South Africa’s children face increasing risks of abuse and neglect, while the professionals responsible for protecting them often work within systems that limit their ability to respond effectively.
This was the message delivered by North-West University (NWU) academic, Prof. Elmien Crofford from the Faculty of Health Sciences, during her inaugural lecture on 1 July 2026.
African communities are stepping into the spotlight as equal partners in shaping knowledge. From 7–9 July 2026, at the African Community-Led Knowledge Co-Creation Conference at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus, bringing together academics, community leaders, and development partners to explore how collaborative knowledge creation can transform lives.
Hypertension is no longer only a concern for older people. It is affecting younger Africans, increasing the risk of kidney disease and heart complications, and demanding a shift from treatment to prevention. That was the central message delivered by Prof. Lebo Gafane-Matemane from the Faculty of Health Sciences during her inaugural lecture at the North-West University (NWU) on 30 June 2026.
PENPlay has launched a new portfolio of gamified learning tools developed under licence from the North-West University (NWU), offering learners, educators and training institutions innovative ways to build critical skills through interactive play-based learning.
For Zimri Leuvennink, life has never been about standing still. Whether in a gym, on a stage or in a recording studio, she thrives on movement, energy and connection. This final-year biokinetics student on the Potchefstroom Campus is stepping confidently into the spotlight after landing a recording contract.
- Breastfeeding is a public good – so why are mothers carrying the cost alone?
- South Africa has the policies, but have we counted the cost for mothers to breastfeed?
- Breastfeeding shouldn't be a choice between feeding a baby and feeding a family.
- We tell mothers to breastfeed, but do we make it possible?
A young adult may feel healthy, exercise regularly and have no signs of illness, yet changes taking place inside the body could already be laying the foundation for future high blood pressure and heart disease.
Venomous snakebites affect thousands of people across Africa each year, but help can come too late if antivenom medication or expert assistance is unavailable. A team of researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) is investigating whether medicines already used to treat other conditions could help combat snakebite envenomation.
Their selection places them among student leaders from universities across the country who are committed to advancing the interests of nursing students.
During the World Physiotherapy Africa Region Conference, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from 6 to 9 June 2026, the North-West University (NWU) is celebrating the recognition of one of its distinguished academics and healthcare leaders.