Human Interest

Gandhi, Fleischack and their North-West University connection

He is revered as one of the greatest human rights champions and spiritual leaders of all time. Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated non-violent resistance and influenced civil disobedience protests for generations after him, is an international icon with a special connection to Potchefstroom and indirectly to the North-West University (NWU).

This connection is a special collection of hand-written legal documents by Gandhi himself and owned by the NWU. These are on display at an exhibition by the NWU Library Services and shed light on Gandhi’s time as an attorney in Johannesburg.

Submitted on Wed, 10/26/2022 - 08:57

NWU alumnus is one of 100 South African Shining Stars

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Keorapetse Mashimo has been selected as one of the 100 South African Shining Stars  by Inside Education for his contribution to sport in his community.

This was announced during a function hosted by Inside Education and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) on 20 October in Johannesburg. 

This annual event recognises young individuals – nominated by their peers and organisations – for giving their time and talent to make their communities, and also country, a better place to life.

Submitted on Tue, 10/25/2022 - 09:56

NWU PhD candidate research focuses on treating obesity and type 2 diabetes

By Ontiretse Motingwa

“As a complicated and ever-evolving field, science requires scientists and researchers who are resilient, determined, and knowledgeable. They must also have a great willingness to learn and use new skills and scientific concepts without bias or conformity to what society deems acceptable.” This is according to Khanyisani Ziqubu, a PhD biochemistry candidate at the North-West University (NWU).

Submitted on Mon, 10/24/2022 - 16:03

NWU hosts a data science workshop for teachers

The North-West University (NWU), in partnership with SAS DataFly, a free resource that offers a fun and engaging way to explore data with students in real time, recently hosted a Teachers4DataAnalytics workshop for mathematics and science teachers.

The event was held at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus and was organised by statistics lecturers from the NWU and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

Submitted on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 12:38

Industry leaders address issues impacting the South African transportation sector post-Covid-19

“Covid post-mortem – Can we fix or train our way out of the chaos”, was the theme of this year’s Transport Symposium that was hosted by the North-West University (NWU) and the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) from 12 to 13 October 2022.

The symposium focused on major post-Covid pandemic issues facing the sector, from industry’s as well as an academic (research) perspective.

Submitted on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 11:05

NWU experts share their journeys with breast cancer

It is the diagnosis dreaded by most: cancer. Two professors at the North-West University (NWU) who were both affected in different ways by this life-threatening disease, say the emotional toll it takes can be just as detrimental as the physical havoc it causes. They offer expert advice on how to deal with it when cancer becomes a personal reality.

Prof Welma Lubbe, director of the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences, says her journey started almost seven years ago when she discovered a lump in her breast.

Submitted on Wed, 10/19/2022 - 09:14

NWU and Stadt Primary School host International Health Day

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Lifestyle Diseases research niche area and Stadt Primary School hosted an International Child Health Day at Barolong Ratshidi Hall on 14 October 2022.

According to Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, the purpose of the event was to raise awareness about lifestyle diseases and the prevalence thereof in primary schools of the North-West province.

Submitted on Tue, 10/18/2022 - 12:07

NWU Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences recognises its top achievers

By Oldrin Masowa

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus recently hosted an awards ceremony in recognition of top student achievers.

During the event students were rewarded for achieving top academic results in their various modules during the first semester.

Submitted on Tue, 10/18/2022 - 12:03

Researcher shares findings on psychological issues caused by divorce

By Onitretse Motingwa

“Little attention is given to the mental health of those affected by divorce,” says Dr Lebogang Philda Selahla, a North-West University (NWU) PhD alumnus.

Dr Selahla who recently obtained her PhD, conducted research on mental health issues of men and women who are affected by divorce. Her thesis is titled “Psychosocial predictors of the mental health of divorcees and efficacy of intervention”.

Submitted on Tue, 10/18/2022 - 11:59

Shaun Bownes is now leaving tracks at the NWU

He is a legend who rewrote the record books. A diehard speed glutton who exhibited his talent on the global stage until he was in his late 30s. Shaun Bownes, the former hurdles champion of the African continent, is carved from granite.

He may not have been able to escape the injuries or stay ahead of Father Time, but heaven knows, he tried. That bald pate of his was a constant on televisions screens.

Submitted on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:44