Red meat and its role in South Africa
An opinion piece by Prof Simon Letsoalo
Human Interest
Psychosocial support in schools: An urgent educational priority
By Dr Khido Ramadie
The decision of the Department of Basic Education to invest in psychosocial support for learners and educators is both timely and necessary.
Schools increasingly face the effects of anxiety, trauma, socioeconomic hardship and behavioural challenges that directly undermine teaching and learning. Without adequate psychosocial support, these challenges manifest as poor academic performance, absenteeism, classroom disruption and educator burnout.
The MKP has reached the ceiling
Opinion piece by Dr Mabutho Shangase
Dr Mabutho Shangase, a senior lecturer in Political Studies and International Relations at the North-West University (NWU) is of the opinion that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has reached the zenith of its political existence and is currently engaging in actions that will undermine and diminish its future electoral prospects.
Putting people at the centre of digital innovation
- The Centre for Digital Humanities was born out of the realisation that the humanities are central to creating equitable digital futures for South Africans.
- “As digital humanists, we understand that technology exists within a network of human and more-than-human relationships,” says Prof.
Building leaders to tackle hunger and malnutrition across Africa
For more than two decades, the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the North-West University (NWU) has been shaping the future of nutrition leadership on the continent. Since its first programme in 2002, this flagship 10-day residential initiative, hosted annually at the NWU, has developed over 500 professionals from more than 40 African countries. This year alone this flagship programme will reach close to 50 professionals from 10 African countries.
Researchers demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand
While cities in Africa expand rapidly and the pressure for economic growth is increasing, the protected areas on the continent face a complex challenge: how to conserve nature and empower people.
At the North-West University (NWU) the Protected Areas Research Group, led by Prof. Reece Alberts, Prof. François Retief, Prof. Claudine Roos and Prof. Dirk Cilliers, is working to find exactly that balance.
Prof Linda du Plessis: South Africa’s future depends on rebuilding education
- STEM education needs to be put in the spotlight for South Africa to revive its ailing education sector.
- The education system is not producing underachievers; it is manufacturing exclusion.
- Teaching must be restored to its former prestige, which is a respected, aspirational career rather than a reluctant fallback.
- The state must confront its own complacency.
Empowering teens living with chronic illnesses
By Mzwandile Ndlovu
Teens living with chronic diseases need not be defined by their illnesses but by their potential and determination to succeed.
Dr Kezell Klinck, senior lecturer in the School of Management Sciences at the North-West University (NWU), delivered this message during the recent Chronic Life as a Teen event at the Lonely Park Multipurpose Centre in Mahikeng.
Dr Monray Williams is helping to lead Africa’s virology charge
The battle against HIV in sub-Saharan Africa has always been as much about systems and science as about the virus itself. Antiretroviral therapy has turned what was once a death sentence into a manageable condition.
Yet, as Dr Monray Williams of the North-West University (NWU) cautions, “millions of people still face barriers to prevention and treatment. Poverty, limited healthcare infrastructure, and social stigma continue to shape who gets care and who does not.”