Research

Call for climate-smart cattle breeding to promote food security

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.

Submitted on Tue, 04/29/2025 - 10:10

Researchers explore the environmental impact of HIV-ARVs on South Africa’s water systems

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.

Submitted on Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:12

Indigenous agricultural practices promote food security

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.

Submitted on Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:09

Albertina Sisulu Research Chair will continue to shine its light on nursing

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).

Submitted on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 09:34

Research and Innovation Colloquium showcases NWU’s commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration

“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.

Submitted on Tue, 03/18/2025 - 08:52

NWU Research and Innovation Colloquium kicks off with a networking dinner

The Research and Innovation Colloquium of the North-West University (NWU) commenced in Sun City last night with a reception and networking dinner hosted by the university’s principal and vice-chancellor, Professor Bismark Tyobeka. The event brought together academics and industry leaders to discuss the strategic role of research in driving societal transformation and sustainable development.

Submitted on Mon, 03/03/2025 - 11:18

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