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New Covid-19 variant being monitored

The new Covid-19 subvariant EG.5 – also known as Eris – has made its way into South Africa with the first case reported in Gauteng in mid-August.

This after it crossed the borders of China, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Portugal and Spain.

Dr Hazel Mufhandu, senior lecturer and virologist at the North-West University (NWU), tells us more about Eris.

Submitted on Wed, 08/30/2023 - 11:17

South Africa’s national interests in the changing BRICS landscape ― seven tests

“The watershed 15th BRICS Summit that took place in Johannesburg had, to its credit, several runs on the scoreboard by the time it concluded last week.”

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says while the outcomes were inevitably a complex amalgam of politics, economics and business, the overall BRICS profile and agenda have been taken to the next level.

Submitted on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 10:59

Inaugural lecture explores trust in the workplace

Prof Marita Heyns, a researcher at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Optentia research unit on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, recently delivered her inaugural professorial lecture titled "Trust @work".

The hybrid event brought together academics, family members, and friends from various parts of the globe.

Prof Heyns selected one of her research interests – how trust manifests within organisational settings – as the subject of her inaugural address.

Submitted on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 08:41

Postgraduate students brush up on statistical software to analyse population data

By Menziwa Msibi

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Population Studies and Demography subject group recently hosted a workshop for postgraduate students on its Mahikeng Campus.

The workshop was aimed at creating a space for students to get to know each other and talk about their research projects, and to teach them more about population data analysis using statistical software.

Submitted on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:25

Nurses on the frontline: Unveiling the challenges of Covid-19 patient care

A recent study conducted by Dr Joan Dikobe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing Science sheds light on the lived experiences of nurses as they cared for patients diagnosed with Covid-19.

As frontline healthcare workers, they are fundamental to the healthcare system, and play a crucial role in ensuring the continuity and quality of care to the patient.

Dr Dikobe says the study aimed to examine the physical, psychological, and social experiences of nurses as they provided care to Covid-19 patients in the North West province.

Submitted on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 16:00

Inaugural lecture delves into export diversification in Sub-Saharan Africa

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Prof Ireen Choga from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences delivered her inaugural lecture on 24 August 2023.

Her lecture was titled “Exports and export Diversification: key drivers and trends in Sub-Saharan Africa”.

She says this was not only an academic turning point, but also a deeply personal milestone for her.

Submitted on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 13:49