Human Interest

NWU’s nuclear research makes a global impact

Groundbreaking work, demanding years of teaching and learning and specialised research have over the past decade and a half led to the North-West University (NWU) now being described as the South African pioneer in the sophisticated field of nuclear engineering. This follows after the recent completion of the maximum contracted period of 15 years for a research chair at the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.

Submitted on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 13:58

NWU academic says back to basics for TB programmes

Phenyo Mokgothu

Deaths from Tuberculosis (TB) have increased globally for the first time in over a decade. This is according to the World Health Organisation’s Global TB Report that was released in October 2021. The increase in deaths is due to “reduced access to TB diagnosis and treatment in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic”, the report found.

The situation is no different in South Africa. In December, Health Minister Joe Phaahla confirmed that Covid-19 had side-lined the fight against TB, as well as HIV and Aids. 

Submitted on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 11:05

Why add subjects to an already congested school curriculum, when a redesign of the entire curriculum is needed?

The word “digital” has a strong presence in virtually every sector these days, along with outcries for re-skilling and up-skilling of the workforce with digital literacy and skills for them to remain relevant for the future world of work. The Covid-19 pandemic has seemingly increased the pace and urgency of acquiring these skills. Internationally, digital literacy and skills are deemed essential by research and advisory firms like Gartner to enable lifelong learning and more effective workforce management, and ensure the competitiveness of employers and employees alike.

Submitted on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 09:12

Researcher rings alarm bells over use of alcohol among students

Mafumane Thlapi

High prevalence rates of alcohol use among students in higher education are a public health concern. This is according to a study conducted by Prof Miriam Moagi from the School of Nursing at the North-West University (NWU).

Prof Moagi reviewed existing evidence to address alcohol abuse among students from a demand-reduction approach. The article is from her PhD study, which was guided by the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) pillars 2013–2017. The three pillars are demand reduction, harm reduction and supply reduction.

Submitted on Wed, 03/30/2022 - 10:37

Project explores how to boost profitability of indigenous language media

The research niche area Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) at the North-West University (NWU) is embarking on a three-year research project to assist South Africa’s struggling indigenous language media.

The past few years have seen massive closures and restructuring of media houses in South Africa, partly due to the introduction of digital platforms and social media, leading to a steady decline in advertising revenues and circulation.

Submitted on Tue, 03/29/2022 - 16:00