Research

PhD research points to greener ways of detecting water pollution

Communities, municipalities and industries could soon have access to faster and cheaper tools to detect harmful dye pollution in water. Environmentally friendly nanomaterials can outperform conventionally produced alternatives in monitoring water quality, according to the doctoral research of Dr Mokole Seleke, who recently graduated from the North-West University (NWU) with a PhD in chemistry.

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Madlanga Commission and IDAC testimony: Is SA witnessing the failure of leadership or the failure of its anti-corruption system?

The testimony presented before the Madlanga Commission on 29 July 2026 concerning the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), together with the resignation of its head, Adv. Andrea Johnson, should serve as a watershed moment in South Africa's fight against corruption. 

Opinion piece by Dr Nkosingiphile Mkhize, a senior lecturer in the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Government Studies

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Expert says space technology can help Africa tackle food security, climate risks and economic growth

From predicting droughts and floods to helping farmers plan planting seasons, space-based technologies are becoming practical tools for addressing some of Africa's development challenges, according to a North-West University (NWU) space scientist.

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Study points to alternative feed additives that help broiler chickens cope with heat stress

As poultry producers face growing pressure to reduce antibiotic use while managing rising temperatures, a North-West University (NWU) study has found that combining probiotics and stimbiotics in broiler chicken diets could help the birds maintain growth and cope better with heat stress without compromising performance, meat quality, health or welfare.

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South Africa’s schools have not collapsed, and that is precisely why we should be worried

  • South Africa’s schools have not collapsed — but “not collapsed” must never become our standard for success. 
  • A child who cannot read for meaning by Grade 4 is not merely behind at school; that child faces a narrowed future. 
  • A country cannot build an innovation economy when hundreds of its schools do not even offer Mathematics.
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PhD study develops AI to detect misinformation in South African languages

When false information spreads online in English, artificial intelligence (AI) can often help identify it. But when the same misinformation appears in isiZulu, Sepedi or many other South African languages, the tools are limited. 

A North-West University (NWU) PhD study by Dr Seani Rananga is addressing that gap by developing multilingual AI that can detect misinformation across English, isiZulu and Sepedi, laying the groundwork for safer digital spaces in South Africa.

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