By Lerato Tshweu and Phenyo Mokgothu

When a species becomes extinct in the wild, the loss is permanent. For Africa, a serious loss is the extinction of the Tanzanian Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) due to habitat change and infectious disease.

This should serve as a wakeup call for policy makers to prioritise and implement conservation measures for endangered species.

History is more than just a collection of dates and events; it forms the foundation of our collective identity and guides us in making informed decisions. By teaching history, we ensure that past lessons are preserved.

To this end, the History subject group at the North-West University (NWU) started a seminar series, initiated by former colleague Dr Laura Phillips, to provide researchers with a platform to present their work to internal and external audiences, to foster new networks and to enhance the university's reputation.

As we come to the end of Women’s Month, the North-West University (NWU) proudly highlights the exceptional contributions of women innovators who are making significant strides in research and development. Among them are Prof Zimbili Zondi, principal investigator (PI), Prof Lebo Katata-Seru, senior researcher, and Dr Naledi Raleie, researcher on a project focused on creating health-friendly sanitisers using phytocompounds and nano-cosmeceuticals.

In an intense and competitive match, the North-West University (NWU) faced off against the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw.

The game kicked off with both teams showing early promise but struggling to break the deadlock in the opening minutes. Despite several probing attacks from both sides, the score remained goalless until the 27th minute.

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

We introduce the work of two researchers - Tumi Ledwaba, a lecturer in History, and Prof Tycho Maas, extraordinary researcher in the School for Ancient Language and Text Studies.

Whether they are historically true or fictional, texts are not only informative, but are drivers of ideological change for their target audience, compelling their readers to adopt new behaviours such as morals and good ethical conduct.

Shedding light on these texts at the North-West University (NWU) is Prof Risimati Hobyane, a senior lecturer in Greek and New Testament studies from the School of Ancient Languages and Text Studies at the Faculty of Theology.

Maize seeds quickly germinate and become thriving seedlings when primed with fertiliser made from nanoparticles extracted from an indigenous African herb, impepho.

This potent herb (helichrysum odoratissimum), also known as kooigoed and African sage, is at the centre of the research of Dr Bongiwe Dhlamini-Zungu, a recent PhD graduate in chemistry from the North-West University (NWU). Her study focused on developing nano-engineered, environmentally friendly fertilisers designed to boost crop yields with reduced inputs.

Fortune Tsutsa’s master’s-degree research on the use of social media for newsgathering and reporting by the Potchefstroom Herald exemplifies the power of modern technology in journalism.

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus hosted BMI Day, an annual event organised by the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) on 14 August 2024.

Since its inception in 2022, BMI Day has grown into a tradition, bringing together current students and accomplished alumni, and – for the first time this year – high-achieving Grade 11 and 12 learners from nearby schools.