As the world accelerates its transition towards cleaner and more secure energy systems, Africa – and South Africa in particular – cannot afford to be spectators. Green hydrogen presents a unique opportunity to strengthen energy security, drive industrial growth, create skilled jobs and position the continent as a future leader in the global low-carbon economy. A sustained commitment to hydrogen research today could unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.

Twelve years ago, Prof. Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, came to the North-West University (NWU) on a mission: to play a central role in developing industrial engineering as an impactful discipline at the university. Her daughter, Karla, was 10 years old at the time. Now, on 31 March this year, Prof. van Dyk experienced the fruits of her labour first-hand when Karla graduated as an industrial engineer.

By Gosego Phutieagae

Twenty-five engineering students from North-West University (NWU) were among the 200 national bursary recipients celebrated at the 2026 Eskom Bursary Awards Ceremony in February.

Eskom has consistently invested in skills development through its bursary programme, awarding over 11 000 bursaries in the past decade.

The North-West University (NWU) is taking a big step forward! The university has been awarded Phase Two of the South African Circular Minerals and Metals Initiative, co-hosted by the CSIR through Circular Innovation South Africa, and the official launch took place on Friday, 6 February at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) HySA Infrastructure Centre of Competence on the Potchefstroom Campus.

It was an exciting day, marking a real milestone for NWU and for South Africa’s mining sector.

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

Two postgraduate students from the North-West University (NWU) were awarded top honours at the national Virtualise Your Thesis (VYT) Competition.

Christa Matlou from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Makatu Mashanyu from the Faculty of Engineering represented the NWU at the competition held on 7 November 2025 at the University of Johannesburg.

The North-West University (NWU) continues to build on its reputation as an innovative, globally engaged institution committed to excellence and societal relevance. This commitment is driven by its strategy, Taking the NWU forward: 2024 and beyond. This is once again affirmed in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Sustainability Ranking, which highlights our growing impact in addressing critical environmental, social and governance priorities aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

South Africa is a top carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitter in Africa, and new research explores how the country’s energy choices shape its sustainability path.

Shivangi Nilan Patel, a recent cum laude graduate of the North-West University (NWU), investigated the effect of hydroelectricity and natural gas consumption on environmental sustainability in South Africa from 1981 to 2021. Her study focused on how these energy sources influence CO₂ emissions, which she used as a measure of environmental sustainability.