Human Interest

NWU mascot Eagi graduates

A secret, closely guarded since 2019, was at long-last revealed during the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science graduation session on 23 May 2022.

Not only did NWU mascot Eagi graduated with a BSc degree in agriculture and agricultural economics, but his true identity was revealed.

Kabelo Mathope, wearing the iconic grey, blue and purple mascot sneakers, got a standing ovation from the crowd as he was announced as Eagi, the iconic mascot.

Submitted on Fri, 05/27/2022 - 09:48

Feather in NWU’s cap as it bags prestigious prize

As its digital business strategy begins to gain momentum, the North-West University (NWU) is being recognised for its digitisation progress.

On 20 April 2022 the university received an external award for the successful implementation of Planon, an integrated workplace management system (IWMS). The award was presented by the South African Facilities Management Association for the Technology Implementation of the Year 2022. 

Submitted on Thu, 05/26/2022 - 12:01

SANBS and NWU in bid to boost much-needed blood stocks

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) says its stocks are unstable, and is urging the public to kindly donate blood regularly to avoid blood shortages.

Meanwhile, the North-West University (NWU) is contributing to the campaign by hosting additional blood donation drives.  Three drives, in association with the SANBS, have already taken place on the NWU’s campuses this year, and more will be held this month to help replenish SANBS blood stocks.

Submitted on Tue, 05/24/2022 - 13:01

NWU's Optentia appoints international health expert as extraordinary professor

Prof Doris Bohman, a registered nurse, nurse tutor and associate professor at the Department of Health, Blekinge Institute of Technology, in Sweden, was recently appointed as an extraordinary professor at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit. 

Dr Bohman holds a PhD in medical science and has extensive experience working with ethnographic methods focusing on gerontological care.

Submitted on Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:28

NWU students: enter the 2022 Leopards Lair Business Competition

Do you have a business idea? The North-West University (NWU) bhive Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office are looking for innovative business ideas or product inventions.

NWU undergraduate and postgraduate entrepreneurs are thereby invited to enter Leopards Lair Business Competition by submitting their innovative business ideas before 30 May 2022.

Submitted on Mon, 05/23/2022 - 15:56

Values are a driving force for the NWU

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to be a value-driven institution and is currently busy with a campaign to relaunch the values that guide staff, students and other stakeholders.

The campaign kicked off in March 2022 with a cook-off held for the University Management Committee (UMC) and an official launch in the form of a gala evening.

The process leading up to this official launch started a while ago, however, and a lot of hard work has been done to reach this point.

Kicking-off the process

Submitted on Mon, 05/23/2022 - 15:27

Study finds that unpaved roads increase air pollution

The burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions are among the major sources of air pollution in South Africa. However, there are other sources that are found in residential areas, for example unpaved roads, of which there are plenty in low-income residential areas in South Africa.

Air pollution is one of the top environmental problems that have a negative impact on human health and the environment in general.

Submitted on Fri, 05/20/2022 - 09:55

Study into environmentally friendly options to replace chemical fertilisers

Prompted by the high cost of chemicals fertilisers and their impact on the environment, a master’s student the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, took on the challenge of searching for environmentally friendly options to replace or supplement chemical fertilisers.

Motlagomang Khantsi’s study titled “Determination and comparison of intraspecific variation in the bacterial strains resident around the root area of bambara nut”, was conducted in the Food Security and Safety research focus area at the NWU.

Submitted on Fri, 05/20/2022 - 09:01

Why early blood pressure screening in children is vital

High blood pressure or hypertension is not only a disease in adults, but starts during childhood and tracks into adulthood.

In a study conducted by the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) of the North-West University (NWU), researchers emphasised the importance of screening children, especially black children, for elevated blood pressure.

Submitted on Thu, 05/19/2022 - 14:42