Two North-West University (NWU) researchers have received national recognition for work that could contribute to safer water, healthier honeybees and stronger communities.

Rebaone Mofokeng and Nolwandle Khumalo were awarded the DSTI-Prof. Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowships at the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards on 20 August 2026. Rebaone received the Master’s Fellowship, while Nolwandle received the Doctoral Fellowship.

For Rebaone, the award is recognition of a research journey built on perseverance and support.

South African researchers are increasingly looking for innovative ways to improve health outcomes, particularly as the country faces rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. A new research chair, the first for biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), aims to make an impact on the lives of people suffering from metabolic ailments. 

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU) is dedicated to supporting the development and digitisation of South African languages, ensuring that these languages have a significant presence in the digital future. 

The North-West University (NWU) chancellor Dr Anna Mokgokong, together with the principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, officially unveiled the Centre for Contemporary Identity and Diversity Studies (CCIDS) during a gala dinner at the Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark marking the launch of the centre. 

The launch, held during Women's Month, celebrated a new chapter in the commitment of the university to advancing identity, inclusion and social justice.

• Millions of young South Africans will vote in November without ever having held stable employment. 

• Persistent unemployment is delaying the point at which an entire generation can become economically independent.