As time passes, words are watered down and phrases lose their meaning. Wisdom passes into obscurity as repetition creates clichés. This is where we are now. Do we still listen when we hear “youth” and “future”? The North-West University (NWU) believes that these two words – together – should not only feature prominently in every vocabulary, but when spoken, they should be heard.

According to Professor Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, this is seldom as important as when Youth Day is celebrated.

Kgomotso Mache, a second-year human resource management student was recently elected as chairperson of the North-West University (NWU) South African Board for People Practices (SABPP) student chapter at a prestigious ceremony at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus.

Besides electing the new SABPP student chapter committee, students who successfully registered as student members of the SABPP board were also celebrated during the event.

Sisikelelwe Mngenela, a second-year student pursuing a BA degree in music and society at the North-West University (NWU), has recently been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the prestigious BelCantoBootCamp (BCBC).

Parasites. Just uttering the word may send shivers down the spine, conjuring up images of rapidly proliferating organisms devouring or destroying other species. A celebrated researcher from the North-West University (NWU) hopes to change those perceptions.

Credited with playing a crucial role in global conservation efforts to protect parasites, Prof Nico Smit is from the NWU’s Water Research Group in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He aims to ensure that some of the parasites found on endangered species do not end up like their hosts – facing extinction.

The Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) Office of the North-West University (NWU) is leading the charge in ensuring that innovation remains at the forefront of its activities and across all spheres of the institution.

Bush encroachment is a global challenge, but through the multi-million rand RIBS project, this major contributor to land degradation is being tackled with renewed vigour.

RIBS is an acronym for “Rangeland Improvement through Bush Control and Sustainable Intensification to mitigate Climate Change and improve Livelihoods and Food Security in Southern Africa”.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany, through the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL 2.0) programme.

On Tuesday 13 June, representative Oliver Liao from the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa visited the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus for a tour of the DST HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence. This centre is co-hosted by the NWU and the Council for Scientific and Instustrial Research (CSIR).

Two researchers from the North-West University (NWU) have received a special grant that will boost their collaborative research nationally and internationally.

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Refiloe Mohono collaborated in establishing a shoe and foot care brand known as Complete Comfort.

This brand offers three sprays designed specifically for shoes and foot care.

The flagship product of Complete Comfort is a natural antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic shoe and foot spray. It effectively reduces sweat, eliminates odours from shoes and feet, and treats nail fungus, foot diabetes and athlete's foot.

By Menziwa Msibi

Music plays an important role in early childhood development. It enhances cognitive abilities, support language development, promotes social and motor skills and nurture creativity and imagination, among others.

This is why the NWU recently hosted a workshop for practitioners from various Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the North West province and in the Sedibeng East area.