Human Interest

Current status of protest actions at the North-West University’s Mahikeng Campus

Since Monday, 15 March 2021, students, and members of the public have been protesting outside the main entrance to the Mahikeng Campus in solidarity with the call for a national shutdown of all public universities. Staff are still unable to access the campus to render services to deserving students.

Submitted on Wed, 03/17/2021 - 14:33

Whisper’s PhD research could help South African industry embrace digital transformation

Just as offices, shops, classrooms and lecture halls are embracing digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so must the manufacturing industry. Known as Industry 4.0 or I4.0, the transformation is essential for the sustainability of local manufacturing. This prompted a PhD Engineering student at the North-West University (NWU) to help the South African industry develop the skills and competencies needed for a digital future.

Submitted on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 15:21

NWU researcher collaborates in international fungi study

The fungus that spoils bread does not work alone. It has guests hidden deep within its cells – bacteria – with whom it has a mutually beneficial relationship that can be positive or negative for humans. Understanding and modifying this relationship can have a profound impact on the food, medical and agricultural industries.

This is the focus of a four-year international collaboration between the North-West University (NWU) and two universities in the United States.

Submitted on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 14:41

“Jaws” and tourism

It was 1975 and the concept of the “blockbuster film” was in its infancy. A young director named Steven Spielberg adapted Peter Benchley’s harrowing novel Jaws into the first bona fide summer spectacular that changed the face of modern cinema forever. What was once revered was now hated and feared.

Submitted on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 14:29

Study highlights the link between obesity and academic performance

While most people are aware of the health risks associated with children being overweight or obese, they do not know about the academic consequences that come with these conditions.

Deidré van Staden, a North-West University (NWU) master’s degree graduate, conducted a study in which she explored how child obesity, overweight, stunting and wasting affect academic performance in mathematics, language, reading and writing.

Submitted on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 13:57

Take a bow, Jeandré Rudolph

There are loose forwards blessed with the flair and razzmatazz reserved for their much more flamboyant brothers in the backline. They are the Kwagga Smiths and Bobby Skinstads who can step and swerve with the best of them. They have a deceptive turn of space and silky hands, and they know how to execute those deft touches that open up defences.  

Submitted on Mon, 03/15/2021 - 13:23