Health Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences to host one-day Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:55:35 +0000

Faculty of Health Sciences to host one-day Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 07/15/2024 - 14:55

On 18 July the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Health Sciences will host the Engaged Scholarship Impact Indaba, a dynamic one-day event dedicated to exploring the intersections of academic research, community engagement and societal impact.

Taking place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, this event is set to attract scholars, practitioners, community leaders and students, all eager to discuss and showcase the transformative potential of engaged scholarship.

The aim of this indaba is to bring together diverse minds and ideas, reflecting the faculty’s commitment to fostering meaningful collaborations between academia and the community.

The keynote address, titled “Researching for Relevance & Impact: NWU Position,” will be delivered by Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation.

Prof Awie Kotze, executive dean of the faculty, will be delivering the welcome and opening remarks, and Prof Ushotanefe Useh, the faculty’s deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations, will be presenting the purpose of the day and introducing the resource persons and participants.

The event promises to be informative and engaging. Some of the topics to be explored during the event include the commercialisation of research outcomes and engaged scholarship, effective information systems for ensuring sustainability, and evaluating the impact of engaged scholarship in a resource-limited ecosystem and its community benefits.

Furthermore, Sizwe Khoza will be facilitating a session on advancing societal and knowledge impact through the National Research Foundation’s Engaged Research Framework. Siswe is the professional officer for engaged research at the NRF in its science engagement business unit, known as the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement.

Interested parties can join the online event HERE with the Meeting ID: 389 325 077 119 and Passcode: MoDmxJ. Click here for the Indaba programme.

Academic a finalist in M&G 200 Young South Africans

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 12:21:05 +0000

Academic a finalist in M&G 200 Young South Africans

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 07/04/2024 - 14:21

Dr Monray Williams, a senior lecturer in the subject group Biochemistry at the North-West University (NWU), has been announced a finalist in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2024 in the Science, Technology, and Innovation category.

This annual feature by the Mail & Guardian newspaper celebrates 200 young South Africans, aged 35 and under, who are making significant contributions in their fields.

Dr Williams says being listed as one of the 200 young South Africans for 2024 is a tremendous honour. “It signifies recognition for the hard work and dedication I've put into my field, and it's an affirmation that my efforts are making a positive impact."

He says this acknowledgement highlights his achievements and serves as motivation to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Williams shares his academic and research background.

"My passion for biochemistry was ignited during my undergraduate studies, when I was deeply inspired by the potential of this field to solve real-world problems,” he says.

Dr Williams pursued a BSc, BScHons and MSc (cum laude) in biotechnology at the University of the Western Cape. During his MSc studies he focused on developing a point-of-care device (lateral flow device) capable of detecting HIV-1 within the window period with better accuracy than kits currently available on the market. This technology was patented internationally.

"My interest in HIV-1 research grew, particularly regarding the effects of HIV-1 on the brain, and inspired me to register for a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Cape Town. My PhD investigated mechanisms responsible for HIV-1 patients developing a type of brain damage similar to that seen in dementia patients."

Dr Williams joined the NWU as a lecturer in human metabolomics and biochemistry in 2020 and was promoted to senior lecturer in 2022.

"Since my appointment my journey at NWU has seen me go from strength to strength, thanks to the great working environment. I have published 18 research/review papers, generated R780 000 in research funding, graduated two MSc students and four honours students, and currently supervise/co-supervise two PhD students, three MSc students, and one honours student. In 2023, I was awarded the 'Highly Promising Next-Generation Researcher' by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences."

Dr Williams has also been awarded the Novice Teaching Award (Best Portfolio) in 2022 and the Online Teaching Award in 2023 for implementing innovative teaching methods in training future biochemists.

“One of the significant challenges has been managing the dual demands of research and teaching. Ensuring that I maintain high standards in both areas requires effective time management and prioritisation," he says.

"Developing innovative projects, particularly in biotechnology and neuroscience, often requires substantial financial support. I consider myself to be an idealist, which drives me to continually strive for excellence. However, this ambition presents the ongoing challenge of managing and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, a skill I am still in the process of mastering."

He emphasises the importance of biochemistry and the sciences in South Africa. "We are now at a pivotal moment where the work being done in South Africa is attracting significant international interest. This is an ideal opportunity to create collaborations and make tangible contributions to the global scientific community. As young professionals, we must capitalise on this opportunity to continue putting South Africa on the map."

Dr Williams advises young professionals to choose a field that genuinely excites them and will motivate them to persevere through challenges and setbacks.

“Continuous learning is crucial, and networking and collaboration are essential for professional growth. Establishing connections with peers, mentors and industry leaders can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights. Maintaining resilience in the face of setbacks, focusing on creating meaningful impact, and advocating for innovation will help carve out a successful and fulfilling career in technology and innovation.

"I live by the motto that if someone else can achieve greatness, so can I, even if it takes a bit longer. Believe in your ability to accomplish remarkable things."

Dr Monray Williams

Newborn screening saves lives at the North-West University

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:45:16 +0000

Newborn screening saves lives at the North-West University

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/26/2024 - 16:45

They are vital hours and every one of them matters. They are the window that can change the course of a child’s life for the better, and the North-West University (NWU) is ensuring that those first 24 to 72 hours after birth is optimised to safeguard newborn health.

For Dr Ilse du Preez, acting director of the Centre for Human Metabolomics (CHM) at the NWU, newborn screening is not only an essential service, but one very close to her heart, especially in light of the future benefits for a child’s well-being: “As a parent myself, I can't fathom the anguish of not being able to help my child,” she explains.

This is how the process works: “Newborn screening involves routinely testing newborn babies for various genetic metabolic disorders. These disorders, present at birth, can cause harmful substances that are normally broken down by a healthy metabolism, to accumulate in the body. If left untreated, this buildup can lead to severe mental and physical disabilities that worsen over time. The test requires only a few drops of blood, which can be collected from your baby with a simple heel prick performed by a registered phlebotomist – a doctor, nurse or midwife – 24 to 72 hours after birth. In South Africa, we currently screen for 22 conditions. When detected early, these conditions can be treated or managed effectively, resulting in no or minimal impact on the child's health.”

Some of the rare diseases that are tested for include phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, congenital hypothyroidism, and galactosaemia.

The CHM at the NWU proudly hosts the Technology Innovation Agency’s (TIA) National Metabolomics Platform (NMP), which is the sole laboratory in South Africa that offers this newborn screening panel test.

“With nearly 40 years of experience in diagnosing metabolic disorders, our highly trained staff treats each blood sample with the same care as if it were that of their own child. The NMP is equipped with world-class analytical technology and is at the forefront of global advancements. We participate in international quality assurance programmes and actively collaborate with rare disease specialists worldwide,” says Du Preez.

Newborn screening is especially important in a South African context, as Du Preez explains: “Although the conditions tested for in our newborn screening programme are rare, any child could be at risk. If a condition is missed initially, symptoms may not appear until months or even years later, and then it may be mistaken for a more common disease. This can lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment. Given the limited number of metabolic specialists in South Africa, it might take years to receive an accurate diagnosis, if ever. Early diagnosis at birth allows for relatively inexpensive treatment, often as simple as a lifelong dietary change. This could mean the difference between a child with no symptoms and one who is mentally and physically disabled, requiring full-time care. Delayed diagnosis not only causes medical and emotional strain but also has significant financial implications for parents and the national healthcare system. In many first-world countries, newborn screening is a routine part of maternity care. In South Africa, only a small number of babies are currently screened. However, even with this limited data, we've observed that the incidence of these defects in the African population differs significantly from that in European populations, highlighting the need for broader screening.”

In cases where a metabolic disorder was not or could not be identified at birth, there is another recourse: the highly regarded Nngwe initiative by DIPLOMICS (a research infrastructure programme

funded by the Department of Science and Technology). Nngwe aims to create a collaborative network among South African laboratories, researchers, and medical practitioners to diagnose patients with rare diseases that have previously remained undiagnosed. The Nngwe network utilizes cutting-edge technologies – including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics – to collect comprehensive data on these patients. The data are then shared with experts within the network to facilitate accurate diagnoses. Nngwe’s ultimate goal is to leverage all available resources to provide answers to patients and their families.

Du Preez is adamant that parents should not underestimate the potential preventative effects of newborn screening: “Don't leave your child's wellbeing to chance. A simple and affordable test can profoundly change your child's life. While parents routinely check a newborn’s hearing and eyesight and ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations, early diagnosis of a genetic metabolic disorder could have an unparalleled effect on their long-term health. Give your child – and yourself – the peace of mind that comes with knowing.”

Dr Ilse du Preez

Toxic fungi and mycotoxins threaten Africa's food security

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:26:52 +0000

Toxic fungi and mycotoxins threaten Africa's food security

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 06/07/2024 - 12:26

Africa is facing a challenge in ensuring food security due to contamination of agricultural products by toxic fungi and their byproducts, mycotoxins, amid climate change.

This is according to Prof Mulunda Mwanza, who delivered his inaugural lecture at the North-West University (NWU) on 6 June 2024.

"Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium, which infect staple crops including maize, peanuts, wheat, rice and various tree nuts,” he explained.

"Mycotoxins can infiltrate the food supply at both pre- and post-harvest stages under varying environmental conditions, leading to health risks upon consumption. These risks range from gastrointestinal disturbances to organ damage and even carcinogenic effects.”

Prof Mwanza highlighted that the prevalence of mycotoxin contamination is influenced by Africa's climatic conditions, agronomic practices, socio-economic factors, and political landscape.

"Exposure to mycotoxins predominantly occurs through direct ingestion of contaminated crops or animal products such as milk and eggs from livestock fed on infected feed," he explained, adding that inhalation and skin absorption are potential exposure routes.

"The socio-economic status of many African communities often forces them to consume contaminated food, increasing their vulnerability to the effects of mycotoxins."

He added that climatic variables, particularly temperature and humidity fluctuations, play a role in the proliferation of fungi and the subsequent production of mycotoxins. As climate change intensifies these variables, the risk of contamination grows, posing a threat to food safety and public health.

Prof Mwanza's research, spanning over a decade, covers various aspects of mycotoxin contamination, including analytical methods, health impacts, and the influence of environmental factors on fungal behaviour. Significant data has been gathered from a range of agricultural products, providing a foundation for regulatory bodies.

The findings emphasise the need for Africa to develop and enforce its regulations tailored to the continent's environmental and socio-economic realities, rather than relying on standards set by American, European or Asian countries.

"Challenges such as sampling difficulties, matrix variability and the biochemical complexities of mycotoxins necessitate region-specific strategies," he noted.

Given the economic and health implications, Prof Mwanza stressed that: "African nations must prioritise the establishment of comprehensive mycotoxin regulations and control measures. Addressing these issues is important for safeguarding public health and sustaining the continent's agricultural productivity and food security in the long term.”

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, congratulates Prof Mulunda Mwanza after his inaugural address.

Academic, student and alumnus win big at Nursing Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 31 May 2024 05:23:25 +0000

Academic, student and alumnus win big at Nursing Awards

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/31/2024 - 07:23

The North-West University (NWU) made a significant mark at the North West Provincial Nursing Awards held on 23 May 2024 at the Sun City Convention Centre.

The event, organised by the North West Department of Health, recognised outstanding contributions and excellence in the nursing profession. These awards also show appreciation for the dedication and selflessness of nurses in the province, and motivate them to uphold and improve the standards of nursing education and practice in the North West province.

Dr Nokwanda Bam, an academic from the NWU’s School of Nursing, received the prestigious Best Nursing Lecturer - Henrietta Stockdale Award. This accolade honours Dr Bam’s commitment, exceptional output, and exemplary quality of teaching, as well as her remarkable support for students.

Nursing student Mutlhare Nobuhle was awarded the Best Nursing Student Excellence Award for being a role model and providing support to junior student nurses, and embodying the qualities of leadership and mentorship in nursing education.

NWU alumnus Tshiamo Mokgoetsi received the MEC’s Special Nursing Excellence Award. This award celebrates her outstanding contributions to the nursing profession across various spheres. Tshiamo represented South Africa in the Student World Skills Competition, showcasing her skills on an international stage.

Dr Rorisang Machailo, deputy director of the School of Nursing, expressed her pride in the institution's achievements. "The School of Nursing prides itself on the quality of nursing education it provides, and we are proud to congratulate all the award recipients."

Dr Rorisang Machailo receives the Best Nursing Lecturer - Henrietta Stockdale Award on behalf of Dr Nokwanda Bam.

Nursing student Mutlhare Nobuhle receives the Best Nursing Student Excellence Award.

NWU alumnus Tshiamo Mokgoetsi receives the MEC’s Special Nursing Excellence Award.

Nurse survey reveals concerning trends in South African healthcare

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 15 May 2024 08:48:08 +0000

Nurse survey reveals concerning trends in South African healthcare

by Belinda Bantham

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/15/2024 - 10:48

Nurses should be celebrated for countless reasons. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system and touch the lives of individuals and communities in profound ways.

Nurses Day, observed annually on 12 May, commemorates the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. This year, amidst the ongoing global health crisis, the significance of nurses and the challenges they face are more evident than ever.

Nurses play a vital role in providing compassionate care, often serving as the frontline warriors in times of crisis. “From administering treatments and medications to offering emotional support and comfort, nurses fulfil multifaceted roles essential to the well-being of patients and communities,” says Prof Siedine Coetzee from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Nursing Science.

In a recent study conducted across South Africa, nurses from both public and private sectors opened up about their experiences, shedding light on important issues within the healthcare system. The survey, covering 143 hospitals across all nine provinces and involving 4 554 nurses, aimed to understand nurse outcomes, quality of care, and patient safety.

The findings revealed significant disparities between nurses working in the private and public sectors. Nearly half of the respondents hailed from each sector, and data collection methods were tailored to suit the resources available. While online surveys were feasible for the private sector, in-person data collection was necessary for public sector nurses due to limited resources.

Among the concerning revelations, job dissatisfaction emerged as a prevalent issue, with around one third of nurses expressing discontent concerning wages, recognition and educational opportunities. A substantial number of nurses also expressed their intention to leave their current positions, with some even considering leaving the nursing profession altogether.

However, Prof Coetzee says despite this overall dissatisfaction towards their job, it is important to note that the majority of nurses indicated that they loved being a nurse. “Overall, they were satisfied with their career choices, and the dissatisfaction they expressed is only related to the under-resourced practice environment they are forced to work in.”

She adds that the toll of the profession on nurses' well-being was evident, with high levels of burnout and moderate levels of compassion fatigue reported, especially in the public sector.

The survey further revealed that the impact of Covid-19 on nurse outcomes and the healthcare environment was profound. Resource constraints, staffing shortages and equipment inadequacies were exacerbated, with over half of the nurses rating the practice environment as poor. Public sector nurses, in particular, faced higher incidences of workplace violence and a greater reliance on temporary staff.

Despite these challenges, nurses generally rated the quality of patient care and safety as good to excellent. However, concerns lingered regarding management responsiveness to patient issues and the lack of support for nurses involved in safety incidents.

The study's findings echo previous research, highlighting the urgent need to address systemic issues within the healthcare system. Improving the practice environment, enhancing working conditions, providing competitive salaries and incentives, recognising the contributions of nurses, and facilitating career advancement and educational opportunities are essential steps to ensure the well-being of healthcare professionals and the delivery of quality care.

The insights garnered from this survey serve as a call to action for stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of nurses and strengthen the resilience of the healthcare workforce in South Africa.

“By addressing these challenges, we can create a more supportive and sustainable healthcare system for nurses and patients,” says Prof Coetzee.

“The main focus of interventions should be on nurse leadership. My research has shown that regardless of the practice environment, even in healthcare institutions situated in the most rural areas of South Africa with the least resources, it is the nurse leader that makes all the difference to nursing personnel’s health and wellbeing.”

She adds that nurses should be celebrated for their unwavering commitment to compassionate care, invaluable contributions to healthcare, and embodiment of the highest ideals of professionalism and humanity.

Prof Coetzee challenges each citizen to consider the great contribution of nurses to our country, and to thank at least one nurse for her service every day, because these small acts of appreciation and recognition from society will positively change the heartbeat of the nursing profession.

From left to right: South African Nurse, Organisation, Patient and System (SANOPSys) Research Team: Dr Precious Chukwuere (Post-Doc), Mrs Anelle Erasmus (Project Manager), Dr Nicholin Scheepers (Co-Investigator), Dr Alwiena Blignaut (Co-Investigator), Prof Siedine Coetzee (Principal Investigator), Mrs Verena Neethling (Collaborator) and Mrs Babsy Tau (PhD Candidate).

From cadavers to virtual dissection: reshaping medical learning

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 15 May 2024 06:45:23 +0000

From cadavers to virtual dissection: reshaping medical learning

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/15/2024 - 08:45

The School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) is keeping up with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Anatomy and physiology education have been completely revolutionised by the recently introduced anatomage table, which visualises anatomy as it would appear on a fresh cadaver. This initiative is evidence that the NWU is continuing to put its students first.

An anatomage table is a 3D visualisation tool that allows users to see and interact with detailed human cadaver images. The cadavers are fixed in a specialised gel solution, and this allows for high-definition thin-slice computer tomography (CT) imaging.

The table explores a variety of educational concepts, namely anatomy and dissection, physiology, and clinical case library, and it offers students and professionals in the health sciences area practical learning opportunities. The nervous system, cardiac system, joint mobility, and kinesiology are among the physiological processes that can be explored on the table.

Dr Khumo Shopo, the deputy director at the School of Nursing at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, supports this endeavour, which was initiated by her predecessor, Dr Elsabe Bornman. “The anatomage table is beneficial for the students. It is expensive, but we believe it provides value for money. Before commencing their practical’s, students can experience labour and delivery processes in an unusual way, thanks to the functionalities of the table, which is a positive contribution to teaching and learning.”

Dr Shopo reflected on her time as a student and said she was not so fortunate as to have had access to such an amazing resource and advises the students to make use of the table and learn as much from it as possible.

In her support, Mrs Erita Koekemoer, the clinical preceptor and simlab coordinator at the simulation laboratory of the School of Nursing at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, said: “The table is user-friendly, and the students enjoy interacting with it. With this table the students are able to view objects from the top and bottom. It is fun to use, and it feels like a large phone.”

Dr Shopo stated that the Mahikeng Campus will soon be welcoming the anatomage table, which is currently used only on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Running like clockwork

The anatomage table allows the user to dissect a complete human cadaver. There are five distinct cadavers on the table: two are male and female Caucasians, two are male and female Asians and one is a pregnant woman.

Users have the ability to move the cadavers in any orientation, zooming in and rotating, going layer by layer, and opening different structures.

In addition, users can also simulate surgical procedures, practise visualising medical interventions, and imitate pathological conditions in a risk-free virtual setting. This enhances clinical skills and decision-making abilities without posing any harm to patients.

From the left are Mrs Erita Koekemoer, Dr Nicholin Scheepers-Makjoweni, a clinical programme leader and senior lecturer at the Potchefstroom Campus School of Nursing, and Dr Khumo Shopo.

This is the labour and the delivery process highlighted on the cutting-edge visualisation tool

NWU will contribute to world-class medical doctors

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:18:04 +0000

NWU will contribute to world-class medical doctors

by Bertie Jacobs

MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 04/23/2024 - 11:18

After extensive planning, the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the North West Department of Health, will establish a medical school and contribute to training world-class medical graduates.

This is perfect timing, considering that South Africa has a dire shortage of medical doctors, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, and this shortage of doctors can have catastrophic consequences for the country’s healthcare and economic sectors, which are already under severe strain. In the public sector, South Africa has 0,37 doctors per 1 000 people, which is in stark contrast to the WHO’s minimum recommendation of one doctor per 1 000 people.

The NWU Medical School will address this dilemma and aid in providing a different healthcare scenario for the country’s citizens. An estimated 70 000 to 80 000 more doctors are needed to buffer the existing shortage, and at the current rate of medical graduates completing their studies, this will take more than 40 years to rectify – without considering population growth.

By establishing South Africa’s 11th medical school, the NWU will also supplement the number of doctors in North West, where there are only 0,21 doctors per 1 000 people. It is an abysmal figure, and intervention is urgently needed.

“For the NWU, it is about more than just providing medical graduates of quality for the health workforce. A part of the university's mission is to be responsive to the health needs of North West, the country and the continent at large. This medical programme will be the most extensive and complex ever presented by this higher-education institution,” says Prof Petra Bester, director of the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR) and the operations lead of the NWU Medical School project team.

“Our purpose with the medical school will be to enable and develop highly skilled generalist practitioners who can also support the district health system. It will provide community-oriented medical graduates to achieve the highest personal and professional development necessary to comprehensively and expertly attend to the health needs of their communities,” she adds.

“The NWU Medical School will pave the way for the NWU, the province and the country to be seen as leaders and innovators in the development of a new-century medical curriculum that is fit for purpose and relevant to the disease burden of the new millennium,” explains Prof Awie Kotzé, executive dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject listed the NWU in the 601 to 650 category for medicine and health sciences, and the NWU Medical School will be built on the foundations laid by its renowned Faculty of Health Sciences, which has a decades-long stellar reputation for training and delivering pharmacists, nurses, dieticians, biokineticists, psychologists and social workers. This has resulted in the NWU being the preferred university to teach and train medical doctors jointly with the North West Department of Health.

According to Prof Binu Luke, project lead of the NWU Medical School and chief specialist physician and technical adviser in the North West Department of Health, this initiative holds a host of career opportunities for prospective students.

“The provision of healthcare services is complex. They are delivered at various levels in the healthcare system, both in the public and private sector, focusing on promotive, preventative and curative care. The services are delivered by a team of different types of healthcare workers, generally led by doctors who need to have various skill sets, classifying them as general practitioners, specialists, subspecialists and more, with the medical graduate being the entry point of that journey.

“Graduates can also branch out into the fields of governance, clinical research, health regulation, the pharmaceutical industry, international health and more. Education is provided through classroom learning using various traditional and innovative techniques, as well as exposure to the health system, community and patients in the designated health facilities run by the North West provincial Department of Health, primarily in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District and throughout the province. Coordination of these processes and activities and standardised assessment ensuring quality is key to the success of this programme.”

Prof Bester concludes by saying: “With the current quality health improvements and innovations already happening in the province, coupled with establishing the NWU Medical School, we look forward to contributing to an efficient health system.”

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:27:00 +0000

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:27

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards. It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:

Dr Fortunate Phaka was nominated in two categories: the TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers and the Communication category. Dr Phaka is a senior postdoctoral research fellow and research associate at both the Hasselt University and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was nominated for the Green Economy Award, sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for Circular Economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, Director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform was nominated for the Management Award.

Dr Mathew Moyo, Chief Director for Library and Information Services, is in the running for the Data for Research Award.

Prof Marius Smuts, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, was nominated for the Lifetime Award.

Jonker Sailplanes (PTY) LTD, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise.

The innovateHER initiative, represented by Prof Leenta Grobler, was nominated for the Non-Governmental Organisation Award.

The winners will be announced at a planned hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July. This will be the 26th awards ceremony and the theme for this year’s event is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.

Meet our researchers

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:58:13 +0000

Meet our researchers MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:58

Researchers across the faculties at the North-West University (NWU) continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise.

Prof Andries Monyeki is the director of the research focus area Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation (PhASRec).

Dr Nicholin Scheepers is the programme leader at the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area.