“It is the power of a girl with a book that is the best weapon for progress ... Because with educated women comes prosperity.”- Deborah Rodriguez.
The North-West University (NWU) has officially joined the growing national STEM MentHER initiative, a mentorship-driven programme aimed at empowering young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Opportunities for international research experience are one of the many benefits of the newly expanded research and teaching partnership between the North-West University (NWU) and Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG) University of Applied Sciences in Germany.
The two universities, who have had an engineering collaboration for over two decades, have deepened their partnership following a three-week visit by HSZG’s Prof Frank Worlitz to the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus in April this year.
By Kangwa Nkonde
On 21 February 2025, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Engineering, in collaboration with the NWU Language Directorate, celebrated International Mother Language Day.
Observed annually on 21 February, this global event promotes the recognition of linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. It emphasises the importance of multilingualism in fostering mutual understanding, peace, and dialogue among different cultures and communities.
For many aspiring engineers, the disappointment of not qualifying for admission can feel overwhelming. Failing to meet the requirements in key subjects such as mathematics and physical sciences can dash hopes. However, those determined to pursue their dreams now have a lifeline through the North-West University’s (NWU) Xcel programme.
The Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) participated in the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations (WAITRO) Summit 2024, which took place in Nanjing, China from 13 to 15 November.
The summit’s theme, “From innovation to impact: Strategies for sustainable solutions”, highlighted the importance of connecting innovation with market demands to foster sustainable development.
Nadia van Jaarsveldt, an Industrial Engineering student pursuing her master’s degree with a topic in agriculture, was recognised for her outstanding presentation at the South African Institute of Agricultural Engineers (SAIAE) and Pan African Society for Agricultural Engineering (PASAE) International Symposium 2024.
Held at the Houw Hoek Hotel in Grabouw, Western Cape, the symposium served as a landmark event. It ran from Wednesday, 23 October to Friday, 25 October, bringing together brilliant minds in agricultural engineering.
The countdown to this year’s Cybathlon 2024 has begun for local supporters of the NWU Eagles Cybathlon team, who had an enthusiastic send-off on 18 October.
The Cybathlon is a prestigious event organised by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and takes place in Kloten, north of Zürich. It is a global platform focusing on innovation and assistive technologies and is an excellent benchmarking opportunity for the NWU to see how its innovations compare internationally.
Agriculture is at the forefront of ensuring food security and researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are constantly looking for innovative and more effective ways to enhance this crucial sector.
Associate professor Rojanette Coetzee from the School of Industrial Engineering is focusing on “lean agriculture” to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of agri-systems.
“The lean agriculture approach is adapted from the manufacturing industry, where it is used to reduce waste, improve efficiency and do more with less,” says Prof Coetzee.
Founded in 2004, Engenius Kids is a student-run programme at the North-West University (NWU), dedicated to inspiring Grade 9 learners, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds in townships, to pursue their education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Our mission is to cultivate future innovators and leaders in South Africa by providing exposure, education and encouragement in STEM fields,” says Nadin Talip, programme manager for Marketing and Media at Engenius Kids.
North-West University (NWU) alumnus Chris van Dyk recently received the Southern African Institute for Industrial Engineering’s (SAIIE’s) Best Industrial Engineering Practitioner - Employer's Choice Award.
This award highlights his contributions to the field of agriculture and the respect he has earned from peers and employers as business analyst at Taaibosch Piggery.