of course - then it can have tremendous consequences for the ecology and even economy of that region. And it is really, really bad to have people doing this kind of thing,” he explains.

As traditional smuggling targets like elephants and rhinos come under increased protection, traffickers are turning their attention to smaller, less conspicuous species. For conservationists, this is a stark reminder that preserving Africa’s natural heritage must include not only its largest residents but also its smallest.

Click here to listen to Prof Bouwman discussing ant trafficking.

Prof Henk Bouwman

NWU Celebrates International Nurses Day

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:16:25 +0000

NWU Celebrates International Nurses Day

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/12/2025 - 13:16

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.

At the North-West University (NWU), nursing is one of the cornerstones of our healthcare mission. Our comprehensive nursing programme equips students not only with the technical skills required to tackle South Africa’s unique healthcare challenges but also with a strong foundation in compassionate care, ethical practice, and leadership. This approach is closely aligned with the requirements and goals of the South African Nursing Council, ensuring our graduates are prepared for the demands of the profession.

On average, we produce between 120 and 160 nursing graduates annually. These graduates join the ranks of over 270,000 nurses in South Africa who so often bridge the gap between limited resources and the needs of a diverse and growing population. They are the ones who toil and sweat to ensure that families are reunited with their loved ones, that mothers hold their newborns for the first time and watch them grow into thriving adults. They care for the elderly and the vulnerable, the poor and the desperate, without discrimination – an example to us all.

As the country grapples with a chronic shortage of healthcare workers, the NWU’s commitment to nurturing skilled, compassionate, and resilient nurses is more critical than ever. On this International Nurses Day, we honour those who, day in and day out, care for the nation with unmatched dedication. They are, without doubt, the heartbeat of healthcare. They are our guardian angels.

Volunteers needed for groundbreaking TRACTOR Awareness Rally

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 May 2025 07:40:52 +0000

Volunteers needed for groundbreaking TRACTOR Awareness Rally

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/12/2025 - 09:40

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.

The TRACTOR (Together Rallying Across Communities to Overcome Remembrance-loss) Awareness Rally will take place from 30 August to 12 September 2025, journeying from Potchefstroom to Bredasdorp, with planned stops in towns along the way to connect with local communities.

Spearheaded by NWU support staff and the Faculty of Health Sciences, and led by staff member Esmé Marks, this rally is more than a road trip – it is a movement of compassion, resilience and solidarity. A symbolically decorated tractor, designed by local artists, will serve as a striking emblem of the slow and steady path walked by caregivers across South Africa.

Volunteers will play a vital role in helping to realise the vision of the rally of reducing stigma, supporting caregivers and educating the public. The campaign will feature local events at each stop, including expert talks, support group sessions and creative community activities involving schools, businesses and civil society. NWU students will contribute through service learning, and researchers will engage in fieldwork to deepen understanding of the social impact of dementia.

With more than 187 000 South Africans over 60 already affected by dementia, according to recent research, and numbers projected to reach 250 000 by 2030, the need for this kind of awareness and engagement has never been greater.

To extend its reach, TRACTOR will also drive a strong digital campaign under the hashtag #TRACTORforMemory, sharing real-time updates, personal stories and rally highlights to amplify awareness nationwide.

As a gesture of unity, miniature tractors will be handed out as tokens of remembrance, encouraging participants to stand in solidarity with those living with memory loss.

This is your chance to make a difference. Be part of a campaign that embodies the NWU’s values of academic engagement, social change and human connection.

To get involved or learn more, please send an email to Tractor.rally@nwu.ac.za.

Together, we can support families, raise awareness and remember – one town, one story, one memory at a time.

Faculty of Humanities hosts first Africa International Teaching Week

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 08 May 2025 13:15:33 +0000

Faculty of Humanities hosts first Africa International Teaching Week

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/08/2025 - 15:15

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”.

The AITW 2025 offers an exceptional opportunity for international academics to engage with South African academics and students, share innovative teaching practices and explore collaborative possibilities. Participants will deliver guest lectures on topics relating to social justice in the humanities and present these sessions across all three NWU campuses. More information on the subject areas can be found here.

They will also promote their home institutions through an international exhibition, creating space for networking and future partnerships.

In addition to academic engagement, the programme includes a carefully curated cultural itinerary, allowing participants to experience the richness of South African heritage. Highlights include a river cruise, a visit to Lesedi Cultural Village, a safari experience, and opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and connect with diverse university communities.

The registration fee is €150 and includes accommodation, most meals and all in-country transport during the programme. Applicants are responsible for their international travel and airport transfers. The application deadline is 13 June 2025, and only approved participants will receive further instructions, including payment details and the final programme.

The NWU encourages academics with a passion for social justice and cross-cultural dialogue to apply and be part of this dynamic teaching week. For more information or to submit your application, visit https://www.nwu.ac.za/aitw or email HumanitiesTW@nwu.ac.za.

Join us in shaping global conversations on the humanities and social justice in the heart of South Africa.

Nursing Sciences leads outreach to Northern Cape school

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 02 May 2025 09:06:36 +0000

Nursing Sciences leads outreach to Northern Cape school

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/02/2025 - 11:06

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.

The initiative is part of the NWU’s community engagement strategy to improve access to higher education in rural areas. The Northern Cape is one of the regions in South Africa where socioeconomic factors limit access to higher education for many learners.

Kagiso Racoco, a clinical preceptor at the School of Nursing Sciences, says the project took shape through a conversation with the school’s department head, Mr BI Seilane. “We discussed the importance of exposing learners to career options early and giving them the tools to apply. This outreach was the result of that collaboration,” says Kagiso.

The outreach included career presentations on available programmes at the NWU and pathways to entry. The team brought laptops and internet access to support learners in creating email accounts, registering on the NWU portal and completing online applications.

“We sat with them, explained the process, and helped them submit their applications,” Kagiso says. “We wanted to make sure they left with something tangible.”

During question-and-answer sessions, learners asked about funding, campus life and specific academic programmes. According to Kagiso, the objective was not only to inform them, but to provide practical support to complete the application steps.

“We see this as part of our responsibility as health professionals. Bridging the gap between high school and higher education must be part of our engagement with communities,” he says.

Plans are under way to return to the school later in the year to address reproductive health and education, and Kagiso says similar projects are being considered for other schools in the province.

“This was only the beginning. We intend to expand the initiative and reach more learners.”

Call for climate-smart cattle breeding to promote food security

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 08:10:15 +0000

Call for climate-smart cattle breeding to promote food security MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:10

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.

Prof Scholtz is a specialist researcher in applied animal breeding at ARC Animal Production and a researcher focused on sustainable livestock systems.

He explained that when humidity levels rise above 80%, the temperature threshold for heat stress in beef cattle drops from 30°C to 27°C. This heat stress reduces feed intake, delays growth, impairs fertility and affects meat quality.

Heat stress can also lead to reproductive inefficiency in both male and female cattle, Prof Scholtz said. “If the temperature goes above 27°C, semen quality decreases and some sperm die. It takes eight weeks for new sperm to be formed, meaning even one day of extreme heat can influence bull fertility.”

He presented data showing how indigenous breeds such as the Afrikaner and Nguni are more resilient than exotic breeds. “In 2015/16, the hottest and driest year recorded, Angus and Simmental types showed a 70% decrease in growth rate during heat waves, while the growth rate of Afrikaner and Nguni only dropped by 9%.”

The importance of feed efficiency under climate pressure was also raised. “We saw bulls eating less but weighing more, probably due to increased water intake,” he noted. “Nguni bulls increased water intake by up to 50%, while the Afrikaner bulls did not change their water intake at all.”

Prof Scholtz stressed the importance of using indigenous or adapted breeds for future breeding strategies. “Our indigenous breeds are our heritage for food security,” he said. “They are better adapted to survive and reproduce under harsh environments.”

He concluded the lecture by calling for new breeding priorities focused on smaller body size, lighter hair colour, darker skin pigmentation and the effective use of crossbreeding. “We need animals that are resilient, that recover quickly, and that can bounce back after extreme climatic events.”

Prof Giel Scholtz

Alumni business breakfast sparks dialogue on regional tourism and development

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:22:25 +0000

Alumni business breakfast sparks dialogue on regional tourism and development

by Angeline Marokoane

MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 04/29/2025 - 09:22

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.

The breakfast featured a distinguished panel of speakers with strong ties to both the public and private sectors. Among them was Jeff Mabunda, tourism market intelligence manager and acting chief business development officer at the North West Parks and Tourism Board.

Jeff underscored the critical role tourism plays in sustaining the South African economy, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions. He called for greater government involvement in the sector, pointing to Rwanda’s economic success as a result of strategic investment in tourism. He also highlighted the university’s important role in advancing tourism education and preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to the industry.

Joining him was Rudolf Harmse, general manager of Pont de Val and board secretary of the Vaal Tourism District Board, who shared practical perspectives on hospitality, heritage tourism and the importance of collaboration between businesses and local government.

In his remarks, Rudolf emphasised the vision of creating an environment in the Vaal River region where all businesses can thrive. He highlighted the role of the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce (GTCOC) in leading the business community, promoting growth and serving as a united voice for business in the region.

From within the university ranks, Prof Kedibone Phago, director of the School of Government Studies at the NWU, delivered a candid reflection on the need for more active and sustained involvement from the government in driving regional development and tourism support initiatives and the business community being involved.

Prof Herculene Kotzé, deputy dean for community engagement, business development and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Humanities, emphasised the importance of community participation and fostering inclusive growth through strategic partnerships between academia, the government and the private sector.

The line-up also included Dr Tielman JC Slabbert, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Vaal River Way Development Agency, who inspired attendees with his vision for unlocking the economic potential of the Vaal River region through tourism, infrastructure development and sustainable enterprise.

The panel discussion was skilfully moderated by Liabo Setho, SABC news anchor for OnPoint, who guided the conversation around key themes such as regional tourism promotion, infrastructure investment, the role of alumni in community upliftment and inter-sectoral collaboration.

Attendees praised the event for its engaging format and the opportunity to connect with fellow alumni and thought leaders. The breakfast reinforced the NWU’s strategic focus on building bridges between academia and industry, while celebrating the achievements and continued involvement of its alumni.

The panel discussion addressed key themes such as regional tourism promotion, infrastructure investment, the role of alumni in community upliftment and inter-sectoral collaboration. From left are Rudolf Harmse, general manager at Pont de Val and board secretary for the Vaal Tourism Board District, Prof Kedebone Phago, director of the NWU’s School of Government Studies, Jeff Mabunda, tourism market intelligence manager and acting chief business development officer at the North West Parks and Tourism Board, Dr Tielman JC Slabbert, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Vaal River Way Development Agency, Prof Herculene Kotzé, deputy dean in the NWU’s Faculty of Humanities, and facilitator and SABC news anchor, Liabo Setho.

Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, welcomes the guests.

Prof Sibusiso Chalufu, acting deputy vice-chancellor for Vanderbijlpark Campus operations and executive director for student life, thanks the panellists and guests for attending.

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

by Belinda Bantham

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.