Human Interest

Beatrix Bouwman meets Pope Francis – a historic moment for global service-learning

In a groundbreaking moment for the North-West University (NWU) and global service-learning, Beatrix “Bibi” Bouwman, director of sustainability and community impact (SCI), met His Holiness Pope Francis on 9 November 2024 during the V UNISERVITATE Global Symposium in the Vatican City.

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NWU shines as global host for BRICS skills development and innovation challenge

The North-West University (NWU) made history by hosting the prestigious BRICS Skills Development and Technology Innovation Competition from 24 to 28 November 2024, at its Vanderbijlpark Campus.

This event, coordinated by the BRICS Business Council Skills Development, Applied Technology, and Innovation working groups of China and South Africa, positioned the NWU as the first institution outside China to be recognised as a BRICS Skills Development Training Base – a remarkable achievement that brought immense prestige and global recognition.

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Academic honoured with prestigious award

Prof Roelof Coetzer, an academic from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) research focus area for Pure and Applied Analytics, has been awarded the prestigious Thought Leader Award by the South African Statistical Association (SASA).

This accolade recognises individuals who have profoundly impacted the South African statistical community through academic excellence, leadership, and industry contributions.

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Lessons from Covid-19 can help strengthen maternal healthcare

By Tiyiselani Miyambu

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted maternal healthcare in rural communities, exposing vulnerabilities and resilience in equal measure. A master’s study by Makgake Ziphorah Mohulatsi, a PhD student in social sciences with sociology from the North-West University (NWU), focuses on women’s experiences in Mmabatho during this challenging period. Her findings highlight key lessons for strengthening healthcare systems in the future.

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Wellness expert advocates against gender-based violence during 16 Days of Activism

By Gofaone Motsamai

As the world observes the campaign for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) from 25 November to 10 December, the North-West University (NWU) is taking a proactive stance in addressing this critical issue.

Dr Khido Ramadie, a wellness counsellor at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, emphasises the importance of educational institutions in preventing and addressing GBV while supporting survivors.

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Forum explores challenges in short-learning programmes

Short-learning programmes bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce, fostering an environment of adaptability, innovation and lifelong learning.

The director of the Unit for Continuing Education (CED) at the North-West University (NWU), Yolanda Kirsten, took part in a conference tailored to discuss short-learning programme challenges in public higher-education institutions (HEIs).

Due to the intense competition among HEIs, short-learning course management practices are thoroughly monitored to increase benchmarking opportunities.

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Two NWU School of Pharmacy professors receive South African Pharmacy Council awards

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions.

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Academic completes international training in nuclear forensic methodologies

Amid plans to establish a nuclear forensic and crime scene management laboratory at the North-West University (NWU), a senior member of the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST) in Mahikeng has undergone specialist training in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Dr Tebogo Gilbert Kupi, who leads the university’s nuclear forensics initiatives, took part in the International Training Course on Nuclear Forensic Methodologies from 14 to 25 October 2024.

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