Human Interest

In lean times, more food can be produced with fewer resources

Agriculture is at the forefront of ensuring food security and researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are constantly looking for innovative and more effective ways to enhance this crucial sector.

Associate professor Rojanette Coetzee from the School of Industrial Engineering is focusing on “lean agriculture” to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of agri-systems.

“The lean agriculture approach is adapted from the manufacturing industry, where it is used to reduce waste, improve efficiency and do more with less,” says Prof Coetzee.

Submitted on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 08:14

Industry summit shapes the next generation of communicators

The School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU) hosted an in-person and hybrid Communication Industry Summit on Wednesday, 2 October for students enrolled on all three campuses.

During the summit, industry and academia came together to explore the theme “From Clicks to Connection” to drive the future of communication. Students gained invaluable insight into the world of work and learned about the current careers and challenges in communication while interacting with industry experts and leading recruitment agencies.

Submitted on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:58

Empowering the next generation of STEM leaders in South Africa

Founded in 2004, Engenius Kids is a student-run programme at the North-West University (NWU), dedicated to inspiring Grade 9 learners, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds in townships, to pursue their education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

“Our mission is to cultivate future innovators and leaders in South Africa by providing exposure, education and encouragement in STEM fields,” says Nadin Talip, programme manager for Marketing and Media at Engenius Kids.

Submitted on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 15:42

NWU partners with DKMS Africa to raise awareness on stem-cell donation

Every 27 seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with blood cancer or a blood disorder. Yet, four out of 10 people globally in need of a matching, unrelated stem-cell donor are unable to find one. With these staggering statistics in mind, the Centre for Human Metabolomics in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) teamed up with DKMS Africa to make a difference.

Submitted on Mon, 10/07/2024 - 09:03

NWU awards honorary doctorate to Peter Chiepe for contributions to agriculture

The North-West University (NWU) conferred an honorary doctorate in agriculture on Peter Monametsi Chiepe during its Spring graduation ceremony on 3 October 2024. An earth scientist, businessman, social entrepreneur and farmer from Botswana, Chiepe was recognised for his contributions to agriculture, particularly in sustainable farming practices.

Submitted on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 15:38

2024 Geekulcha Internal Hackathon empowers through digital innovation

The North-West University's (NWU’s) bhive Enterprise Development Centre, in partnership with Mindworx, recently hosted the 2024 Geekulcha Internal Hackathon on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The six-day event, themed "Empowering the Vaal through digital innovation", highlighted the tremendous potential of digital innovation in addressing local community challenges.

Submitted on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:24

Humanities Spring School a resounding success

The Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a its first International Spring School. The event, held at the Khaya Ibhubesi Conference venue in Parys, saw 165 higher-degree students, promoters, and researchers from various South African institutions in attendance, making it a truly enriching and collaborative experience. 

Submitted on Wed, 10/02/2024 - 14:27

NWU expertise is addressing urgent societal needs

In the heart of South Africa, where the sun dips low over maize fields, grazing cattle and platinum mines of untold riches, dust gathers over forgotten places. It is here, where discontent grows as promises fade, that the North-West University (NWU) has heard the plight of a province in need.

The NWU is named after the North West Province, reflecting its regional roots and identity. The NWU is also the only contact university in the province. So when the province is in pain, the university feels it, hears it and sees it.

Submitted on Wed, 10/02/2024 - 08:30

Empowering women in leadership

The North-West University recently hosted an empowering Women Conference across all three of its campuses. Women leaders holding positions from peromnes levels 2 to 6, as well as upcoming women leaders from peromnes levels 7 to 8, participated in the hybrid in person and virtual event.

Submitted on Tue, 10/01/2024 - 10:34