At the North-West University (NWU), research is more than publishing, it is about transforming lives. This is the vision driving a team at the Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM), where scientists developed a nanostar-based reagent that could revolutionise how rare diseases such as galactosemia are detected. The reagent promises significant advantages over conventional spherical gold nanoparticles, and demonstrates high sensitivity detection in biosensors, colorimetric assays, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and molecular diagnostics.

The North-West University (NWU), through its Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office, showcased its growing innovation impact at the inaugural South Africa Innovation Week (SAIW), held from 16 to 20 March 2026 at the NASREC Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Organised through a partnership between the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Innovation Summit (SAIS), the event brought together the government, industry leaders, investors and innovators to advance collaboration and drive South Africa’s innovation agenda.

Youth entrepreneurship took a significant step forward when the North-West University (NWU) hosting a session aimed at guiding students toward business development resources and funding opportunities.

Organised by the university’s Career Services on 27 February 2026, the event brought together key stakeholders such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Development Agency (SEFDA).

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), based at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU), is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 first cycle sponsorships.

These sponsorships are awarded to initiatives that align with the centre’s mandate to strengthen research, technology development and digital inclusion across South Africa’s official languages.

With 25 years of distinguished service, Amanda Kruger is widely regarded as one of the most experienced and dependable professionals at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Known as one of the go-to people at the institution, she is recognised for her extensive institutional knowledge, strong professional networks and unwavering commitment to excellence. Over two decades, she has become someone who “knows anyone and everyone”, playing a pivotal role in the smooth running and remarkable growth of the campus.

The North-West University (NWU) has taken a bold step forward in its sustainability journey with the unveiling of its first Reverse Vending Machine (RVM). The launch, held at the NWU Student Centre (SS), marked a proud moment for the institution and its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) hosted a high-level engagement focused on testing an institutional capability framework (ICF) being developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The ICF provides a structured way for institutions to understand their capability for knowledge and technology transfer (K/TT). The framework is meant to encourage institutions to reflect on how formal decisions, lived experience and observed outcomes align in practice, rather than measuring performance through rankings or compliance-driven assessments.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Tshegofatso Bogatsu has joined Career Services on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus as a specialist career coach.

She will support students and graduates in navigating their academic careers and preparing them for the world of work.

“The goal is to empower and support students and graduates in making informed career decisions and achieving meaningful employment outcomes, working in alignment with the university’s employability strategy,” says Tshegofatso.

North-West University (NWU) student Chrismarie Grundlingh has been selected as one of the “10 of the Finest” GradStar achievers for 2025, placing her among the country’s top emerging leaders recognised for workplace readiness and leadership potential.

“Leadership is not a title, but a responsibility, and I am honoured to carry it forward.” 
These words capture the heart of the moment as the North-West University (NWU) celebrates the election of Mario Chauque as the new president-elect of the South African Association for Counselling and Development in Higher Education (SAACDHE) for the 2025 to 2027 term. 

Mario’s journey has been built on consistency, compassion and a deep commitment to student development, making this national recognition both fitting and inspiring.