The North-West University (NWU) is firmly positioning itself as a globally engaged, innovative university committed to excellence and societal relevance. Prime examples of how the strategic priorities of the NWU align with the quest for globally relevant, sustainable solutions are the establishment and proposed establishment of three future-fit academic schools: the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, the School of Mines and Mining Engineering, and the School of Veterinary Sciences.

Farmers looking to improve soil health and crop yields may find a solution in crop rotation, according to a study by North-West University (NWU) researchers. The study, published in the International Microbiology Journal, reveals that the rotation of crops leads to a more diverse and beneficial microbial community in soil.

• Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation

• People are far more likely to protect what they can name

• South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science

• The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic

Can a digital platform save a language from fading away?

A recent study by Phenyo Mokgothu, a master's graduate and communication practitioner with the North-West University (NWU), has shown that digital community newspapers can indeed preserve language and culture, even in the shifting landscape of online media.

By Gofaone Motsamai

As South Africa continues to grapple with high levels of crime, a North-West University (NWU) researcher has highlighted the critical role young people can play in prevention efforts when supported and included in meaningful ways.

Dr Kgomotso Bosilong, a research support coordinator at the NWU and a recent PhD graduate, is focusing her research on how to make the nation’s youth part of the solution to crime.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Heat stress is among the most urgent climate-related challenges affecting beef cattle productivity, requiring South African cattle breeders to adopt climate-smart strategies to bolster food security under changing environmental conditions.

“Heat stress is becoming a major threat to livestock productivity,” said Prof Giel Scholtz of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in an online guest lecture hosted by the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on 24 April 2025.

By: Gofaone Motsamai

NWU researchers have completed a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the environmental implications of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in South Africa’s water resources. The report, “Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources”, was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC) and is the most comprehensive study to date on the issue.

Although indigenous agricultural practices play a major role in enhancing food security in local communities, they are still undervalued, overlooked and regarded as old fashioned. A master’s student at the NWU is conducting research that could help to give indigenous agricultural practices a place in the sun.

Thato Hazel Seemise, a master’s student in indigenous knowledge systems at the Mahikeng Campus, is studying the indigenous agricultural practices used to enhance food security among the Batswana of Moruleng in the North West province.

In a nod to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) outstanding research abilities, the Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science has been upgraded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and will continue for another five years under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).

“To expand beautiful ideas of working together across disciplines.” These were the words of Professor Jeffrey Mpahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation at the North-West University (NWU), as he captured the essence of the university's Research and Innovation Colloquium that was held at Sun City from 02-04 March 2025.