Human Interest

Meet our researchers

The faculties at the North-West University (NWU) are doing exciting work on the research front.

Prof Philimon Modisha is an associate professor in the Faculty of Engineering and his research is centred on liquid organic hydrogen storage. His research is mostly at the Department of Science and Innovation Hydrogen South Africa Infrastructure Centre of Competence, co-hosted by the NWU and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Submitted on Tue, 11/14/2023 - 11:21

Unlocking the cultural language of emojis: a study on Facebook emojis and isiXhosa meanings

A researcher in the School of Communication at the North-West University (NWU), Dr Quatro Mgogo, has embarked on a study to explore how Facebook emojis are being employed to shape the meanings of izaci namaqhalo esiXhosa (isiXhosa proverbs and idioms).

The study also delves into how isiXhosa-speaking Facebook users are harnessing emojis to breathe fresh life into isiXhosa expressions. This study, rooted in interpretivist research philosophy, seeks to decode the cultural values of the Xhosa community through their use of emojis in digital communication.

Submitted on Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:44

International event: NWU academic says AI is shaping our future

Kurt Naicker, a senior lecturer and chartered accountant at the North-West University's (NWU) School of Accounting Sciences, recently shared his insights about how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the South African landscape and shaping our future with postgraduate students from Kohinoor Business School in Mumbai, India.

Submitted on Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:55

NWU’s chancellor honoured with lifetime achievement award

The chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), Dr Anna Mokgokong, received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 20th annual Top Women Awards in Sandton.

Dr Mokgokong, who is a passionate social activist and champion for women empowerment and transformation, accepted the award during a prestige awards ceremony on 7 November.

Submitted on Mon, 11/13/2023 - 08:28

Prof Nico Smit appointed as adjunct professor at the University of Miami

North-West University (NWU) academic and researcher, Prof Nico Smit has been appointed as an adjunct professor in marine biology and ecology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami (UM), USA.

The title of adjunct professor is the equivalent of an extraordinary professorship, showcasing the recognition of his exceptional contributions to the field.

Submitted on Fri, 11/10/2023 - 12:00

Academic walks away with Best Poetry award 2023

Kaka Mokakale from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) subject group Setswana was announced the winner in the Best Poetry category of the 2023 South African Literary Awards (SALA).

The awards were made after the Africa Century International African Writers conference that took place on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus.

Kaka competed against six nominees out of more than 30 entries, and his anthology of poetry – TSWINA YA POKO – were announced the winning entry.

Submitted on Fri, 11/10/2023 - 09:46

North-West University recognises its trailblazer alumni

The alumni of the North-West University (NWU) continuously shine in their respective fields of expertise, both nationally and internationally. The NWU recognised ten of these remarkable career professionals during the university’s prestigious Alumni Awards of Excellence event in Pretoria on 9 November.

These awards acknowledge exceptional alumni who are making impactful contributions in their careers and to society.

Submitted on Fri, 11/10/2023 - 06:34

Take a stand against plastic pollution

The North-West University (NWU) has recently launched a campaign to address the issue of plastic pollution. The campaign was initiated after the vice-chancellor, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, earlier this year challenged all staff and students to fight plastic pollution.

The launch of the campaign, #BeatPlasticPollution #StopUsingPlasticBottles, took place simultaneously across all three campuses, with events held at the Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark campuses.

Submitted on Thu, 11/09/2023 - 14:17

Capability development is key to sustainable employment – North-West University

Imagine an hourglass and think of one of the countless impoverished communities in South Africa. Ask yourself: How do we enrich the lives of the people in these communities and equip them with the skills to secure sustainable employment opportunities? If you fill the hourglass with resources and turn it over, these resources will trickle down steadily, but leave few lasting effects for the community. Therefore, the question remains unanswered.

Submitted on Thu, 11/09/2023 - 08:49