Engineering

North- West University professor joins Palladium Global Science Award jury

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:09:27 +0000

North- West University professor joins Palladium Global Science Award jury

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/13/2025 - 12:09

North-West University (NWU) is playing an important role in the newly launched Palladium Global Science Award, a major international initiative recognizing research in advanced palladium-based materials. With a substantial prize fund of $350,000, the award supports innovation in one of the most critical fields of materials science.

Professor Dmitri Bessarabov of NWU has been appointed to the international jury, joining a panel of renowned scientists tasked with evaluating submissions from researchers, startups and academic teams worldwide.

Backed by strong institutional partnerships, including North-West University, Shanghai Metals Market, the MDX Research Center at the Institute of Science Tokyo and led by the China Precious Metals Industry Committee, the award promotes high-impact research with industrial and technological potential. NWU’s involvement underlines the university’s growing influence in global scientific collaboration and innovation

Prof Dmitri Bessarabov

NWU engineering students get creative

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:50:12 +0000

NWU engineering students get creative

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/12/2025 - 08:50

The annual Beer and Cheese Day, hosted by the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the North-West University (NWU), is more than just a social gathering – it is a way to ignite the students’ creativity and entrepreneurial spirits.

During this project, fourth-year biotechnology students brew and blend their way to a final product through hands-on projects. With guidance from their technical team, students delve into the science of fermentation as they experiment with different ingredients and flavours to make their own cheeses and craft beers.

In recognition of their joint accomplishments, Best Beer Production, Best Cheese Production and Best Label Design awards were presented to the winning teams. The winners did not just walk away with bragging rights: cash prizes of up to R2 500 and store vouchers were on the line, thanks to sponsors such as deMILKo, Pimenta Potchefstroom and Vyfhoek Spar.

The winners

The Best Beer Label award was won by Group 3, which comprised Christiaan Beukes, Elpa Grobler and Zoey Enslin, for their Irish red ale named Get Lucky. The Best Cheese Production award went to Group 4, whose members were Sabelo Sithole, Lindokuhle Buthelezi and Babazile Khumalo. Their mascarpone cheese was notable for its attention to sensory aspects and careful evaluation of market alternatives.

Meanwhile, the Best Beer Production award was claimed by Group 2, which consisted of Gabby Steyn, Keabetswe Maimane and Jan Hoon. Their Brewtiful beer is a single-hop India pale ale, infused with grapefruit and lemon peel, offering a refreshing yet moderately bitter finish.

For Dr Ruveix van Coller, undergraduate programme manager at the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, the students displayed potential and creativity. “I was thoroughly impressed by the students’ work,” he said. “The quality of the products on display was outstanding. The students exceeded expectations by taking their work beyond the lab – developing, branding and marketing their own products for the entire campus to enjoy.”

The teams expressed their gratitude to fellow classmates, staff and everyone who supported and voted for them, and a special note of appreciation was directed toward the sponsors for their continued support of the initiatives of the NWU Faculty of Engineering.

Second: Group 3, who won the Best Label Design for their Get Lucky Irish red ale beer. From the left are Ms Nthabiseng Leokaoke, senior lecturer at the School of Chemical and Minerals Engineering, together with Elpa Grobler, Christian Beukes and Zoey Enslin.

Sabelo Sithole (left), Babazile Khumalo (middle) and Lindokuhle Buthelezi (right), posing with Ms Nthabiseng Leokaoke, upon receiving the Best Cheese Production award for their smooth and flavourful mascarpone cheese.

The Irish red ale beer Get Lucky.

The Best Beer Production prize went to Group 2. From the left are Ms Nthabiseng Leokaoke , Gabby Steyn, Keabetswe Maimane and Jan Hoon.

How a primary school hallway led to a PhD in engineering

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:10:14 +0000

How a primary school hallway led to a PhD in engineering

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/06/2025 - 12:10

Refilwe Ngwaku hails from the humble dusty streets of Soweto, where she believes that there are few role models. From a young age, her dream was to be different, to become the change she wanted to see. Her goal was to show that success can come from any background.

Refilwe can still picture the school corridor where, as a primary school learner in Dobsonville, Soweto, she saw a group of older students wearing t-shirts that read “Kutlwanong ProMaths”. It wasn’t the clothing that struck her – it was what the words stood for.

“I turned to my friend and said, ‘One day, I’m going to wear that t-shirt,’” she recalls.

More than a decade later, Refilwe, a sustainability manager at PwC, is preparing to receive her PhD in mechanical engineering from the North-West University (NWU).

Her academic work, rooted in resource efficiency in the mining sector, explores practical strategies for diesel conservation – solutions she believes could contribute to national policy.

But the road from primary school in Soweto to a PhD laboratory was never guaranteed.

She was raised in a single-income household by her mother, Mathe Makhabane Ngwaku, a domestic worker. University was not something her family discussed in practical terms. “There was no budget for it,” she says. “It was a distant idea.”

That changed in 2011, when she passed the entrance test for the Kutlwanong ProMaths programme, an academic support initiative backed by Investec and spearheaded by corporate social investment leader Ntate Setlogane Manchidi. The programme offered structured support in maths and science for high school learners from underserved communities.

“Getting into the programme felt like crossing a line,” says Refilwe. “I was no longer just dreaming. I was building something.”

She started at the bottom, placed in Group 7. But week by week, she moved up, eventually reaching Group 1 in mathematics and Group 2 in physical sciences. The academic gains were measurable, but the psychological impact, she says, was profound.

“Ntate Setlogane used to tell us, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but not that which lies within me’. That wisdom stayed with me. It carried me through my undergraduate studies, through my master’s and now through my PhD.”

Refilwe completed her master’s degree in development and management engineering at the NWU. Her dissertation outlined a benchmarking strategy for conserving potable water in gold-mining operations. “It’s a model that could be applied in multiple sectors,” she says, “and potentially assist in addressing South Africa’s water scarcity.”

She now applies her research in her work, focusing on systems improvement and sustainability strategies.

While she stands on the verge of completing her doctoral studies, she views her success as part of something larger than herself. “ProMaths didn’t just help me go to university; it helped me become the first person in my family to graduate.”

Refilwe is one of many programme alumni who have pursued careers in engineering, science or finance. Together, she says, they are shifting long-standing narratives.

“We are changing what’s expected at home. We are creating new stories for our families and communities.”

Similarly, the NWU’s flagship Ikateleng project is another example of how targeted support can unlock learners’ potential. Ikateleng provides supplementary instruction in science and commerce to high school learners across South Africa. For more than 36 years, it has contributed to the success of over 3 000 university graduates. Since 2021, the programme has maintained a 97% matric pass rate and a 78% bachelor pass rate – consistently exceeding national averages.

Both Ikateleng and ProMaths show how dedicated academic support initiatives can shape new futures, especially for learners from underserved communities.

"I would like to thank the NWU and ETA Operations for the opportunity and funding. Pursuing postgraduate studies would not have been possible without the support of these two institutions. I am especially grateful to Prof Eddie Matthews and Prof Liezl van Dyk for their guidance and encouragement," she said.

And that t-shirt? She earned it. But she says the true reward has been watching her story unfold far beyond what she imagined in that school hallway.

Refilwe Ngwaku was conferred a PhD in mechanical engineering from the NWU.

STEM MentHER: Inspiring the next generation of women in engineering

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 05 May 2025 12:46:23 +0000

STEM MentHER: Inspiring the next generation of women in engineering BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/05/2025 - 14:46

“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).

This partnership was made possible through the support of Prof Liezl van Wyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, who saw the programmes potential to uplift and inspire girls in the North West Province.

STEM MentHER supports high-potential learners through mentorship, academic guidance and career exposure. In 2024 alone, its 47 mentees earned an impressive 234 distinctions in their national senior certificate exams. The initiative continues to grow through strategic partnerships with organisations such as Vodacom, Gradesmatch, Opti-Num Solutions, and the Actuarial Society of South Africa, offering mentees access to bursaries, coding programmes, vacation work and industry mentorship.

This year, STEM MentHer partnered with the Faculty of Engineering to induct five exceptional young women from across the North West Province into the programme. They are Masego Molebogeng Kgopodimetse, Remofilwe Motlhale, Rite Goosen, Kgomotso Sephatlhe and Tshwanelo Olesego Sedumedi.

This initiative marked a significant milestone for the NWU and was a great success, thanks to NWU division manager Felicity Nthatisi and mentor and mentee coordinators Mittah Magodielo and Dr Nombuso Zondo, for their invaluable support and commitment in making this collaboration possible.

The NWU is proud to be part of this transformative movement and is committed to encouraging more girls to pursue engineering and become future innovators and leaders in STEM.

More about STEM MentHER

STEM MentHER was founded in 2022 by Dr Cerene Rathilal from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Inspired by her own experiences as a young woman navigating the STEM landscape, Dr Rathilal envisioned a programme that would provide mentorship, foster community engagement, and close the gender gap in science and engineering. She later shared the idea with Dr Lungile Sitole, who now serves as the director of STEM MentHER, and a few months later, the initiative was officially launched. Since then, the programme has continued to evolve and grow.

Looking forward, STEM MentHER plans to expand to all 26 universities in South Africa and launch national online holiday programmes to reach even more high school learners.

As the programme expands, so does its impact, reshaping the future of engineering in South Africa, changing the world for the better, one aspiring young woman at a time.

From left are Felicity Nthatisi, Dr Nombuso Zondo, Masego Molebogeng Kgopodimetse, Remofilwe Motlhale, Rite Goosen, Kgomotso Sephatlhe, Tshwanelo Olesego Sedumedi and Prof Janette Larney.

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 06:37:22 +0000

Deepening global ties through expanded German collaboration

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/30/2025 - 08:37

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.

The visit was part of the NWU’s drive to advance its global academic agenda and strengthen ties with high-calibre partners such as HSZG.

This collaboration began in 2004 between the NWU’s Prof George van Schoor of the Faculty of Engineering and Prof Worlitz, and focuses on engineering research, academic exchange and postgraduate training.

Enabling investment in human capital

Prof van Schoor says the relationship has produced measurable results over the years. “We have seen this partnership move from joint research to real investment in human capital. Several students who participated in the exchange, now hold prominent academic and industry positions.”

During the South African visit, the NWU and HSZG colleagues discussed curriculum development and research priorities. A key focus was energy-based fault detection in large-scale industrial systems, a field that holds industrial relevance in terms of system reliability and energy efficiency.

Prof Worlitz’s engagements included workshops with teaching staff in the Mechatronics programme on topics ranging from pedagogical approaches to assessment methods.

The sessions also covered the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in engineering education. “We are exploring how staff and students could be educated in the responsible use of AI,” says Prof van Schoor.

A session was also held with current and prospective postgraduate students to outline the available support structures for international research exchanges.

International research experience for students

“Our goal is to prepare students not only with technical knowledge, but with international research experience,” says Prof van Schoor.

As part of future planning, Prof Worlitz has proposed a new international degree programme at HSZG in automation and robotics. The programme would feature modules on AI applications and specialisations in fields such as building automation and systems management.

The partnership has also contributed to the design of a new HSZG module, “Introduction to AI applications for engineers”, based on discussions held during the visit.

The two universities plan to expand their joint initiatives through new research projects, mobility funding proposals and academic exchange programmes.

“We don’t see this as a short-term academic exercise,” says Prof van Schoor. “We are building a long-term model for shared knowledge creation.”

From left are Prof Kenny Uren, Prof Andre Grobler, Prof Frank Worlitz, Dr Henri Neser and Piet van Huyssteen in front of the Mechatronics Laboratory.

Faculty of Engineering and Language Directorate celebrate International Mother Language Day

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 06:45:35 +0000

Faculty of Engineering and Language Directorate celebrate International Mother Language Day BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:45

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.

As part of the celebration, Prof Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, spoke about the importance of multilingualism in engineering education.

Additionally, Kea Seshoka, director of the Language Directorate, delivered an insightful talk on the role of language in academic success and the value of fostering a multilingual environment at the university.

At the NWU, the Language Directorate plays a key role – not only in commemorating this day, but also in promoting a multilingual approach to education. By celebrating the value of mother languages, the directorate aims to create an inclusive academic environment where students, regardless of their linguistic backgrounds, feel empowered to learn and express themselves confidently.

The Faculty of Engineering shares this commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that first-year students are aware of the many benefits of studying in a multilingual learning environment. Research has shown that such environments enhance cognitive abilities, improve learning outcomes, and broaden students' perspectives, preparing them for an increasingly globalised world.

This year, to further enrich students' learning experiences, the Faculty of Engineering is excited to introduce AI-assisted learning through Mindjoy, a cutting-edge, AI-powered multilingual platform (Tutor-Bot). Mindjoy is designed to support first-year engineering students as they tackle and master challenging science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects.

By offering personalised, language-sensitive assistance, the platform not only strengthens academic skills, but also promotes multilingual proficiency, giving students a valuable edge in both their academic and professional journeys.

Prof Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, spoke about the importance of multilingualism in engineering education.

Kea Seshoka, director of the Language Directorate, delivered an insightful talk on the role of language in academic success.

A second chance for aspiring engineers: NWU welcomes 2025 Xcel students

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 06:33:59 +0000

A second chance for aspiring engineers: NWU welcomes 2025 Xcel students

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 02/28/2025 - 08:33

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.

On 10 February 2025, the Faculty of Engineering welcomed the new cohort of Xcel students. This innovative programme offers matric learners a second chance to improve their mathematics and physical science marks, helping them meet the entry requirements for engineering studies. The programme also opens doors to other areas of study, giving students the flexibility to explore new academic opportunities after improving their results.

Xcel enables students to repeat grades 11 and 12, with a focus on rebuilding their school-based assessment portfolios, which are crucial for final matric evaluations. After completing the programme, students rewrite the National Senior Certificate exams in mathematics and physical sciences under the Department of Basic Education's supervision. With improved results, students can qualify to study engineering or other disciplines.

The one-year, full-time Xcel programme covers core education in mathematics and physical sciences, alongside higher education modules in Academic Literacy Development.In addition, students gain valuable skills through courses in computer-aided design and programming, which prepare them for success in future studies.

The Xcel programme has helped many passionate students regain hope and achieve their dreams of studying engineering. Many have gone on to graduate as proud alumni of the NWU’s Faculty of Engineering.

One recent Xcel programme success story worth noting is Tobias Brits, 2020 Xcel Programme students who was awarded First Place for the Best Final Year Project in Mechatronics at the 2024 annual Final Year Project Day of the School of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering. Initially, he did not meet the minimum Grade 12 requirements for entry into the engineering programme. However, after retaking Grade 12 through the Xcel Programme, he went on to complete his BEng in four years with exemplary results, ultimately earning top recognition for his outstanding project. This is just one of many success stories the Xcel Programme has produced - and continues to inspire.

The faculty is confident that the 2025 cohort will continue this legacy, inspiring even more success stories that will make the NWU proud.

Tobias Brits (Winner) Prof Johann Holm (Project coordinator), Jaco Boshoff (Director - Rapid Mobile, Sponsor), Prof. George van Schoor (School Director)

African needs and engineering expertise converge

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:21:24 +0000

African needs and engineering expertise converge

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 11/27/2024 - 08:21

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.

The summit brought together more than 200 representatives from nearly 40 countries, including the United States, Germany, Denmark, Australia, Turkey, South Africa and Belgium. They exchanged perspectives on industrial and technological innovation, technology transfer, industrial upgrading, green technology and sustainable development.

A central topic of discussion among the experts was the application of China's experience to support the least developed countries.

Sub-Saharan Africa featured prominently through the participation of Prof Raj Siriram, director of business development and stakeholder engagement of the Faculty of Engineering. He leads WAITRO’s Regional Focal Point (RFP) for Sub-Saharan Africa, which has a special interest group called “Technology and innovation: A catalyst for an entrepreneurial environment”.

The primary objective of the Africa Special Interest Group (SIG) is to promote collaboration within the region to enhance the commercialisation of technology, and to lay a strong foundation for innovation-driven entrepreneurship within the region.

Reducing household air pollution

Prof Siriram facilitated a session in which SIG members from Sub-Saharan Africa identified several key priority areas for further development, including low-emission clean cooking stoves, renewable energy solutions and waste management strategies, among other pertinent issues.

The aim of identifying these key priority areas is to enhance the quality of life in low-income communities by reducing household air pollution.

Prof Siriram presented ongoing research at the NWU and facilitated a productive dialogue with participants from Kenya, Uganda and the Philippines. They discussed the efforts being undertaken in various regions to combat household air pollution while identifying opportunities to leverage existing research and expertise to expedite progress.

Furthermore, the dialogue highlighted the significance of regional and international collaboration in fostering innovation and improving the quality of life for residents in low-income communities.

“The NWU actively engaged with fellow WAITRO members during the summit, cultivating meaningful connections that enhance global collaboration and bridge regional and international efforts,” says Prof Siriram.

These interactions have progressed to further discussions with Dr Hamesh Avireddy from the Leitat Technology Centre in Spain; Prof John Allport from the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom; and Prof Lloyd Townley from Nanjing Tech University in China.

Summing up the NWU’s contribution to the event, he says: “As representatives of the NWU, we made significant contributions to essential discussions that align with both regional and global priorities.”

WAITRO’s place in the world of innovation

WAITRO is an independent, non-governmental and non-profit association established in 1970 under the auspices of the United Nations. It serves as a global platform that unites stakeholders in science, technology and innovation, including research and technology organisations and universities. It facilitates international collaboration by providing mechanisms for members and partners to connect, form partnerships, exchange knowledge, inspire innovation and amplify their efforts. Through these initiatives, WAITRO contributes to addressing global challenges and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Prof Raj Siriram with WAITRO secretariat Dr Paul Burrows.

From left are Prof Henri Marais (NWU), Dr Hamesh Avireddy (Leitat Technology Centre), Prof Raj Siriram (NWU), and Prof LJ Globler (NWU).

Prof Raj Siriram presents ongoing research at the NWU on improving the quality of life of low-income communities by reducing household air pollution using low emission, semi-continuous coal stoves.

Nadia van Jaarsveldt wins big at international symposium

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 07:44:59 +0000

Nadia van Jaarsveldt wins big at international symposium

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 11/12/2024 - 09:44

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.

Van Jaarsveldt was filled with emotion as she received the award, stating that she had not anticipated it at all – a moment that will remain in her memory books.

“It was a great feeling and a proud moment to stand before all the attendees as an NWU student. I did not expect it all. I had to sit down before I could process everything,” she says.

The award, she continued, enabled the guests to recognise her name and work and provided her with the confidence to pursue a career as an industrial engineer in agriculture.

“I am hoping that, going forward, networking will be easier for me and that I will be able to find opportunities like project collaborations, working with agricultural engineers and gaining knowledge on how to transform my passion into a career.”

Van Jaarsveldt’s presentation, titled Improving cattle handling facilities: A simulation-based approach to enhance safety and productivity, demonstrated how industrial engineering principles can be applied innovatively in agriculture.

The simulation-based approach allows for the modelling and visualisation of cattle movement within a facility before any changes are made. This predictive capability aids to identify and address problem areas such as points where cattle may balk or become stressed without the risk or cost of trial-and-error adjustments in real facilities.

According to Van Jaarsveldt, the approach provides a clear, visual demonstration of how facility changes will impact operations that can support better decision-making and encourage farmers to adopt facility improvements.

“By accurately simulating cattle behaviour and movement, the model can suggest improvements to facility design that can enhance productivity by streamlining cattle flow,” she concludes.

Nadia van Jaarsveldt posing with her certificate

Best presentation award winner Nadia van Jaarsveldt (left), together with her co-supervisor, Prof Rojanette Coetzee (right), associate professor and manager of the Industrial Engineering Postgraduate Programme, at the SAIAE & PASAE International Symposium 2024.

NWU Eagles Cybathlon team heads for Zürich

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:27:38 +0000

NWU Eagles Cybathlon team heads for Zürich

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 10/21/2024 - 14:27

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.

The nine members of the interdisciplinary NWU Eagles Cybathlon team, who leave for Switzerland on Monday, 21 October, were given a rousing send-off at an event held at the Faculty of Engineering on the Potchefstroom Campus. There to cheer them on were supporters from the faculties of Engineering and of Health Sciences, as well as Marketing and Student Recruitment, among others.

The competition in Zürich is for athletes who use wheelchairs or have prosthetic limbs and takes the form of an obstacle course. The NWU team delighted their well-wishers at the Potchefstroom event by giving a demonstration of what the obstacle course will entail.

Led by researchers Ian Thomson and Prof André Grobler from the Faculty of Engineering and Dr Mark Kramer from the Faculty of Health Sciences, the team will compete in the international competition with a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg and wheelchair.

Ian, who is also the team pilot, thanked everyone who supported them and helped make the dream of participating in the Cybathlon 2024 come true. He said they are grateful for everyone’s contributions.

“There was a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes. Every time you take a small step and achieve something, it snowballs and results in a great outcome. We appreciate all the support we received; it means a lot.”

Well wishes as team takes innovations to the international stage

“You are embarking on a journey of which the Cybathlon is part of. My wish for you is that you will look back as a team and as individuals and realise that these few days of the event are also part of your personal journey,” says Prof Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

Jean Stidworthy, director of Marketing and Recruitment, says events like these provide exposure for the excellent research and innovation that will have an impact not only for the university but also in communities.

Prof Alida Herbst on behalf of the Faculty of Health Sciences extended best wishes to the team whose dedication and innovation have already made the NWU proud.

“The competition is not about winning, but about showcasing the remarkable synergy between human resilience and technological advancement,” she said. “It is testament to how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to groundbreaking innovation that can advance quality of life. We are confident that you will represent the NWU with honour and distinction.” For more information, visit: https://engineering.nwu.ac.za/engineering/nwu-eagles-cybathlon-team or https://news.nwu.ac.za/engineers-track-take-local-innovations-cybathlon-switzerland

Eagi looks on as Ian Thomson demonstrates what part of the obstacle course will entail.

The NWU Eagles Cybathlon team is off to an enthusiastic start. From left are Ian Thomson, JP van Deventer, Jan-Hendrick Kruger, Bianca Thomson, Eagi, Kelebogile Oompie, Prof André Grobler, Henry van Niekerk, Dr Mark Kramer and Kangwa Nkonde. Mientjie Botha could not attend the event.