Short-learning programmes bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of the modern workforce, fostering an environment of adaptability, innovation and lifelong learning.

The director of the Unit for Continuing Education (CED) at the North-West University (NWU), Yolanda Kirsten, took part in a conference tailored to discuss short-learning programme challenges in public higher-education institutions (HEIs).

Due to the intense competition among HEIs, short-learning course management practices are thoroughly monitored to increase benchmarking opportunities.

We would like to extend our hearty congratulations to Prof Jan Steenekamp and Prof Jacques Petzer, who recently received awards as “Best Moderator” and “Best Examiner” respectively from the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) at the SAPC Examiners/Moderators Lekgotla. The SAPC is a collective of experienced pharmacy professionals, educators and professionals from other key professions.

Amid plans to establish a nuclear forensic and crime scene management laboratory at the North-West University (NWU), a senior member of the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST) in Mahikeng has undergone specialist training in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Dr Tebogo Gilbert Kupi, who leads the university’s nuclear forensics initiatives, took part in the International Training Course on Nuclear Forensic Methodologies from 14 to 25 October 2024.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit hosted a two-day workshop that focused on equipping professionals with tools to help individuals craft purposeful, meaningful lives.

The workshop, titled “The Holistic Life Crafting Model: A practitioner’s guide to meaning-making in every domain”, took place on 13 and 14 November at Mongena Private Game Reserve.

The North-West University (NWU) proudly celebrates a significant achievement, with its bhive Enterprise Development Centre winning top honours for its Short Learning Programme (SLP) for Business Start-ups at the 3rd Annual Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Learning and Teaching Awards.

Held in Johannesburg on 29 November 2024, the ceremony recognised excellence and innovation in entrepreneurial education across South Africa.

Championing excellence in entrepreneurial education

Ntokozo Happy Msiza, a PhD student in animal sciences at the North-West University (NWU), recently returned from the TechWomen programme in the United States, where she represented South Africa among women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

TechWomen, an initiative by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, empowers women from Africa, the Middle East and Central and South Asia to advance their careers, pursue their dreams and inspire others in their communities.

The corporate publications of the North-West University (NWU) have excelled in this year’s South African Publication Forum and Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) competitions.

It is a proud achievement for the university in its pursuit of excellence.

Twelve awards from the South African Publication Forum

In addition to receiving two certificates of excellence, two wins, a runner-up position and two special mentions, the corporate publications also produced five finalists in four categories.

The unexpected and disappointing gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures for the third quarter of 2024 confirm the extent to which South Africa’s growth prospects remain vulnerable to negative factors such as adverse weather conditions, weakened exports and other lagging sectors.

World Prematurity Day, observed annually on 17 November, is a global awareness day dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges of preterm birth and the impact it has on families and communities worldwide.

Every year, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation), making preterm birth a leading cause of death in children under five years old. World Prematurity Day aims to highlight the urgent need for action to reduce preterm birth rates and improve care for preterm infants.

The global impact of preterm birth

The Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI) at the North-West University (NWU) has once again showcased the outstanding calibre of its postgraduate students at the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH) Annual Conference 2024. This prestigious event, which was recently held in Gaborone, Botswana, gathers top talent and professionals in occupational hygiene and rewarded three NWU students for their excellence in research, publications and presentations: Monica Young, Marelizé van Ree, and Nadia Botha.