Human Interest

Netball Eagles show there is no substitute for “heart”

Skills can be learned, tactics can be taught, fitness can be drilled, but there is no substitute for “heart”. The North-West University (NWU) Eagles’ Varsity Netball team has this heart not in spades, but in enough buckets to fill a truck.

On Monday, 11 September, coach Elsunet du Plessis’s team will square off against UJ in the semi-final of the Varsity Cup competition, having finished second on the overall log after undefeated UP-Tuks.

Submitted on Wed, 09/06/2023 - 14:34

Better growth figures show resilience, but volatility remains

The better-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0,6% in the second quarter of 2023 is welcome news, as it has extended its gains for a second consecutive time.

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says this demonstrates a noteworthy degree of resilience in the economy. This has mainly been the outcome of more moderate Eskom blackouts in June compared with April and May, together with other mitigating factors that helped to generate better growth figures.

Submitted on Wed, 09/06/2023 - 11:41

Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo: A remarkable journey to stardom

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Transitioning from the familiar world of high school football to the demanding and competitive arena of Varsity Football can be an intimidating prospect. However, for Oatlhotse Ditlhobolo, affectionately known as Foden, this journey has been a testament to the determination and the pursuit of dreams.

Submitted on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 14:36

Prof LJ Grobler: An engineer with purpose

Prof LJ Grobler, a professor in mechanical engineering at the North-West University (NWU), is a man with determination. His CV and numerous engineering accomplishments reveal his dynamism.

He has come a long way – from growing up in the beautiful farmlands of Ermelo in Mpumalanga – to sitting in international boardrooms and sharing his expertise to make an impact in the field of renewable energy.

Submitted on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 08:50

Noord-Vaal Cross Country competition broadens its horizons

On Saturday 26 August, talented athletes from 40 secondary and six primary schools participated in the Noord-Vaal Cross Country competition hosted by the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus and Hoërskool DR Malan in Meyerton.

The event brought together talented athletes from Vanderbijlpark, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Meyerton and Potchefstroom.

Taking place along the picturesque banks of the Vaal River, participants immersed themselves in the stunning surroundings as they navigated the cross-country course.

Submitted on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 08:34

SA needs to find its moral compass

A North-West University (NWU) academic says he hopes his new book on South Africa’s moral compass will open up a vigorous social debate that could unleash deep interest among willing role players to bring back hope and morality to our young democracy.

Prof Koos Vorster is part of the Reformed Theology and the Development of the South African Society research unit which deals with the moral development of the South African society.

Submitted on Mon, 09/04/2023 - 08:15

Scarce skill puts NWU taxonomist at forefront of describing parasites

“What is in a name?” William Shakespeare wanted to know.  A young researcher from the North-West University (NWU) knows exactly how important a name is. She is currently believed to be the youngest gnathiid taxonomist in the world, at the forefront of describing these parasites and identifying their names – or the lack thereof.

Dr Anja Erasmus thrives on recording the tiny sea species and listing important information used to identify them. She is one of only a few active gnathiid taxonomists in the world ― the others being in the Philippines, Japan, Australia and Europe.

Submitted on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 12:06