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.

South Africa’s mining sector makes a significant contribution to the country's national output, employment and infrastructure. But in communities near mining operations, access to healthcare remains limited. A new study asks whether the law should do more to close that gap.

Nndwakhulu Collen Khangala, who recently completed an LLM in Environmental Law and Governance at North-West University (NWU), examined the role of South African mining companies in realising the right of access to healthcare services in host communities.

• Approximately 95 000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism.

•Hunting tourism contributes USD2.5 billion, or about R44.03 billion to South Africa’s economy.

• Hunting tourism massively benefits rural communities.

• South Africa’s wildlife population on private land exceeds that in national parks.

Amid global debates on ethical travel and wildlife preservation, a new study from North-West University shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked sector that quietly props up South Africa’s rural economy: hunting tourism.

The International Association of University Libraries (IATUL) has appointed the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Dr Mathew Moyo as a board member.

Dr Moyo, chief director for Library and Information Services at the NWU, has more than 30 years’ experience in the field and sees his appointment as an opportunity to contribute to international academic librarianship.

The Staff-Wellness office at the North-West University (NWU) acknowledges the unique challenges that men encounter and affirms their right to receive support. In a significant step towards prioritising men’s mental health and emotional well-being, they hosted an innovative men-only online seminar centred around the theme “Managing emotions and Intergenerational Trauma”. The hybrid event took place on the Vanderbijlpark Campus on Friday, 11 July, and included virtual participation from colleagues at the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

It was not only a return to where student life had begun; this residence homecoming was also the start of something new and an opportunity to pay it forward.

The Residence Homecoming at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus took place on 4 and 5 July. Hosted by the Alumni Relations office, the event invited graduates to stay overnight in their former residences, walk through campus and reconnect over breakfast.

By Gofaone Motsamai

Stitch by stitch, management student Joel Malesela Khoela has created a tailoring business whose sewing is so skilled that nurses of the future trust him to produce their protective attire.

His company, Joel Stitch by Stitch TA Patrao (Pty) Ltd, recently completed a large tailoring order for the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus.

What happens when tax law allows one person the final say? A new study investigates how discretionary powers granted to the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) under the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act affect both taxpayers and the principle of fairness in tax administration.

Byline: Mafumane Tlhapi and Nikelo Mehlomakulu

In the same lecture halls where many first discovered their calling, B.Ed graduates of the North-West University (NWU) gathered once again. This time, not as students, but as teachers united by a shared purpose.

On Thursday, 4 July, the NWU Mahikeng Campus hosted a reunion for B.Ed alumni, transforming the university’s education block into a space for connection, reflection and future planning.

Prof Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the North-West University (NWU), explains why the ongoing dysfunction within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) is not only jeopardising the futures of vulnerable students but also placing immense strain on South Africa’s public universities. While attention has focused on student hardships, the crippling operational, financial and reputational toll on universities has gone largely unnoticed.