Research

NWU hosts 33rd SAARMSTE International Conference

The North-West University (NWU) hosted the 33rd annual conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (SAARMSTE) on the Potchefstroom Campus from 13 to 16 January 2025.

This international conference, hosted in collaboration with the North West SAARMSTE chapter, was aimed at promoting research to improve and develop Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (MSTE) programmes in response to current and future needs.

Submitted on Fri, 01/24/2025 - 14:35

NWU symposium addresses water and climate challenges

Nature-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting and infrastructure designed to withstand floods and other climate impacts were among the practical ideas raised at  a recent two-day symposium on water management and climate change in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province.

Held at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 4 and 5 December, the event brought together community leaders, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to discuss local challenges and identify innovative strategies.

Submitted on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 18:56

WRC and NWU partner to address water and sanitation challenges

By Gofaone Motsamai

The Water Research Commission (WRC) hosted a stakeholder engagement session on 3 December at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus to tackle South Africa’s water and sanitation challenges.

The event brought together representatives from municipalities, water boards, academia and other stakeholder groupings to refine and implement the WRC’s new strategy.

Virginia Molose, head of stakeholder engagement at the WRC, explained the shift in the commission’s approach.

Submitted on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 09:17

Success and insights from NWU’s collaborative writing camp, empowering postgraduate researchers

From 11 to 15 November 2024, the North-West University’s (NWU) Research and Postgraduate Support Directorate hosted a successful writing camp aimed at tackling the challenges faced by postgraduate students. Held in collaboration with the Writing Centre and the Chemical Resources Beneficiation (CRB) group, the camp provided a transformative experience for selected Master’s and Doctoral (M&D) students across NWU’s three campuses.

Submitted on Mon, 12/02/2024 - 12:05

Symposium on water management and climate change aims to find practical solutions

Finding practical solutions to the critical challenges of water management and climate change in the Ngaka Moridi Molema District of the North West Province is the main purpose of a three-day symposium being hosted at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus from 3 to 5 December.

“This symposium is about bringing people together to find practical, community-driven solutions,” says Dr Naledi Seheri from the Chemistry subject group and one of the event organisers.

Submitted on Tue, 11/26/2024 - 12:03

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

Medical experts agree smoking is a health hazard, but many smokers choose to justify this habit by highlighting the calming and socialising effects they believe it may have. Some smokers of plants such as dagga also point to the medical benefits some studies have shown.

A new NWU study is challenging smokers’ perceptions and justifications by looking at the possible detrimental effect the habit may have on the effectiveness of chronic medication.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:19

What product cues influence consumers' perceived value of pork meat?

The consumption of pork meat products is increasing due to its affordability, versatility and high protein content.

A North-West University (NWU) research project from the Consumer Sciences subject group in the School of Applied Health Sciences, is focusing on food product cues (sensory and non-sensory attributes) that influence consumers’ food choices. Prof Annchen Mielmann is now looking into the cues of pork meat because of its increased popularity among consumers.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:12

Use of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes

Research from the North-West University (NWU) and partner institutions has highlighted the role of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes mellitus, a chronic and potentially fatal metabolic disorder affecting millions globally. 

The study, published in the journal Diabetology, explains how traditional practices provide an alternative to conventional medications used to treat diabetes.

Submitted on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:50