Human Interest

Researcher secures place of parasites on red list for endangered species

Parasites. Just uttering the word may send shivers down the spine, conjuring up images of rapidly proliferating organisms devouring or destroying other species. A celebrated researcher from the North-West University (NWU) hopes to change those perceptions.

Credited with playing a crucial role in global conservation efforts to protect parasites, Prof Nico Smit is from the NWU’s Water Research Group in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. He aims to ensure that some of the parasites found on endangered species do not end up like their hosts – facing extinction.

Submitted on Wed, 06/14/2023 - 10:20

Cutting back on bush encroachment

Bush encroachment is a global challenge, but through the multi-million rand RIBS project, this major contributor to land degradation is being tackled with renewed vigour.

RIBS is an acronym for “Rangeland Improvement through Bush Control and Sustainable Intensification to mitigate Climate Change and improve Livelihoods and Food Security in Southern Africa”.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany, through the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL 2.0) programme.

Submitted on Wed, 06/14/2023 - 09:19

Taiwanese representative visits NWU

On Tuesday 13 June, representative Oliver Liao from the Taipei Liaison Office in the Republic of South Africa visited the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus for a tour of the DST HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence. This centre is co-hosted by the NWU and the Council for Scientific and Instustrial Research (CSIR).

Submitted on Wed, 06/14/2023 - 08:24

NWU alumnus puts her best foot forward

North-West University (NWU) alumnus Refiloe Mohono collaborated in establishing a shoe and foot care brand known as Complete Comfort.

This brand offers three sprays designed specifically for shoes and foot care.

The flagship product of Complete Comfort is a natural antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic shoe and foot spray. It effectively reduces sweat, eliminates odours from shoes and feet, and treats nail fungus, foot diabetes and athlete's foot.

Submitted on Tue, 06/13/2023 - 12:36

Practitioners learn about the power of music

By Menziwa Msibi

Music plays an important role in early childhood development. It enhances cognitive abilities, support language development, promotes social and motor skills and nurture creativity and imagination, among others.

This is why the NWU recently hosted a workshop for practitioners from various Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in the North West province and in the Sedibeng East area.

Submitted on Tue, 06/13/2023 - 08:39

Faculty of Humanities embraces teaching with technology

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Humanities (FHUM) recently hosted a Teaching with Technology Showcase on the Potchefstroom Campus.

More than 40 academics representing the six schools in the faculty attended this face-to-face event, allowing lecturers the opportunity to demonstrate how they actively use technology in their modules and to learn from one another.

Submitted on Mon, 06/12/2023 - 16:18

Ju-Jitsu maestro selected to represent South Africa in Brazil

Elvis Moyo, North-West University (NWU) final-year PhD candidate in applied radiation sciences, has been selected as part of the Ju-Jitsu national team that is set to participate in the World Morganti Ju-Jitsu championship. The championship will take place in Brazil on 23 October 2023.

Elvis earned his place in the national team after competing in the South African national championships earlier this year. He competed in the higher division, which was open only to black and brown belts. Despite facing stiff competition, Elvis emerged victorious and won a gold medal.

Submitted on Mon, 06/12/2023 - 08:46