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Indian Ocean Rim conversation to bridge academia, policy and community needs

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:42:55 +0000

Indian Ocean Rim conversation to bridge academia, policy and community needs BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 07/04/2025 - 09:42

By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, serving as a lifeline for international trade and transport. South Africa is a key player in the 23-country Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the North-West University (NWU) is an integral part of the IORA Academic Group, which promotes collaboration among universities, governments and communities in the region.

The South African chapter of the IORA Academic Group visited the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus on 30 June as part of efforts to engage institutions in contributing to the evidence-based policymaking, skills development and inclusive growth in the region.

Prof Mokgadi Molope, senior lecturer in development studies and population in the Faculty of Humanities, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to connecting research, policy and community needs through regional partnerships.

“Partnerships that are intended to facilitate engagement aimed at bridging the gap between government departments and institutions of higher learning are truly appreciated,” said Prof Molope. “We are really interested in ensuring that our staff members and students participate in activities that contribute not only to their research outputs, but also to opening opportunities for further engagement.”

She also highlighted the value of long-term collaboration beyond short-term projects.

“We are hoping that these collaborations are going to assist us to further bridge the gap between the university and communities, because the days of being ivory towers are over,” she explained. “We need to be actively engaged in research that responds to the social and economic needs of our immediate communities, the country at large, and our continent.”

Kgame Molope, lecturer in government studies and chair of the South African IORA Academic Group, stressed the NWU’s role in strengthening regional cooperation.

“Our existence as the South African academic group is aligned to the regional objectives, which include promoting academic collaboration, supporting evidence-based decision making and catalysing regional discussions.”

Staff and students were encouraged to take on the role of academic diplomats, using their work to support national priorities and community needs.

“The opportunity now presents itself: becoming an academic diplomat,” Kgame said. “It is important to realise that universities are doing work on behalf of government to support its priorities.”

About IORA

IORA is an inter-governmental organisation promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development among 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners in the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Ocean is a key route for global trade, carrying half of the world’s container ships, one-third of bulk cargo and two-thirds of oil shipments.

South Africa, a founding member of IORA, is active in areas such as maritime safety, trade facilitation, fisheries, disaster risk management, tourism, cultural exchange, science and technology, the blue economy and women's economic empowerment.

Since its establishment in 1997, the IORA Academic Group has served as a platform for academics, universities, think tanks and scientific institutions to provide policy and project recommendations to IORA member states.

Prof Mokgadi Molope, senior lecturer in development studies and population

Kgame Molope, lecturer in government studies and chair of the South African IORA Academic Group

Rebuilding the pipeline to secure the university’s water future

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:24:32 +0000

Rebuilding the pipeline to secure the university’s water future

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 07/04/2025 - 09:24

Leaky, dilapidated water lines are being replaced at the North-West University (NWU) to reduce water losses and conserve water more effectively. One such rehabilitation project is under way at the Mahikeng Campus.

What was once a neglected water system is now central to the university’s Waterwise Project, as it forms the backbone of a new plan to treat, distribute, and monitor clean water on campus.

Waterwise is a long-term infrastructure overhaul aimed at saving, cleaning and recycling water, and making the university water resilient.

“This is not just about solving today’s problems,” says Pieter van Heerden, technical civil specialist in the Infrastructure Design and Construction Department. “It’s about preparing the university to manage water more intelligently as demand grows and supply becomes less predictable.”

Insulating the campus against external interruptions

The Waterwise Project is focused on ensuring that all students and staff have access to clean, safe drinking water, regardless of external supply interruptions or water quality issues. Rather than relying on scattered point-of-use water filters, the university is building a centralised reticulation and treatment system that will serve all campus areas.

The plan involves constructing a new central treatment plant, upgrading the pumphouse, and installing a smart water monitoring system with metered tracking at key points. “The system will ensure that even if the water we receive from the municipality is compromised, it will still go through treatment before it reaches users,” says Pieter.

The project is being implemented in two phases. The first phase focuses on laying out the new infrastructure: a comprehensive reticulation system, a centralised treatment plant, and an upgraded pumphouse. The second phase will involve installing mechanical treatment solutions to complete the water purification process. Completion is expected by mid-2026.

Part of the initiative includes expanding storage capacity. The campus currently operates with two one-megalitre reservoirs, one at the new student housing precinct and another near the main entrance. A third reservoir will be added and connected to create a three-megalitre water buffer. An additional one-megalitre emergency reservoir will provide further backup. This setup is designed to enhance reliability during peak demand or municipal supply disruptions.

Reducing losses

“The issue isn't only supply, it’s also waste,” says Pieter. “A lot of water is lost through ageing infrastructure. We are replacing dilapidated lines to reduce losses and conserve water more effectively.”

Beyond meeting internal needs, the project is expected to reduce pressure on local municipal water systems. By treating and reusing water within campus boundaries, the NWU indirectly supports surrounding communities grappling with scarcity.

Similar projects are underway at the Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark campuses, with the Mahikeng Campus currently the furthest along in the implementation process.

Waterwise is about taking control of how we use water, ensuring it’s safe, efficient and sustainable,” says Pieter. “Universities should lead by example, and this is one way we are doing that.”

Ensuring clean, safe drinking water for all NWU students and staff – no matter the source or supply conditions.

Celebrate NWU excellence ― nominate outstanding alumni for prestigious award

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:08:03 +0000

Celebrate NWU excellence ― nominate outstanding alumni for prestigious award

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 07/02/2025 - 14:08

The North-West University (NWU) continues to take pride in the remarkable achievements of alumni who actively make impactful and valuable contributions in all spheres of society – both locally and internationally.

Do you know an NWU graduate who exemplifies excellence in their field? Whether you are an alumnus, staff member or stakeholder, now is the perfect opportunity to put forward a name that deserves to be honoured. Nominations are open for the university’s most prestigious recognition of alumni achievement – the Biennial Alumni Excellence Awards. Nominations close on 8 August.

Your nomination might just be one of the cream of the crop of NWU alumni who will be celebrated during the ninth biennial awards ceremony, which will take place later this year.

These sought-after accolades recognise alumni who not only make significant contributions to their communities but also remain deeply committed to the values of the NWU. These individuals are ambassadors of excellence who uphold the university’s reputation as a globally respected institution.

The honour roll of previous recipients includes prominent and revered figures from all spheres of South African and international society. These illustrious recipients include, among others, Prof TT Cloete, Judge Frans Kgomo, Prof Dan Kgwadi, Prof Anis Karodia, Deon Meyer, Dr Alistair Mokoena, Judge Bess Nkabinde, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Prof Tjaart van der Walt and Sunette Viljoen.

Nominations are welcomed across nine categories: arts and culture, business leadership, community involvement, education, public service, research, sport, the Young Alumni Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominations can be submitted electronically at www.nwu.ac.za/alumni-awards-nomination. For more information, email Nicolize van der Walt at nicolize.vanderwalt@nwu.ac.za.

To relive the inspiration from the previous event, watch the 2023 NWU Biennial Alumni Excellence Awards ceremony here: https://youtu.be/SWE0Id51LhI

Celebrate NWU excellence ― nominate outstanding alumni for prestigious award

National Dialogue Outreach Session with former President Thabo Mbeki

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:07:01 +0000

National Dialogue Outreach Session with former President Thabo Mbeki

by Bertie Jacobs

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 07/02/2025 - 13:07

The North-West University (NWU) in partnership with the Strategic Dialogue Group (SDG) and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation will host former President Thabo Mbeki for the inaugural session of the national dialogue discussions.

This event takes place on Saturday, 5 July 2025, at the Auditorium on the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus from 09:00 to 14:30 and attendees can join either in-person, or online.

The theme of the event is Reimagining the North West Province and it forms part of a larger initiative that brings together diverse stakeholders to discuss and address critical issues facing the country.

The NWU is proud to be the host of this seminal National Dialogue Outreach Session. As a university committed to academic excellence, social justice, and meaningful engagement, we recognise the critical importance of creating inclusive platforms for reflection, dialogue, and collective problem-solving. Events such as these not only honour our democratic values but also reaffirm our role as a catalyst for transformation and development within the North West Province. By welcoming former President Thabo Mbeki and other esteemed stakeholders, we embrace our responsibility to help reimagine and reshape the future of our province and our nation.

Date: 5 July 2025
Time: 09:00 to 14:30
Place: Auditorium, North-West University, Potchefstroom
RSVP link: https://nwuevent.wufoo.com/forms/p1233nwk0j59twz/
YouTube livestream link: https://youtube.com/live/XFls6jIN4nk?feature=share 

Real men cry too: Alumni workshop breaks the silence on men’s mental health

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 08:21:59 +0000

Real men cry too: Alumni workshop breaks the silence on men’s mental health BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:21

By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

It was not just a gathering; it was a breaking of the silence around men’s mental health struggles. On 26 June 2025, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus became a space where men exchanged ego for honesty, and bravado for openness.

The NWU alumni men’s mental health workshop brought together graduates, professionals and mentors for a conversation about what it means to be a man in a society that teaches boys to hold back pain.

The date was not chosen at random. 26 June is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a reminder that substance abuse and trauma are often linked. June is also Youth Month in South Africa – a time of memory and struggle.

“We cannot keep meeting only to talk about soccer, car parts or weekend braais. Real conversations are overdue,” said Prof Leepile Sehularo, director at the Lifestyle Diseases research focus area in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Prof Sehularo shared the statistics that South Africa ranks third on the continent in suicide rates, with 10 861 men taking their lives in this country in 2019.

Internationally, the position is bleak too. “Three men die by suicide each minute in the world,” he told the audience. “And men are told not to cry. But when they don’t cry, they make others cry – their children, wives, mothers, friends.”

Using stories and humour, Prof Sehularo said depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and addiction are not signs of weakness; they are diseases that need care, support and help. “When you eat too much, it's a problem. When you don’t eat, it’s also a problem. Mental health needs care. Men must stop hiding behind alcohol, smiles and roles.”

Dr Gopolang Gause, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences, spoke about the pressures men face. He listed the roles expected of men: to provide, protect, lead and suffer in silence.

“We live in made-up lives. A guy arrives with a belt and shoes, not because he can afford them, but to look like what the world expects. It is a trap,” said Dr Gause. “Men are people. Men are hurt. Men are not speaking.”

He called for circles of support – like those women form through groups, churches and clubs. “We must speak about money, relationships and problems without fear. Let us support one another.”

Prof Leepile Sehularo

Dr Gopolang Gause

New southern African frog app is making a splash

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:38:01 +0000

New southern African frog app is making a splash

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 07/01/2025 - 13:38

It is late at night and above you stretches the vast expanse of the Southern African sky that stretches to eternity. You are alone with your thoughts, or at least you think you are. Suddenly, your senses are jolted awake by an unexpected sound. You look around, but see nothing. Then you hear it again: “Ribbit-ribbit… ribbit-ribbit…” You take out your phone – it’s time to discover who your companion is.

This is thanks to a new app, Frogs of Southern Africa, the brainchild of Prof Louis du Preez from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University (NWU), developed in collaboration with herpetologist Vincent Carruthers.

Southern Africa is home to more than 170 species of frogs, a number that reflects its rich biodiversity, but also highlights its ecological fragility. Amphibians, as members of the vertebrate class Amphibia, are the most threatened of all vertebrates globally. This means they also serve as warning alarms for environmental degradation – although those calls often go unheard. Until now.

The app’s development is rooted in a desire to change that. “The general public do not know frogs like they know birds and mammals,” says Prof du Preez. “This is an attempt to bring the information to them, to raise awareness and promote appreciation.” Built over several years through painstaking fieldwork, collaboration, and a dash of personal obsession, the app curates a trove of photographs, audio recordings and videos that vividly capture each species’ behaviour, habitat, and most notably, its call.

From the croaky “kwaark” of the Common River Frog to the duck-like quack of the Raucous Toad (Sclerophrys capensis), each entry is presented in English, Afrikaans and scientific terminology. More than a mere directory, the app offers geo-referenced tools that allow users to identify which frogs occur where – whether in their back garden or at a planned destination. A photographic key further assists identification, making it invaluable to both researchers and amateurs.

That accessibility is precisely the point. The Lite version of the app is free to download. “Our hope is that people will get interested,” says Prof du Preez. In resource-constrained regions where environmental education is often a luxury, mobile apps like this offer a rare intersection of technology and the public good. By making biodiversity tactile and engaging, they foster curiosity and stewardship – especially among the youth, for whom conservation must become second nature.

“The app provides, for each of the more than 170 species of frogs of Southern Africa, the Afrikaans name, an explanation of the name, a description of the frog, a description of the call, the preferred habitats, the frog’s habits, and key identification points. Then, for

each frog, we provide the call, and for most, we also provide a short video,” Prof du Preez explains.

“A very handy feature is that you can ask the app which frog species might occur where you are in Southern Africa, or if you plan to visit a particular area, you can tap on the map and the app will give you a list of which species you may expect. The app also provides a photographic key to help you identify any frog in the region.”

Remember that late-night visitor you wanted to identify…?

“The goal is to create awareness and get the public interested in frogs. There are no frogs in our region that pose any risks to humans.” It’s not a threat, it’s a potential friend.

NWU Gallery opens new doors with I Hope You Dance exhibition

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 11:32:48 +0000

NWU Gallery opens new doors with I Hope You Dance exhibition

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 13:32

“The dance. I miss the dance. I miss the discipline, the sweating, the emotions, the sensations … When I danced, nothing else existed.” – Johnny Clegg, Scatterling of Africa

Quoting these evocative words during his keynote address, North-West University (NWU) vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, officially opened the newly relocated NWU Gallery on the Potchefstroom Campus on 25 June 2025. The quote set the tone for the gallery’s debut exhibition in its new home - I Hope You Dance - a powerful and poetic showcase drawn from the university’s esteemed art collection.

Now situated in Building F16G near Protection Services, the gallery’s new location marks a fresh chapter in its 22-year history. Since its inception in 2002, the NWU Gallery had shared a space with the Ferdinand Postma library and Archives. The move establishes a dedicated environment for art, culture and connection.

The I Hope You Dance exhibition is open to the public until 4 July 2025 and reflects on life as a metaphorical choreography. The featured works explore themes of movement, rhythm, grace, struggle, and transformation, mirroring the complex dance of human experience.

In his address, Prof Tyobeka described the gallery as “an asset not only for the NWU but also for the broader community in our province.” He emphasised that the space must “serve as a platform for all artists to showcase their work and remind us of who we are as a people and our individual and collective roles in society.”

Highlighting the exhibition’s launch during Youth Month, he further reflected on the role of art in shaping collective memory. “It is through various types of artistic expression that we remember events that have shaped our country and the world,” he said.

The group Gospella, an NWU art society, opened the programme with rich vocal harmonies that set a warm tone. The student jazz trio Typical 3 also filled the air with smooth, soulful sounds and created a warm, inviting ambience.

Newly appointed curator Sheryl Msomi expressed her joy at the gallery’s official reopening and thanked attendees for their support. “How much access the people of the NWU have to the university collection is amazing! The fact that staff can reach out to the gallery and loan works for their offices, boardrooms and shared spaces is truly inspiring,” she said.

Senior Manager for NWU Arts, Jaco van der Walt, also shared his appreciation and highlighted the significance of the occasion for the university’s creative community and urged all staff and students to visit the gallery and explore the collection.

Electronic voting seminar sparks critical debate in Mahikeng

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:32:38 +0000

Electronic voting seminar sparks critical debate in Mahikeng BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:32

By Gofaone Motsamai

Concerns over cost, access and digital readiness dominated discussions at a seminar on the feasibility of introducing electronic voting (e-voting) in South Africa hosted by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

The seminar on 12 June 2025 at the Mahikeng Hotel School had the theme “Technology in electoral democracy: status update”. It attracted academics from North-West University (NWU), students, Student Campus Council members, political party representatives, the public and college students from across the North West Province.

Opening remarks highlighted that e-voting discussions within the IEC began as early as 2013, with international conferences and internal assessments helping the commission reflect on whether South Africa is ready.

The IEC emphasised that a change of this scale could not be rushed. South Africa’s legal framework still mandates the use of physical ballot papers and other concerns include digital literacy in rural areas and the affordability of an -e-voting system. The current process aims to raise awareness, gauge public sentiment and inform a broader national consultation before any decisions are made.

Any decisions will be based on consultation and research

Dr Thabo Rapoo, manager of research and knowledge management at the IEC, explained that the process was not a sudden move but informed by a structured research initiative. “There was a systematic exercise that we did to gather the information that informed the policy,” he said.

He added that the IEC had commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council to conduct studies, engage with stakeholders and learn from international experiences. “We are now at the stage of province-by-province discussions. Your views today are critical,” he told attendees.

Dr Rapoo shared examples of countries that have successfully implemented e-voting systems, including India and Brazil, as well as those that abandoned it due to technical or legal complications, such as Germany, Ireland and Namibia. He clarified that while countries like Estonia have gone fully digital, they have the benefit of high levels of public trust and advanced digital infrastructure, factors still under development in South Africa.

Some pros and cons of e-voting

Dr Mabutho Shangase, a senior lecturer from the School of Government Studies at the NWU’s Mahikeng campus, placed the conversation within South Africa’s broader socio-economic context. He outlined how e-voting could reduce spoiled votes and speed up vote counting. “Less human intervention leads to fewer opportunities of fraud by manipulation during voting as well as counting,” he said.

However, Dr Shangase stressed that the introduction of technology would not automatically resolve deeper issues in the country’s democratic processes. “The digital divide restricts access to information and platforms of political participation, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities.”

He pointed out that despite technological advancement, the country continues to face stubborn inequalities, poor digital infrastructure in rural areas and low voter turnout. “It is highly unlikely that the introduction of advanced technologies will remedy already prevalent factors such as voter apathy and disaffection,” he said.

The IEC reiterated that no decision on the implementation of e-voting will be made before the 2026 general elections. Legislative amendments, pilot testing and sustained public engagement are still needed.

Attendees of the IEC Thought Leadership Seminar gather for a group photo, marking a successful day of insightful engagement and knowledge sharing.

Panel members at the IEC Thought Leadership Seminar, from left to right: Dr Thabo Rapoo (Manager: Research and Knowledge Management), Mr Nathaniel Sebolai (IT Operations Manager), and Ms Tsholofelo Ramokala (Political Liaison Committee).

Dr Mabutho Shangase, a senior lecturer from the School of Government Studies at the NWU’s Mahikeng campus.

Vanderbijlpark Campus hosts Inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Day

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 06:26:20 +0000

Vanderbijlpark Campus hosts Inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Day

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 06/30/2025 - 08:26

The North-West University’s (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus burst into life on June 16 as it welcomed back former students, staff, and community partners for its inaugural Alumni and Friends Sports Fun Day. The event, held on Youth Day, blended athletic energy with heartfelt reconnection, marking a new chapter in alumni engagement through the unifying power of sport.

Soccer took centre stage, with friendly yet competitive matches featuring teams such as Black Pool, VUT, Young Alumni Soccer Ladies, and Vaal Ladies. Alumni played alongside staff and invited stakeholders, reviving campus camaraderie and sparking conversations about future collaboration.

More than just a sports day, the event signalled the beginning of a broader initiative - laying the groundwork for the formation of a Vanderbijlpark Campus Sports Alumni Chapter. For organisers, it was about far more than goals scored on the field.

“This event was about more than just sport - it was about reconnecting and reigniting the NWU alumni spirit,” said Zanele Ngobese from the Alumni Relations Office. “Sport has always had the power to unite people. We used that spirit to bring our alumni and friends back into the fold, laying the foundation for long-term involvement.”

Youth Day, with its profound significance in South African history, served as a meaningful backdrop. As attendees laced up their boots and shared memories on the sidelines, the atmosphere echoed the NWU’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment through education and sport.

In attendance was Silvanus Welcome, director for development and fundraising, who emphasised the strategic role of alumni in the university’s growth.

“Our alumni are a vital part of the university’s development ecosystem. This event exemplifies how social and sporting platforms can be used not just to build relationships, but to ignite philanthropic interest and collaborative growth opportunities for the campus and surrounding communities.”

The day also featured informal discussions around student-athlete support, mentorship, and the role alumni can play in shaping a more inclusive, empowered NWU community.

While a few minor challenges emerged, such as a brief shortage of amenities due to the public holiday; the event ran smoothly overall, thanks to a responsive organising team and a deeply engaged audience. Many attendees praised the welcoming atmosphere, community spirit, and the strategic direction the event represented.

With over 100 attendees, enthusiastic feedback, and growing interest from those who could not attend, plans are already underway to make the Alumni and Friends Sports Day a flagship annual event, with potential for expansion to other NWU campuses.

“The overwhelmingly positive response confirms that there’s a real appetite for meaningful alumni engagement,” said Zanele. “We’re excited to build on this momentum.”

As the final whistle blew and teams posed for photos, it was clear that the day had scored more than goals. It had rekindled connections, inspired new ideas, and reminded everyone of the enduring bond between the NWU and its people - on and off the field.

Soccer took centre stage at the inaugural NWU Alumni and Friends Sports Fun Day.

NWU students present research on traditional cannabis use at international conference

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 08:03:14 +0000

NWU students present research on traditional cannabis use at international conference BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/27/2025 - 10:03

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

Cannabis is much more than a plant for South Africa’s traditional healers; it is part of a spiritual practice and a tool for healing in our communities, according to five postgraduate students from the North-West University’s (NWU) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

They presented their research at the Maiden Annual International Conference on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Restorative Development in Africa. The conference, held from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Entebbe, Uganda, brought together scholars and practitioners to explore the role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development.

The Institute of African Studies and the Africa Indigenous Knowledge Research Network (AIKRN) hosted the conference, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

Homing in on Magogoe Village

The NWU delegation consisted of Phimelo Segooa, Busi Sebea, Masego Segapo, Welile Kunene and Tlamelo Lekwene from the Mahikeng Campus. They presented a paper exploring the knowledge and use of cannabis among traditional health practitioners (THPs) in Magogoe Village, located in South Africa’s North West Province.

Their research highlighted that although cannabis has long been used around the world for its fibrous properties, in South Africa, THPs have traditionally used the plant for medicinal, spiritual and ritual purposes. The study aimed to document how THPs understand and apply cannabis in their healing practices and to examine the challenges they face in doing so.

Using an exploratory design grounded in Indigenous Wholistic Theory, the researchers conducted qualitative interviews and a focus group with 12 THPs. The findings reveal that THPs rely heavily on ancestral knowledge and lived experience to guide their use of cannabis. However, this knowledge is rarely documented and remains largely oral.

“Traditional health practitioners are custodians of generations of knowledge that’s passed down through experience and ancestral instruction,” said Sebea. “What we found is that cannabis is much more than a plant – it’s part of a spiritual practice and a tool for healing in our communities.”

Receiving guidance from ancestors

The study found that THPs use cannabis to treat a variety of illnesses and often administer it according to spiritual instructions from ancestors. Preparation and cultivation methods vary widely and are closely tied to individual practitioners’ beliefs and rituals.

“This research taught us that indigenous knowledge is sophisticated and rooted in cultural identity,” said Segapo. “It must be preserved and integrated into broader conversations about healthcare and policy.”

The study contributes to broader discussions on the role of traditional knowledge in health and development policy, and calls for more inclusive research approaches that respect and incorporate indigenous worldviews.

Postgraduate students who presented at the at the Maiden Annual International Conference