When a species becomes extinct in the wild, the loss is permanent. For Africa, a serious loss is the extinction of the Tanzanian Kihansi spray toad (Nectophrynoides asperginis) due to habitat change and infectious disease.

This should serve as a wakeup call for policy makers to prioritise and implement conservation measures for endangered species.

The pursuit of greatness without boundaries by the North-West University (NWU) has just had an innovative technological boost with the launch of its virtual reality (VR) simulation laboratory at the Faculty of Health Sciences on 23 August.

It is official: The North-West University (NWU) has embarked on another exciting venture with the launch of NWU Enterprises at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus on Monday, 12 August.

The aim of NWU Enterprises is to deliver impactful, commercially focused research, consulting and commercial services and innovative companies from the NWU. It is a wholly owned subsidiary with the capacity to efficiently and astutely deliver a substantial and growing portfolio of directed research, consulting activities and derivative commercial activities.

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.

We thank the South African Olympic team for flying our flag high at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. We are pleased with the overall efforts and performance of the team.

The North-West University (NWU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on internationally renowned pharmaceutical business leader and NWU alumnus Jannie Oosthuizen on Friday, 2 August.

Mr Oosthuizen is recognised for his exceptional contributions to and significant standing in the international health sector, where he is considered a key role player.

“We are united despite our challenges.” This, the third last line of the anthem of the MM Sebitloane Special School, rang more true than ever on Tuesday, 30 July when the Vice-Chancellor Science Day of the North-West University (NWU) was held in the heart of the Taung district. Little did PJ  Mahloko and MM Madikwe know when they composed the anthem for the school – which was founded in 1984 – that more than a thousand eager secondary school learners from the greater district would one day descend on the just more than 18 000-strong community of Taung.

Without the help of a particular enzyme, HIV/Aids cannot replicate itself and take over the body’s cells. Dr Andrew Motsilanyane, a recent PhD graduate from the North-West University (NWU), has been targeting this enzyme, HIV-1 protease, in research that could open up new possibilities for drug development.

South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has seen the majority of its ministries experiencing a change in leadership, with the Ministry of Police now being led by Minister Senzo Mchunu, with deputy ministers Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo.

Veteran Setswana broadcaster and SABC newsreader, Masego Ezekiel “Easy” Matjila, received an honorary doctorate in humanities from the North-West University (NWU) on 18 July at the Mahikeng Campus. This was in recognition for his outstanding achievements in promoting Setswana and other languages through his work at the SABC.

"Allow me to express my gratitude and appreciation to the NWU for honouring an individual such as myself while still alive. I consider myself lucky and I am truly humbled," says Dr Matjila.