The North-West University (NWU) hosted its inaugural Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day on 31 July 2023 at Mabeskraal near Rustenburg as part of National Science Week.

This landmark event served as a platform for fostering partnerships and collaboration among educational institutions, government departments, private companies, communities, and other stakeholders in the North West province.

Why did some people experience more severe coronavirus symptoms than others during the Covid-19 pandemic? International researchers believe part of the answer may lie deep within human cells, specifically in the small circular chromosome inside each cell, called the mitochondrial DNA.

Genetic variations in mitochondrial DNA are considered the key to unlocking answers about the innermost workings of cells and mapping the way forward for more effective medical treatment.

Dr Tshepiso Ndhlovu, a PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has completed promising research on the use of medicinal plants to treat children’s diseases.

Childhood illnesses make a major contribution to infant mortality rates worldwide, and the high cost of conventional treatment exacerbates the problem by putting a financial strain on rural populations.

Located on the roof of building G5 at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus, the solar telescope of the Centre for Space Research has garnered attention from organisations such as the BBC and the Royal Astronomical Society.

Dr Ruhann Steyn, senior lecturer and principal scientist involved in the project, recently attended the National Astronomy Meeting in Cardiff, Wales, where he was commended for the outstanding work done by the Centre for Space Research.

The Walking in Victory Movement, the Christian student chapter on the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently launched its #CleanUpVaal campaign.

Various stakeholders joined in, from students, school learners and street vendors, to soccer clubs and businesses. Together, they worked to clean up the Vanderbijlpark CBD, including two illegal dumping sites.

While debates about the quality of teacher education intensify, the North-West University (NWU) is exploring solutions, including mixed reality, that will ensure that well-prepared and effective teachers enter the country’s classrooms.

The recent findings of the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), indicating that 81% of South Africa’s Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning, have reignited the debate about the quality of pre-service teacher preparedness in the education sector.

Many studies have found a strong correlation between learners’ discipline levels and academic performance, with the latter improving as discipline levels improve. However, what is the role that parents play in disciplining their children?

Research professor Howard Chitimira and postdoctoral research fellow Dr Elfas Torerai, both from the North-West University's (NWU’s) Faculty of Law, presented papers at the 18th International Association of Consumer Law (IACL) Conference that took place from 19 to 21 July in Hamburg, Germany.

Their session focused on the African perspectives on financial consumer protection.

Prof Chitimira’s paper was titled “The role of financial education in the promotion of protection for poor consumers of digital financial services in Zimbabwe”.

The North-West University (NWU) ballroom and Latin dance team twirled their way to the top at the annual University Sports South Africa (USSA) dance tournament that took place at Rhodes University from 1 to 5 July. All nine provinces were represented by twelve affiliated institutions at the tournament.

The team competed in five major sections during the tournament, including the Open Formation Act, Closed and Open Ballroom/Latin Section, Team Match, Team Formation, and the American Show Dance.

In a thrilling first-round match of the Varsity Football tournament, the North-West University (NWU) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) showcased their prowess on the pitch, ultimately sharing the spoils in an intense 0-0 draw.

The highly anticipated clash took place on Thursday, 27 July at the NWU Mahikeng stadium, where both teams were determined to kick off their campaign with a victory.