Human Interest

Khayelitsha residence discussions target mental health and wellbeing

By Bonolo Monaisa

In honour of Nelson Mandela’s legacy, students at Khayelitsha residence at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus hosted a mental health awareness panel discussion for Mandela Month on 25 July 2024.

The event, organised by student leaders, aimed to help reduce the stigma around mental health issues and to create a supportive environment on campus.

Submitted on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:25

Engineering Postgraduate Open Day opens minds to endless possibilities

The Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) held its Postgraduate Open Day on 25 July, granting prospective students the opportunity to engage with the faculty and peers.

The Open Day served as a platform for students to explore Engineering PhD programmes, the diverse research fields and advanced facilities of the NWU. Attendees also discovered more about interdisciplinary possibilities, application procedures and funding opportunities through presentations by leading experts in the faculty.

Submitted on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 14:56

Cannabis production debated as a socio-economic driver for indigenous communities

Cannabis production is a hot topic in South Africa, with many considering it a potential resource for driving sustainable development in various communities.

Kamogelo Noge, a master's student in indigenous knowledge systems at the North-West University (NWU), is focusing on how cannabis can enhance social and economic development, particularly for indigenous communities like the Amampondo of Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape province.

Submitted on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:53

Meet our researchers

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

We introduce the work of two researchers - Prof Anja Franken and Dr Suranie Horn, both from the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

Submitted on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:35

Self-driving cars, super-fast communication and smart cities need advanced wireless networks to run

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed communication systems in today’s modern world. The integration of AI into various communication systems will likely lead to more advanced capabilities and the invention of new applications. Autonomous vehicles, exceptionally fast communications speeds and smart cities come to mind.

Submitted on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:20

How brown seaweed and spent oyster mushroom substrates could be used as chicken feed

One of the greatest challenges facing Africa is food security. Dr Godfrey Mhlongo, a recent PhD graduate in animal science from the North-West University (NWU), believes indigenous chickens, brown seaweed and oyster mushroom spawn could help feed the continent and preserve the environment.

He has conducted research on the use of oyster mushrooms to optimise brown seaweed in feed for indigenous chickens.

Submitted on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:15

Researcher investigates energy security for Southern Africa

While state-owned electricity utilities have long dominated energy production in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), greater private sector involvement could boost energy security across the subregion.

The good news is that SADC member states are actively investing in the energy sector to ensure stability and create opportunities for private sector investment. This is according to Prof Muhiya Lukamba, associate professor in public administration at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Submitted on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 11:12

Celebrating five finalists in prestigious HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that five of its esteemed women trailblazers have been named finalists in the Higher Education Resource Services South Africa (HERS-SA) Higher Education Women Leaders Awards (HEWLA).

The NWU finalists are Prof Linda du Plessis, Prof Marinda Neethling, Dr Keaobaka Seshoka, Dr Susan Greyling and Zanobia Kanjee.

The awards ceremony, set to take place on 29 August 2024 at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, celebrates the exceptional achievements of South African women in higher education.

Submitted on Wed, 07/31/2024 - 09:05