Gone are the days of the throwaway economy. Environmental scientists and pioneers like Prof Linda Godfrey of the North-West University (NWU) are leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy.

With over 20 years dedicated to studying the waste sector, Prof Godfrey has observed the unsustainability of the traditional linear economy model, characterised by extraction, production, consumption, and disposal. She argues that this model has severe environmental and health impacts and advocates a shift to a circular economy.

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit is gearing up to host the upcoming Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival from 3 to 6 September at The Roots in Potchefstroom.

According to Optentia's project manager Anjonet Jordaan, this festival aims to provide a dynamic and inclusive platform that encourages the exchange of innovative methodologies and transformative practices in qualitative research.

Research with impact ─ this is what the North-West University (NWU) is renowned for. The university’s researchers continue to shine nationally and internationally. This was again evident at the recent 2024 National Research Foundation (NRF) awards, where a young NWU researcher was honoured in the Early Career/Emerging Researchers category. 

Africa is experiencing a tourism renaissance. Since 2022, the continent has seen a remarkable turnaround in its tourism fortunes, and it is enjoying an influx of foreign currency. Experts agree that now is the time to capitalise on this renewed interest in Africa as a tourist destination, as opportunities like this don’t come along very often.

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

We introduce the work of two researchers - Prof Anja Franken and Dr Suranie Horn, both from the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI).

Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed communication systems in today’s modern world. The integration of AI into various communication systems will likely lead to more advanced capabilities and the invention of new applications. Autonomous vehicles, exceptionally fast communications speeds and smart cities come to mind.

One of the greatest challenges facing Africa is food security. Dr Godfrey Mhlongo, a recent PhD graduate in animal science from the North-West University (NWU), believes indigenous chickens, brown seaweed and oyster mushroom spawn could help feed the continent and preserve the environment.

He has conducted research on the use of oyster mushrooms to optimise brown seaweed in feed for indigenous chickens.

While state-owned electricity utilities have long dominated energy production in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), greater private sector involvement could boost energy security across the subregion.

The good news is that SADC member states are actively investing in the energy sector to ensure stability and create opportunities for private sector investment. This is according to Prof Muhiya Lukamba, associate professor in public administration at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The Faculty of Health Sciences at North-West University (NWU) recently hosted an Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

The dynamic one-day hybrid-event brought together community champions - including academics, community leaders, practitioners and students - to explore the potential of engaged scholarship.

Participants from various sectors shared their experiences and insights, making the Indaba an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue.

By Bonolo Monaisa

Students and staff from the North-West University (NWU) recently attended the 28th South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (SBMB) Congress in Polokwane on 10 July 2024.

Hosted by the University of Venda, the congress was themed "Biochemistry Leading the Future" and attracted more than 350 delegates from around the globe.

Tsholofelo Moloi, Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, Marakia Moetlediwa and Masibulele Mdutyana were among the students in attendance.