Research

NWU symposium addresses water and climate challenges

EVASHNI JANSEN — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:56:56 +0000

NWU symposium addresses water and climate challenges

EVASHNI JANSEN Fri, 12/13/2024 - 18:56

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.

It was organised by NWU’s Nano Environment Incubation Programme and the office of the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and WaterNet.

Dr Naledi Seheri from the chemistry subject group, who helped organise the event, emphasised its collaborative nature. “This symposium was about bringing people together to find practical, community-driven solutions.”

Leave no one behind

On 3 December, the WRC led a stakeholder engagement session to set the stage for discussions. On 4 December Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo delivered the keynote address which emphasised the urgent need for innovative approaches to address South Africa’s water challenges.

“No community should be left behind in water, sanitation and development,” he said, highlighting the importance of inclusive governance and collaboration, as well as the potential to integrate technology, governance and climate-sensitive infrastructure into water management.

Deputy minister Mahlobo shared a success story of a school that received clean water through a system using solar energy, rainwater harvesting tanks and efficient sanitation solutions. “This project not only provided water for students but also supported the surrounding community.”

He urged stakeholders to explore nature-based solutions and to design infrastructure that could withstand floods and other climate impacts. The deputy minister also stressed the need for circular water systems and the separation of stormwater from wastewater to enhance sustainability.

Technology was another key focus of his address. He pointed to the potential of artificial intelligence and real-time data systems to improve water monitoring and disaster management. “With more cell phones than people in the country, these devices can be used as tools for empowering communities.”

Collaboration in action

The symposium featured interactive panels that tackled water resource management, climate adaptation, water conservation technologies and the role of governance in strengthening water resilience. Discussions included input from representatives of the NWU, WaterNet, the WRC, the Magalies Water Board, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism.

It concluded with recommendations for improving water security in the region by fostering partnerships, leveraging science and technology and keeping in mind the interconnectedness of water, energy, food and climate resilience.

The symposium also resulted in the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the NWU and the WRC to address regional water challenges.

Dignitaries at the NWU’s Water and Climate Changes symposium.

WRC and NWU partner to address water and sanitation challenges

EVASHNI JANSEN — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:17:54 +0000

WRC and NWU partner to address water and sanitation challenges EVASHNI JANSEN Fri, 12/13/2024 - 09:17

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.

“Our previous engagements focused primarily on researchers and academics. While valuable, this approach had limitations. We are now moving toward a province-specific strategy that directly engages municipalities, water boards and communities to address their challenges,” she said.

The programme covered key topics such as water governance, the impact of extreme weather events, groundwater management and solutions for non-point source pollution.

Non-point source pollution is a contamination of our ground water, waterways and ocean that results from everyday activities such as fertilising the lawn, walking pets, changing motor oil and littering. The issue of non-point source pollution was a recurring theme, with participants emphasising the need for innovative strategies to address its diffuse and challenging nature.

A central focus of the engagement was fostering partnerships. The WRC is in discussions with the NWU to formalise a partnership agreement aimed at leveraging the university’s resources to address provincial water challenges.

“The NWU has the capacity to serve as a catalyst in this province. By working together, we can address local water and sanitation issues more effectively,” said Virginia. “There’s no need for municipalities and departments to struggle with these challenges while they have a university nearby that can provide research and innovative solutions.”

Stakeholders included representatives from Magalies Water, the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency, and the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa. They emphasised the importance of collaborative governance and proactive measures.

Virginia concluded by stressing the WRC’s commitment to practical solutions. “We presented knowledge products, research reports and tools to equip stakeholders with actionable insights. The goal is not just to identify problems but also to collaboratively engage with solutions,” she said.

Various stakeholders from municipalities, water boards, academia, chieftaincy and others at the stakeholder engagement session.

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 10:05:52 +0000

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

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 12/02/2024 - 12:05

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.

The camp’s core mission was clear: equip postgraduate students with the tools and support needed to overcome common hurdles in academic writing. M&D supervisors nominated 151 promising students, from which a diverse cohort was chosen based on detailed justifications provided by their mentors. This initiative has been made possible through the dedicated efforts and support of the Postgraduate Support UCDG project, which is proudly based within the Higher Degrees Academic Support (HDAS). Their commitment to fostering postgraduate success has laid the foundation for this valuable opportunity.

Upon arrival at the NWU Sports Village, students were warmly welcomed by the HDAS team, who outlined the week’s structure and objectives. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were defined to set clear personal and academic goals, emphasizing accountability and measurable progress. Additionally, the facilitator from CRB presented a workshop on academic writing.

Each day was meticulously planned, combining theory with practice. On the 2nd day of the writing camp, the sessions kicked off with concise, impactful writing tips, followed by intensive "sit down and write" periods. Facilitators from the Writing Centre led structured discussions to guide students in creating handouts that addressed key writing challenges—documents they wished they had during their early academic journey. This collaborative effort will culminate in a published resource, giving participants well-deserved recognition for their contributions.

Throughout the week, one-on-one consultations offered personalised guidance. Students received tailored feedback to refine their writing, from enhancing clarity and structure to tackling complex research methodologies. The CRB facilitator’s involvement added a unique interdisciplinary dimension, ensuring diverse perspectives and expertise.

The camp was not just about refining academic skills; it fostered an environment of openness and shared experiences. During the final feedback session, students presented their handouts and reflected on their week-long journey. The discussions revealed profound insights into the challenges of postgraduate life, including; mental health pressures, navigating supervisor feedback effectively, balancing academic demands with family responsibilities, and the need to secure postgraduate funding.

These candid conversations underscored the crucial role of support initiatives like the writing camp in addressing not just academic but holistic well-being.

“As the Higher Degrees Academic Support team, we reflect on a successful week with a dedicated group of students who have set a high standard for future participants in our writing camps,” shared Doret Kruger, Manager: Higher Degrees Academic Support. This inaugural camp laid a strong foundation, demonstrating.

Postgraduate students at the writing camp organised by the Higher Degrees Academic Support at the Sports Village in Potchefstroom

Students engaged in a group discussion led by writing centre Coordinator, Zander Janse van Rensburg from the Potchefstroom Campus.

Nursing’s undergraduate research day: showcasing future healthcare scientists

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:01:05 +0000

Nursing’s undergraduate research day: showcasing future healthcare scientists

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 12/02/2024 - 11:01

The 2024 final-year Nursing students at the North-West University (NWU) recently took the spotlight as they displayed their research projects during the undergraduate research day, which took place on the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses on separate days.

This annual event was collaboratively led by Francois Watson, senior lecturer at the School of Nursing, and Dr Sabelile Tenza, researcher in quality and safety in healthcare in the NuMIQ research entity, on the Potchefstroom Campus. Neo Nare, lecturer, and Issac Mokgaola, senior lecturer – both from the School of Nursing – steered the event on the Mahikeng Campus.

The main objective was to ignite young researchers' interest and motivate them to communicate their research concepts. Presenting their projects allowed students to experience the full journey of research – from that initial spark of curiosity to a fully-fledged health-science research proposal – while adhering to the expected scientific and ethical standards.

Dr Tenza confirms that the undergraduate research module is designed to lay a foundation for knowledge and practice, as well as instil an everlasting passion for research. She said the module also serves as a critical source in the building of future scientists. “We were so proud to observe the level of in-depth understanding of research principles and enthusiasm on both campuses.”

Nare aptly stated: “The goal of education should be to liberate us and therefore open an avenue of scholars who strive to pursue the truth about our world, wherever that might lead us. The latter is only feasible when we are awarded the tools to pursue that truth, in other words, research methods, logic reasoning, and the frameworks for asking questions of all kinds about people and our world at large. Even more so as the knowledge base of our society is constantly changing.”

Further, the students did not just focus on health-related issues but boldly explored topics impacting student life, broader society and political matters such as the implications of National Health Insurance (NHI). The scope of topics presented highlighted the students’ abilities to pinpoint health-system challenges and develop research-based solutions. It exposed a promising future for nursing, with students stepping confidently into their professional roles.

“We observed budding clinical educators making presentations on high-fidelity simulation and related clinical learning environments, including well-delineated issues surrounding mental health, access to quality healthcare, and enhancing healthcare experiences in palliative care,” Dr Tenza said.

Watson reflected: “The engagement among student researchers was inspiring! Reflecting on their growth, many acknowledged the skills they have gained through this module – critical thinking, teamwork, navigating professional disagreements, academic writing and presentation skills to name a few. The continuous support and collaboration within the teaching team across both campuses was nothing short of incredible, making this learning experience both impactful and enjoyable. We are immensely proud of these future scientists emerging from our undergraduate nursing programme – our health is in the capable hands of these critical thinkers!”

Both campuses of the NWU echoed the sentiment that the quality and breadth of the research proposals presented were impressive. The degree of critical thinking demonstrated by the students’ confidence in answering questions about their research projects, the scientific soundness, and ethical considerations of their proposals were acknowledged by external guests.

Despite the logistical challenges of hosting the event on two different days, the experience was nothing short of amazing for both campuses.

Let us acknowledge our students’ accomplishments and look forward to the beneficial change they will bring to the healthcare industry.

Final-year Nursing students on the Mahikeng Campus

Final year Nursing Students on the Potchefstroom Campus

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

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 10:03:49 +0000

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

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 11/26/2024 - 12:03

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.

“This exemplifies the university’s mission to address pressing environmental issues through academic and practical initiatives,” adds Prof Damian Onwudiwe, also from the Chemistry subject group.

The symposium is being organised by the NWU’s Nano Environment Incubation Programme and the office of the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, in partnership with the Water Research Commission and WaterNet.

The event, themed “Water and climate: Challenges and opportunities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District”, will offer community leaders, researchers, policymakers and industry experts the opportunity to explore local water and climate issues through collaborative and innovative strategies.

The symposium will kick off on 3 December with a Water Research Commission stakeholder engagement session.

On 4 December, the Deputy Minister for Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, will deliver a keynote address to open the symposium, setting the stage for impactful discussions led by various speakers.

They will include Dr Jennifer Molwantwa, CEO of the Water Research Commission, who will discuss sustainable water management, and Prof Jean-Marie Onema, CEO of WaterNet, who will focus on human capital, drought management and lessons for water resources management in Mahikeng.

Prof Nnenesi Kgabi, director of the NWU’s Research and Postgraduate Support department, will highlight collaborative approaches to water security. Prof Sylvester Mpandeli, a leader in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, will discuss system interdependencies affecting rural communities.

Furthermore, Thabo Hloele from Orange Senqu River Commission will focus on the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project, and Seriti Phate, chairperson of WASH Innovative Technologies, will speak about the Lesotho Water Partnership.

Key topics will include water resource management, climate adaptation, water conservation technologies and governance’s role in building water resilience. Interactive panels will feature representatives from the NWU, WaterNet, the Water Research Commission, the Magalies Water Board, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, among others.

Participants will have opportunities to network, exchange ideas and form partnerships, thereby strengthening the collaborative spirit necessary to tackle these challenges. Click here for more information on the symposium.

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:19:47 +0000

Chronic medication’s effects go up in smoke

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:19

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.

Dr Wihan Pheiffer, senior lecturer at the DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform, says their study on herb-drug interactions specifically concerns what effects the smoking of tobacco and other plant material has on the pharmacokinetics — the uptake, breakdown (metabolism) distribution and removal — of medication in the body.

“This includes how smoking can delay the time medication is in the body, which leads to higher blood levels and may result in toxicity in patients. In some cases, it may also lead to acceleration in the metabolism and removal, which may render the medication useless.”

Dr Pheiffer explains that although his research group focuses on the potential effects of smoking in mouse models, it has been modified to express human genes. “This allows us to accurately explore specific changes in the pharmacokinetics in the mice, and so predict the changes in humans. Additionally, we can identify the negative effects of exposure to smoke.”

Clinical data confirms that smoking has an effect

He says clinical data shows that smoking tobacco affects certain medication by either accelerating or delaying its metabolism in the body. Is this true for everything people smoke? This is what Dr Pheiffer and his team want to establish. Their aim is to investigate the effects all types of plants may have. They will eventually also test traditional medications that are inhaled in other ways, like incense.

The study is in its early stages and, this being just the start of a long-term research project, the researchers realise there may be obstacles on the way – some of which they already have overcome.

“This type of research is unfortunately very expensive, but we are lucky to already have received national funding.” He says they are also very fortunate to have ethical and accredited laboratory animal technologists and a veterinarian on the team to help with specialised training for the student researchers participating in the study.

“We believe this study will have significant impact and will certainly empower patients who rely on chronic medication to make informed decisions when it comes to their health. Showing that it has an effect may empower medical practitioners to encourage or suggest to people on specific medication to stop smoking or to consult their doctor for alternative and more efficient treatment. This will greatly improve their quality of life. The research can also specifically aid in responsibly adapting treatment or prescription medication,” he concludes.

Watch Dr Pheiffer give more information about the project in the video below.

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

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:12:53 +0000

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

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:12

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.

She and fellow colleague Carike Brits are co-supervisors of master’s student Diewald Jordaan, who is specifically investigating what intrinsic and extrinsic product cues influence consumers’ perceived value of pork meat.

“Due to the higher demand for pork meat, consumers are becoming more concerned about the quality, safety and environmental impact thereof. Pork meat has numerous product cues that could influence consumers’ perceived value, a contributing factor in modelling consumers’ choice of pork product,” says Prof Mielmann.

She says their quantitative and ethically approved study used an online questionnaire for data collection purposes.

The study findings indicated that most of the respondents consumed pork meat on a weekly basis and more than 75% perceived pork meat as positive.

“Interestingly, the most important reasons for purchasing pork meat products were the variety of products available, the meat’s sensory characteristics and its affordability compared to other red meats.”

Flavour, taste and affordability

According to Prof Mielmann, Diewald identified a total of 17 intrinsic cues (i.e. sensory properties such as smell, taste and appearance) and 26 extrinsic cues (i.e. non-physical properties such as price and quality).

He points out that while respondents regarded the flavour and taste of pork meat as the most important intrinsic cues, the price and quality of pork meat were viewed as the most important extrinsic cues.

Significant associations were also reported between socio-demographic factors and product cues, and between the value that respondents perceived and pork meat cues.

“This study accentuates the importance of sensory characteristics shaping consumers' perceived value of pork meat as respondents valued intrinsic cues as more important than extrinsic cues.”

Study can aid pork industry to promote pork meat

The research team believes the product cues identified in this study might aid the South African pork industry to promote pork’s nutritional value and unique product cues that will contribute to an improved quality evaluation and a more optimistic perceived value of pork-derived food products.

“Furthermore, this study could benefit the consumer by meeting their consumption requirements that will support the stance and growth of the South African pork industry.”

Prof Mielmann concludes that the sensory characteristics of food play a fundamental role in linking consumer behaviour, nutrition and food sciences to sustain the growing demand for affordable, protein-rich products that will improve the dietary well-being of consumers.

Prof Annchen Mielmann

Carike Brits

Diewald Jordaan

Use of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:50:47 +0000

Use of African plants and indigenous knowledge in managing diabetes

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:50

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.

“Diabetes mellitus is characterised by high morbidity and mortality rates, leading to a growing interest in alternative management strategies. While conventional medicines are available, many individuals in Africa rely on traditional remedies derived from local plants,” says Dr John Asong, a researcher from the NWU’s Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

This reliance stems from the effectiveness of plant-based treatments and their minimal side effects, making them appealing options for managing diabetes, he says.

The review examined literature from various scientific databases, including PubMed and ScienceDirect, and revealed a wealth of indigenous knowledge about the use of medicinal plants for managing diabetes mellitus.

The selection of plants studied was informed by ethnopharmacological knowledge, emphasising the importance of traditional practices in identifying treatments.

Among the findings, approximately 80 compounds with known anti-diabetic properties were isolated from various African medicinal plants. These compounds primarily belong to the flavonoid and terpenoid families. Notable compounds include apigenin, combretin B, convallatoxin, kaempferol and quercetin.

Potential benefits need further research

However, as Dr Asong notes, the efficacy and safety of these compounds in managing diabetes has not been assessed under clinical conditions. “Despite the potential benefits, there is a notable absence of research in this area.”

Thus, further research is needed to validate the anti-diabetic effects of the compounds studied and understand their mechanisms.

As diabetes remains a global health challenge, integrating indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants offers a strategy in the fight against the disease. The authors call for increased recognition of traditional medicine, suggesting that combining it with modern scientific approaches could enhance diabetes management strategies worldwide.

Dr John Asong

Perinatal mental health is pivotal for better outcomes for families

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:46:56 +0000

Perinatal mental health is pivotal for better outcomes for families MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:46

A researcher from the North-West University (NWU) has dedicated her research to advancing perinatal mental health in Africa.

Dr Patience Kovane, senior lecturer and research coordinator at the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences, says her mission is to promote the mental health of women, especially in low- and middle-income settings.

“Many women are unaware that they have a mental illness because people usually brush it off as perinatal blues. It is important to recognise and assess mental health illness in the perinatal period in an early stage,” she explains.

Watch the video below to learn more about her research and her impactful work.

Research focuses on substance abuse and improved mental-health care

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:43:07 +0000

Research focuses on substance abuse and improved mental-health care MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 11/07/2024 - 14:43

Prof Leepile Alfred Sehularo’s research on mental health and substance abuse has resulted in the development of a programme that is designed to support both adults and learners and focuses especially on the abuse of illegal substances in North West.

He is the director of the Lifestyle Disease research niche area in Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU). “I started with this research during my master’s-degree studies. My research explores the perceptions of psychiatric patients regarding marijuana use.”

Watch the video below to learn more about his research.