Tanya Lerm never imagined herself in the aerospace sector. But nearly seven years after joining NewSpace Systems, she now leads it.

“Stepping into the role of CEO at NewSpace Systems has been one of the most significant moments of my career, both professionally and personally,” said Tanya, who holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the North-West University (NWU). “It is a company I have grown with, a team I believe in, and an industry that never stops pushing boundaries.”

The North-West University (NWU) continues to affirm its leadership in student success, and has been nominated as one of the top three universities in South Africa in the Best Career Service category at the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) Awards 2025.

The nomination places the NWU in the same league as long-established institutions such as the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria – a significant milestone for the university’s career development efforts.

Mainstream radio combined with social media can do more to preserve South African indigenous languages than either can on their own

A recent study by North-West University (NWU) master’s graduate Gofaone Motsamai explores how Motsweding FM radio is using Facebook to promote Setswana through podcasts and live streams.

“Motsweding FM is not just broadcasting, it’s preserving,” says Gofaone. “Through Facebook, the station connects Setswana speakers across borders, offering accessible and engaging content that supports linguistic and cultural continuity.”

In drug development, a “magic bullet” is a compound designed to kill disease-causing organisms without harming healthy cells. Such compounds are needed now more than ever because diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria and sleeping sickness, which kill more than 10 million people each year, are becoming resistant to existing treatments.

“Many of these diseases are becoming harder to treat due to drug resistance,” said Prof Richard Beteck, research professor in synthetic medicinal chemistry at the Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences at the North-West University (NWU).

The recent announcement by Cameroon’s 92-year-old President, Paul Biya, that he will seek re-election has reignited debates around prolonged leadership in Africa. Biya, who has been in office for 43 years, would be nearing 100 should he complete another term, making him one of the oldest and longest-serving leaders on the continent.

North-West University (NWU) academic Thabang Motswaledi from the School of Government Studies says Biya’s announcement reflects a larger governance issue in Africa.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Gender-based violence (GBV) is seldom an isolated crime, yet it is often portrayed as such in South African media reports. This is borne out by the research findings of North-West University (NWU) master’s graduate Elsje-Marié Jordaan.

By Gofaone Motsamai

There is more to being a spokesperson than issuing press statements; it is a role that demands speed, the ability to manage crises under pressure and, above all, honesty and integrity. This was the core message shared by North-West University (NWU) communications alumni at a seminar hosted by the university.

Feed costs are exceptionally high in the broiler chicken industry, prompting farmers and researchers alike to find ways to reduce the cost of feed without compromising bird health. Dr Makiwa Simeon Mthana, a North-West University (NWU) animal science graduate, has come up with a potential solution that uses mushroom biotechnology to enhance the nutritional utility of soyabean replacements.

The NWU’s Development and Fundraising department has teamed up with the non-profit organisation Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS) to effect change through a new partnership. The collaboration was launched on Friday 18 July at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, where the spirit of ubuntu was evident. To celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, they hosted a sandwich drive at the Tsebonokeng Hall, serving around 1500 sandwiches to students.

Switzerland’s recent approval of Coartem Baby, the first antimalarial treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young children, is a major step forward in tackling one of Africa’s most pressing public health challenges, says Dr Fortunate Mokoena, a malaria expert at the North-West University (NWU). Developed by Novartis with support from the non-profit Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Coartem Baby is expected to be fast-tracked for approval in eight African countries that participated in the joint regulatory assessment.