Research

“Monsters, Myths & Fables” exhibition displays student curators’ growth and learning

The ViNCO (Visual Narratives and Creative Outputs) research entity at the North-West University (NWU), a collective that includes creative practitioners, created an exhibition titled “Monsters, Myths & Fables” with the aim of showcasing and promoting their members’ creative and artistic endeavours. A total of 14 artists, including the ViNCO members and their invited artist friends, are participating in the exhibition at the Snowflake Gallery in Potchefstroom between 15 August and 16 September 2024.

Submitted on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 11:21

NWU hosts impactful nutrition leadership training in Malawi

The North-West University (NWU) is dedicated to playing an impactful role on the African continent in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

A prime example of this is the African Nutrition Leadership Programme (ANLP) of the Centre of Excellence in Nutrition (CEN) at the NWU that has for 22 years been making meaningful contributions towards achieving zero hunger (Goal 2), good health and well-being (Goal 3), and quality education (Goal 4).

Submitted on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 11:44

Public lecture calls for us to reclaim control of our food systems by remembering our relationship with the land

On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, the Population and Health research entity at the North-West University (NWU) hosted a public lecture by Dr Jackson Sebola-Samanyanga, senior lecturer in the Department of Town and Regional Planning at the University of Pretoria. The event was held at the Mahikeng Campus and attracted a diverse audience. The aim was to unpack the land question, which continues to be passionately debated in South Africa.

Submitted on Tue, 09/03/2024 - 11:16

Meet our researchers

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

We introduce the work of two researchers - Tumi Ledwaba, a lecturer in History, and Prof Tycho Maas, extraordinary researcher in the School for Ancient Language and Text Studies.

Submitted on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:53

Ancient texts and their interpretation for today’s society

Whether they are historically true or fictional, texts are not only informative, but are drivers of ideological change for their target audience, compelling their readers to adopt new behaviours such as morals and good ethical conduct.

Shedding light on these texts at the North-West University (NWU) is Prof Risimati Hobyane, a senior lecturer in Greek and New Testament studies from the School of Ancient Languages and Text Studies at the Faculty of Theology.

Submitted on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:48

African herb and nanotechnology combine for “amazing” results

Maize seeds quickly germinate and become thriving seedlings when primed with fertiliser made from nanoparticles extracted from an indigenous African herb, impepho.

This potent herb (helichrysum odoratissimum), also known as kooigoed and African sage, is at the centre of the research of Dr Bongiwe Dhlamini-Zungu, a recent PhD graduate in chemistry from the North-West University (NWU). Her study focused on developing nano-engineered, environmentally friendly fertilisers designed to boost crop yields with reduced inputs.

Submitted on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:39

Pioneering South Africa's circular economy

Gone are the days of the throwaway economy. Environmental scientists and pioneers like Prof Linda Godfrey of the North-West University (NWU) are leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy.

With over 20 years dedicated to studying the waste sector, Prof Godfrey has observed the unsustainability of the traditional linear economy model, characterised by extraction, production, consumption, and disposal. She argues that this model has severe environmental and health impacts and advocates a shift to a circular economy.

Submitted on Fri, 08/30/2024 - 10:10

Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival set to inspire and inform

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit is gearing up to host the upcoming Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival from 3 to 6 September at The Roots in Potchefstroom.

According to Optentia's project manager Anjonet Jordaan, this festival aims to provide a dynamic and inclusive platform that encourages the exchange of innovative methodologies and transformative practices in qualitative research.

Submitted on Wed, 08/28/2024 - 09:41