With the aid of thermal energy storage systems it is possible to use solar cookers to prepare hot meals at night. Some systems perform better than others though, and there is room for improvement. This is according to Prof Ashmore Mawire of the Solar Thermal research group at the North-West University (NWU).

He recently gave a public lecture at which he presented past and recent research results of the group, which is located in the Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) research focus area.

All public and private organisations must deal with the systemic risks of our complex world. However, such inherent complex risks are difficult to manage even where significant resources have been utilised in implementing formal risk management frameworks and related processes.

It is therefore important for organisational leaders to actively explore new methods to enhance the contribution of risk management processes when they are trying to reach their objectives, says Prof Hermien Zaaiman from the Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU).

Local solutions to the energy crisis are needed in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, says Dr Pamelah Cheuka, an economics specialist whose PhD thesis has shed light on the energy challenges of the region.

Dr Cheuka’s recent study on the impact of energy efficiency and renewable energy generation on productivity in the SADC has the potential to influence energy policymaking, especially in this era of climate change.

From climate change and associated extreme weather events to pollutants, over-utilisation and invasive species, human activities are the main threats to freshwater species in South Africa’s largest floodplain ecosystem.

This is according to the Water Research Group (WRG) of the North-West University (NWU), which for the past 10 years has been actively involved in studies relating to water preservation in the Pongola River and floodplain (PRF).

In 2018, the Constitutional Court of South Africa legalised the cultivation and use of cannabis, provided that it is for private use by an adult person in a private place.

In her master’s-degree research carried out at the North-West University (NWU), Advocate Dineo Mongwaketsi looked at the legal implications of the legalisation of cannabis for employers and employees.

At the North-West University (NWU), research not only plays a pivotal role in the daily functioning, but it is also where the university helps to change the world.

Prof Febe De Wet, an associate professor in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the North-West University (NWU), has more than three decades of experience in her field, and her passion is the driving force in making a meaningful contribution to her industry.

She is working on several projects that deal with speech technology and language resources for native South African languages Her current project involves localising Mozilla Firefox's Common Voice platform for the 11 official languages recognised in the South African Constitution.

Everyone interested in digital humanities is in for a double treat.

The Digital Humanities Association of Southern Africa (DHASA) will be hosting a summer school from 31 October to 3 November 2022, followed by the inaugural digital humanities conference organised by the North-West University's (NWU's) Faculty of Humanities from 2 to 4 November 2022.

During the summer school a series of courses will cover a wide range of topics related to the digital humanities field, which is a relatively new research field in South Africa.

Varsity Football continues to play a prominent role in nurturing talent for role players involved with the game – from players, technical staff, masters of ceremonies, photographers, and sports writers – to name but a few.

Dimpho Khumalo, master of ceremonies (MC) for the North-West University (NWU) during the 2022 Varsity Football tournament, believes her role as MC in this tournament is a steppingstone to greatness.

Mental health expert Prof Miriam Mmamphamo Moagi is a research professor at the School of Nursing Science (Mahikeng Campus) of the North-West University (NWU). In contrast to typical nursing-related interests, her research interests include mental health, substance use and abuse, programme development, student/adolescent health and well-being, and the homeless who are mentally impaired. Her current research developed from when she was conducting her doctoral research.