The North-West University (NWU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on internationally renowned pharmaceutical business leader and NWU alumnus Jannie Oosthuizen on Friday, 2 August.

Mr Oosthuizen is recognised for his exceptional contributions to and significant standing in the international health sector, where he is considered a key role player.

By Bonolo Monaisa

On International Chess Day – annually celebrated on 20 July, students from the North-West University (NWU) made a remarkable impression at a chess tournament hosted by the Chess Powerhouse in Sandton.

Demonstrating exceptional skill and strategic prowess, Innocent Phahlaa and Neo Warambwa secured both the first and third positions in the event.

University-based law clinics offer law students a unique opportunity to gain practical legal training through service learning and work-integrated learning. These clinics also provide free legal services to needy and marginalised members of the community who cannot afford the services of a private legal practitioner.

These law clinics engage with communities by informing them of their rights and enabling them to use the law to enforce their rights rather than taking the law into their own hands.

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.

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.

Ten athletes from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus bodybuilding team will compete in the South African International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Championships from 1 to 3 August 2024 in KwaZulu-Natal.

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.

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).

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.

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.