Human Interest

Navigating learning through the lens of communication

Students’ perceptions of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) used for emergency remote learning in higher education during the Covid-19 pandemic was the theme of the research Thato Zethi conducted at the North-West University (NWU).

Thato, a PhD candidate and junior lecturer in the School of Communication, conducted this study as part of her master’s degree.

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Community engagement initiative aimed at smallholder farmers earns fourth place

The North-West University (NWU) has secured fourth place in the Sustainable Development Goals Initiative of the Year category of the 2023 Global Triple E Awards for Africa.
These awards – made by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) – recognise universities worldwide that exhibit an exceptional commitment to entrepreneurship and community engagement in higher education.

This well-deserved recognition is thanks to the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM’s) endeavours in their Smallholder Farmer Development Initiative.

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Prof Falola's generous book donation enriches NWU library

Prof Toyin Omoyeni Falola, a renowned Nigerian historian and professor of African studies and current holder of the Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Chair in the Humanities at the University of Texas at Austin, has generously donated 27 books to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus library on 1 August 2023.

Twelve of these books have been either personally authored, co-authored or edited by Prof Falola himself. These works cover various subjects, including history, politics, philosophy and decolonisation.

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Jarred gears up for World Student Games

Badminton boffin Jarred Elliott, a 23-year-old second-year student in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), will represent the NWU and South Africa at the upcoming International University Sports Federation (FISU) Summer World University Games in China.

Recognising the immense responsibility that comes with this honour, Jarred, alongside the other members of the South African contingent, is diligently preparing for the upcoming games.

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Taking a stand against gender-based violence with Varsity Football

The North-West University (NWU) will take a stand against gender-based violence (GBV) during the Varsity Football tournament, demonstrating its commitment to promoting a safer and more equitable society.

In collaboration with Student and Counselling Development, the university's football team aims to rally students and sports enthusiasts to stand united against the prevailing scourge of GBV that plagues our communities.

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NWU Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day: Empowering young minds

The North-West University (NWU) hosted its inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day on 31 July 2023 at Mabeskraal near Rustenburg as part of National Science Week.

This landmark event served as a platform for fostering partnerships and collaboration among educational institutions, government departments, private companies, communities, and other stakeholders in the North West province.

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Researcher brings African populations into previously Eurocentric cell research

Why did some people experience more severe coronavirus symptoms than others during the Covid-19 pandemic? International researchers believe part of the answer may lie deep within human cells, specifically in the small circular chromosome inside each cell, called the mitochondrial DNA.

Genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA are considered the key to unlocking answers about the innermost workings of cells and mapping the way forward for more effective medical treatment.

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Study explores the use of medicinal plants to treat childhood diseases

Dr Tshepiso Ndhlovu, a PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has completed promising research on the use of medicinal plants to treat children’s diseases.

Childhood illnesses make a major contribution to infant mortality rates worldwide, and the high cost of conventional treatment exacerbates the problem by putting a financial strain on rural populations.

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Solar telescope expands research horizons into solar physics

Located on the roof of building G5 at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus, the solar telescope of the Centre for Space Research has garnered attention from organisations such as the BBC and the Royal Astronomical Society.

Dr Ruhann Steyn, senior lecturer and principal scientist involved in the project, recently attended the National Astronomy Meeting in Cardiff, Wales, where he was commended for the outstanding work done by the Centre for Space Research.

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Cleanup campaign restores dignity to Vanderbijlpark CBD

The Walking in Victory Movement, the Christian student chapter on the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently launched its #CleanUpVaal campaign.

Various stakeholders joined in, from students, school learners and street vendors, to soccer clubs and businesses. Together, they worked to clean up the Vanderbijlpark CBD, including two illegal dumping sites.

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