Health Sciences

From construction sites to graduation gown

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:13:39 +0000

From construction sites to graduation gown

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 06/05/2025 - 11:13

When Mongezi Prince Mbamba walked across the graduation stage at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) on 21 May 2025, it was not just a degree he carried – it was the weight of years of sacrifice, resilience and unyielding faith.

Born into a humble background and raised by a single mother alongside two siblings, Mongezi’s path to becoming a qualified social worker was anything but straightforward. After matriculating in 2016, with dreams in hand but no clear direction, he faced an uncertain future. What followed was an unplanned gap year in 2017 – marked by hardship, determination and the first steps in a journey that would test and ultimately define him.

“I worked wherever I could to support myself and my family,” Mongezi recalls. He began as a general worker on the Curro Vanderbijlpark construction site and later found employment at West Pack Lifestyle. In 2020, fate took an unexpected turn when he became part of the team constructing the A1 Administration Building at the NWU – the very institution that would soon become his academic home.

Despite repeated rejections from universities, Mongezi never gave up. He leaned on faith and perseverance, applying year after year. In 2021, at the age of 22, his long-held dream finally materialised: he was accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work programme at the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the NWU.

University life brought its own set of challenges. As the oldest child and family breadwinner, Mongezi had no financial safety net. He worked tirelessly to make ends meet – washing cars, sneakers and carpets for fellow students, and taking retail jobs during the holidays, including at the One by One Supermarket in Vanderbijlpark. With little money for textbooks, he relied heavily on the university library and the generosity of others.

“I could not afford to go home during holidays,” he says. “I stayed in student accommodation with the help of my landlord and found ways to survive.”

Through every hurdle, he remained steadfast. “This degree tested me in every way – mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. But that pressure became my fuel,” Mongezi says. His efforts were not limited to the classroom. He threw himself into late-night study sessions, group projects, academic competitions and spiritual growth.

In his second year, he joined a faith-based student fellowship. “We were brothers in Christ, supporting one another in our studies, our lives and our purpose,” he shares. That support, he believes, was instrumental not only in his graduation, but in shaping the man he has become.

Mongezi credits much of his success to key mentors along the way. “Jason Beukes and Naledi Lehutso were like parents to me,” he says. “They provided everything, from study materials to clothes for practicals. Their kindness opened doors I did not know existed.”

As part of his qualification, Mongezi completed three major practical placements that brought theory to life:

· Polokong Children’s Village – Focusing on children and youth services before its closure.

· Emthonjeni Satellite One Centre – Hands-on group work practice.

· Department of Social Development, Sebokeng – Where he excelled in case and community work, earning second prize for a community project at a student social work conference.

“These experiences gave me real insight into what social work truly is. They deepened my passion and prepared me to serve with confidence and integrity.”

Now a qualified social worker, Mongezi is actively seeking employment or internship opportunities. He brings with him not only a solid academic foundation and practical experience, but a mission: to uplift the vulnerable, speak for the voiceless, and offer hope to those often forgotten. Quoting the scripture that carried him through, he reflects:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

His message to others? “To anyone still trying, still hoping, still fighting – do not give up. Your journey may take longer. It may look different. But if it is meant for you, nothing can stop it. Trust God. Trust yourself. And never stop dreaming.”

Mongezi Prince Mbamba and his family.

A pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:25:58 +0000

A pioneer in nuclear medicine: Prof Mike receives honorary doctorate from the NWU

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:25

South Africa should invest more in nuclear research if it wishes to remain globally competitive and fulfil its responsibility to meet the diverse needs of its communities. This was Professor Machaba Michael “Mike” Sathekge’s message when he received his honorary doctorate in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Philosophiae Doctor, Honoris Causa) from the North-West University (NWU) on Wednesday 4 June.

He emphasised that the wide-ranging benefits of nuclear research, in areas such as medical science, energy production, agriculture, food security and environmental sciences, should be regarded as a national priority.

And he would know. A towering figure at the forefront of nuclear medicine, Prof Sathekge’s career has reshaped the clinical and research landscape of cancer and infectious disease treatment in South Africa and beyond.

His contributions are both technical triumphs and deeply human victories.

Prof Sathekge was raised in Tembisa and later became a standout scholar in Soshanguve, where he achieved the best national results in mathematics. He trained as a medical doctor at Medunsa. He also earned his master’s degree there and began his career in nuclear medicine. A scholarship then took him to Belgium, where he obtained a PhD in molecular imaging in TB and HIV.

Upon returning home, he became Head of Nuclear Medicine at the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital. Under his leadership, a number of firsts have been achieved, including pioneering the use of Selective Internal Radiation Therapy for liver cancer in South Africa, to introducing novel therapies for prostate and neuroendocrine cancers using Lutetium-177 and Actinium-225. His work with PSMA-targeted therapies has gained global recognition, putting South African oncology research at the forefront of international clinical trials.

As President of NuMeRI, he leads the continent’s only dedicated nuclear medicine research infrastructure, aligning science, health, and policy. A prolific academic and dedicated mentor, Sathekge has supervised dozens of postgraduate students and authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications.

Awards and widespread respect have been bestowed upon Sathekge, who exemplifies how locally rooted research can have a global impact. By fusing compassion with cutting-edge science, he has transformed South Africa’s nuclear medicine capabilities and, crucially, improved patient outcomes. He has also challenged conventional care norms, introducing novel radiopharmaceutical theranostics, while maintaining an ethos of healing and academic integrity. Through these efforts, he has changed the way cancer is approached and treated.

Prof Sathekge is married to Dr Rachel Sathekge, an orthodontist, and the couple has two sons.

The NWU’s honorary doctorate recognises not only his achievements, but also the future he continues to shape.

Professor Machaba Michael “Mike” Sathekge.

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine breaks new ground

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:54:20 +0000

NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine breaks new ground

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 06/03/2025 - 13:54

The countdown has begun. On Tuesday afternoon at precisely 12:46, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU), turned the first sod at the Potchefstroom Campus construction site of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This ceremonial gesture marked the official commencement of construction of South Africa’s 11th medical school, with the first cohort of students expected to enrol in 2028.

With this milestone, the NWU sets a firm course towards addressing the critical shortage of medical practitioners in the North West Province and across the country. It also heralds the start of a journey that will see the university navigate new frontiers in medical education.

“This ceremony marks the symbolic start of construction and the laying of the cornerstone for a bold vision, one that aims to transform lives, uplift communities, and reshape the healthcare landscape of our nation,” said Prof Tyobeka. “It represents the formal launch of a scholarly pursuit of the highest order: the establishment of a premier centre for medical education, research, and professional training.”

The state-of-the-art facility, scheduled for completion in 2027, will serve as a flagship academic and intellectual hub at the university. It will house the foundational years of medical training, eventually expanding to include clinical platforms at Tshepong and Klerksdorp hospitals.

“It is here,” he continued, “that we will shape the minds and characters of future physicians and individuals who will shoulder profound responsibilities with dignity, scientific excellence, and an unwavering commitment to service.”

Prof Tyobeka also expressed gratitude to the university’s government partners, regulatory bodies, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, and local community leadership, whose guidance, support, and faith in the NWU’s vision have been pivotal.

“This is not merely an infrastructure project,” he concluded. “It is a promise to future generations, a commitment to educate, to heal, and to uplift. As we break ground today, let us do so with purpose. And let us always serve with compassion. Thank you, and may the Almighty bless this endeavour and all who contribute to it.”

Women lead the way in the field of occupational hygiene in academia

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 30 May 2025 08:20:48 +0000

Women lead the way in the field of occupational hygiene in academia

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/30/2025 - 10:20

In a country where the number of female academics specialising in occupational hygiene is exceptionally small, the North-West University (NWU) stands out as a national and continental leader.

Of the only eight known female academics in South Africa with a specialised focus in this field, an astounding five are based at the NWU. This speaks volumes about the university’s commitment to advancing occupational hygiene and promoting female academic leadership in a historically male-dominated discipline.

While women are well represented across the broader occupational hygiene profession – from major corporations like SASOL and leading mining houses to consultancy firms and government agencies – their presence in academia remains limited. Although many women are active in related disciplines such as environmental health, occupational health and epidemiology, few specialise specifically in occupational hygiene in academic institutions.

As the first tertiary education institution in southern Africa to offer a dedicated four-year undergraduate degree in Occupational Hygiene, the NWU leads the way in building capacity and professionalism. The programme, developed and presented by the Occupational Hygiene subject group and the Occupational Hygiene and Health Research Initiative (OHHRI), equips students with the competencies needed for registration with the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene (SAIOH).

The five women from the NWU who are central to this initiative, contributing to the advancement of the field through their teaching, mentorship, research and leadership, are:

Associate Professor Sonette du Preez

Prof Du Preez holds a PhD in Occupational Hygiene, with research focused on the respiratory health risks associated with metal additive manufacturing (3D printing). Her work enhances understanding of the health implications of emerging technologies. She has authored 12 peer-reviewed publications and presented at 19 national and five international conferences.

Professor Anja Franken

Prof Franken became the first female academic in the Occupational Hygiene group at the NWU in 2008. She obtained her PhD in 2015, focusing on in vitro skin permeability of platinum and rhodium. A Y2-rated researcher with the National Research Foundation (NRF), she has authored 31 publications, contributed to 53 conferences, and supervised 20 master’s-degree and two PhD students. Her innovative teaching methods and passion for student development have made her a cornerstone of the programme.

Associate Professor Suranie Horn

With a PhD in Environmental Sciences, Prof Horn transitioned to Occupational Hygiene in 2022, bringing expertise in chemical exposure and environmental health. She has authored

25 peer-reviewed publications, holds an NRF Y2 rating, and leads nationally funded projects. She is committed to applied research and postgraduate mentorship within the OHHRI.

Dr Motsehoa Cynthia Ramotsehoa

Dr Ramotsehoa earned her PhD in Occupational Hygiene in 2024 with a study on the occupational exposure of Namibian outdoor mineworkers to solar ultraviolet radiation. She has supervised three master’s-degree students investigating similar exposures in other outdoor occupations such as those of car guards and protection officers. Her academic portfolio includes six peer-reviewed publications, six article reviews, and a book chapter review – helping to close a critical knowledge gap in this underexplored area.

Alicia van der Merwe

Alicia brings industry experience from steel manufacturing, mining and inspection authorities. She played a pivotal role in developing the NWU’s four-year degree in Occupational Hygiene. Currently pursuing her PhD in Occupational Hygiene with a focus on pesticide management in farming communities, she has supervised two cum laude master’s-degree students who won national conference awards. Her contributions include national and international presentations and peer-reviewed work.

While the NWU is home to five of the eight identified female academics specialising in Occupational Hygiene, the remaining three are:

Dr Goitsemang Keretetse – University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Karlien Linde – University of Limpopo
Zanele Zulu – Mangosuthu University of Technology

In a field that is still emerging in South Africa, particularly in academia, the concentration of female expertise at the NWU is extraordinary. The fact that more than 60% of the country’s known female occupational hygiene academics are based at a single institution is a testament to the NWU’s leadership, excellence and commitment to transformation.

These five women at the NWU are not only driving research and innovation but also mentoring the next generation of occupational hygienists. Their work addresses vital issues – from chemical and UV exposure to workplace health in technologically advanced industries – making a tangible impact on worker health and well-being.

Prof Sonette du Preez

Prof Anja Franken

Prof Suranie Horn

Dr Motsehoa Cynthia Ramotsehoa

Alicia van der Merwe

NWU HART champions hypertension awareness in May Measurement Month

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 26 May 2025 07:25:29 +0000

NWU HART champions hypertension awareness in May Measurement Month

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/26/2025 - 09:25

High blood pressure is a silent killer that can lead to a fatal heart attack. Without treatment, it can also profoundly impact a person’s quality of life, causing heart disease, kidney damage, memory loss or even disability or a stroke. Many people at risk might not even know it, as hypertension operates as a secret agent, often lurking in a person’s body without symptoms as it wears out one’s arteries.

This is why the Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART) has made it their mission to educate people on and raise awareness about the dangers of hypertension. “With knowledge comes power and it enables people to make better health and lifestyle choices,” says Sister Adéle Burger, manager at the HART clinic at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

The HART team has set themselves an ambitious goal to screen and educate more than 2 500 individuals across various venues during the month of May. This is part of the annual May Measurement Month campaign, with International Hypertension Day observed on 17 May.

This campaign is an international drive by the International Society of Hypertension to help people have their blood pressure checked completely free of charge.

Taking hypertension awareness from the campuses into the communities

Prof Carina Mels, director of HART, says the campaign commenced on 6 May as part of Wellness Week at the NWU. They offered free screenings on the Potchefstroom Campus on 16 May, followed by blood pressure readings for community members at the Mooirivier Mall on 17 May. This was done in collaboration with Dischem Pharmacy.

Screenings also took place at several community-based sites throughout the month. These included Huis Anna Viljoen on 14 May, Safe Haven on 21 May and Samuel Broadbent House on 28 May. The campaign concludes at Vyfhoek Mall on 31 May.

“It only takes a moment to check your blood pressure – but that moment could change your life,” says Prof Mels. “We are proud to be part of this global movement, which plays a vital role in increasing awareness of hypertension. Our goal is not only to screen individuals but also to empower them to find manageable ways to reduce their risk.”

Advice in action

“This year, our focus is on simple lifestyle interventions that can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. We encourage everyone to aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking daily, to include plenty of fruits and vegetables – especially nitrate-rich foods like beetroot – in their diet, and to reduce salt and sugar intake.”

Prof Mels says it is equally important to set aside time each day for relaxation, as chronic stress is a key contributor to high blood pressure. By raising awareness and encouraging healthy habits, we move one step closer to a future free of preventable heart disease.

“We are immensely grateful for our dedicated postgraduate student team who were instrumental in organising and implementing this year’s campaign, and extend our thanks to our collaborators from the Biokinetics and Nutrition team from the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as the South African National Blood Service for their support and participation. Together, we can take small steps today for a healthier tomorrow, one blood pressure reading at a time.”

The team that made the hypertension awareness drive a success on the Potchefstroom Campus.

First-year students Tokelo Maleka and Katlego Monnepula receive nutrition advice from postgraduate students Cheré du Toit, Arole Shivambu and Rodgers Hau

First-year pharmacy student Wian Cotter was empowered with information to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Sister Adéle Burger says it is important to know what your blood pressure level is. Postgraduate student Gabriela Gabriel assisted her with the screening.

Makhubele Andruso, a third-year student, has his blood pressure screened by Paballo Kalane.

Eagi weighed in at a healthy 62 kg as first-year student Kyle Loftie-Eaton measured his height and weight.

Alumnus turns quiet leadership into national recognition at Life Healthcare

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 26 May 2025 05:59:06 +0000

Alumnus turns quiet leadership into national recognition at Life Healthcare

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/26/2025 - 07:59

When the night shift begins at Life Peglerae Hospital in Rustenburg, Hudson Mothupi is already at work, not just supervising 16 hospital units, but also ensuring systems hold firm through medical emergencies, power outages and the other demands of overnight care.

This behind-the-scenes leadership has earned the North-West University (NWU) alumnus a place among Life Healthcare’s Great 100 Nurses for 2025.

The hospital group’s annual awards programme, established in 2012, recognises 100 nurses across Life Healthcare’s network for their clinical competence, leadership and contributions to patient care. Hudson’s role as night unit supervisor places him at the centre of operations when visibility is lowest, but stakes are high.

“Being recognised is a reminder that dedication to patient care is seen and valued,” says Hudson, who graduated from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus with a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree.

“At night, we face unique challenges. I have always believed that consistent communication and presence can prevent panic and build confidence in a team.”

Colleagues nominated Hudson for his ability to steady teams through critical situations, lead evacuation drills and maintain focus during emergency response and disaster operations. “When the pressure rises, I don’t raise my voice. I raise structure,” he says.

Harking back to his NWU days

His approach to leadership draws heavily from his formative years at the NWU. “The university taught me that leadership in nursing is not just about authority. It’s about taking initiative and building trust.”

Reflecting on the recognition he has received, Hudson says: “I am grateful for this achievement. Being nominated among the great, I acknowledge the recognition as I always try my best to achieve positive outcomes for our patients. I also want to thank nursing manager Matron Zelma Hattingh and hospital manager Denise Botha for the support they give me, for the leadership they see in me, and for having confidence in me.”

The Great 100 Nurses are nominated by peers, doctors and managers across Life Healthcare hospitals, Life Nkanyisa and Life Health Solutions. Recipients of the awards are seen as both clinical leaders and contributors to a culture of care. Hudson’s inclusion brings the number of recognised nurses since the programme’s inception to 600.

“I walk the wards with the same attitude I had as a student nurse: learn, listen, lead when needed,” he reflects. “There’s never a routine night in healthcare. Every shift is a chance to make sure patients feel safe.”

The NWU continues to track the achievements of its alumni, and Hudson’s recognition underscores the university’s contribution to shaping professionals who lead with both skill and integrity.

Matron Zelma Hattingh, Hudson Mothupi and hospital manager Denise Botha.

Puseletso is advocating for young women in STEM

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 21 May 2025 09:24:49 +0000

Puseletso is advocating for young women in STEM

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/21/2025 - 11:24

Medical scientist Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe recently stepped up to change the narrative regarding the representation of females in science. Puseletso joined as a panellist at the launch of the groundbreaking InnovateHER project, which was hosted at the University of Johannesburg on Saturday, 10 May, reaffirming her commitment to empowering young women.

The event brought together Grade 12 learners from across Gauteng alongside passionate professionals and guest speakers to encourage young women to step into the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields – spaces where women are vastly underrepresented. Not only does this underrepresentation limit women’s contributions to vital sectors, but it hinders diversity and innovation within the workforce.

Reflecting on her role as a panellist, Puseletso stated: “I was privileged to share my journey in STEM with the learners. The questions posed to us were deeply reflective, and they reignited in me the very passion that brought me into this field. It was powerful to see the young women listening, asking questions and envisioning their own paths in science, technology and innovation.”

Among the keynote speakers were Dr Judy Dlamini, chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) and Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, managing director of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF-SAASTA). Prof Tebogo Mashifana, advisory board member of Koako Green Energy Solutions, Gugulethu Zwane, Boitumelo Lekhoe, Khanyisile Masemola, Pabalelo Banks and Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo were the other expert panellists.

For Puseletso, her experience among fellow trailblazers carries profound significance. “These remarkable leaders reminded us that representation matters,” she reflected. “Young women deserve to see reflections of themselves in the highest levels of academia, business and innovation.”

In addition to her advocacy on the stage, Puseletso also contributed to the InnovateHER guide, a booklet developed specifically for female Grade 12 learners. This guide is packed with practical tools for exam preparation, university readiness and career development – serving as a confidence booster for young women looking to break into a male-dominated environment. It is a document that provides young women who may not yet envision themselves in lab coats or leading technology businesses with a clearer path to their ambitions.

For Puseletso, it is important to have resources specifically tailored for young women to pursue STEM fields.

“Tailored materials foster a sense of belonging and show young women that their voices, perspectives and talents are not only welcome but essential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” she said.

She elaborated: “Young women often face unique social, cultural and systemic barriers in accessing and thriving in STEM fields. These resources do not just provide information – they offer representation, mentorship and affirmation. They speak directly to the lived experiences of young women, building confidence and dismantling the myth that STEM is only for men.”

According to Puseletso, the guide is meant to empower and encourage young women to navigate their paths. “I hope the InnovateHER guide becomes a beacon of hope and clarity for young women who are uncertain about their place in STEM, and my dream is that it reaches townships and rural areas where they need it the most. I wish for every girl who reads it to feel seen, equipped and inspired to pursue a future in STEM with confidence,” she stated.

The opportunity to use her own experience to encourage and uplift young women was one of the most rewarding parts of contributing to the study guide.

“Knowing that my story, once filled with questions, setbacks and hard-won triumphs, could now serve as a guidepost for someone else was extremely satisfying. Contributing to the guide allowed me to give back in a practical, long-term way, helping to unlock the potential of the next generation,” Puseletso concluded.

Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe is a mentor to the next generation. She is passionate about guiding aspiring medical scientists towards research, career growth and leadership opportunities.

The InnovateHER guide features comprehensive resources, from academic achievement to career planning strategies, specifically tailored for female STEM students.

Campaign calls for understanding in mental health awareness, not stigma

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:46:47 +0000

Campaign calls for understanding in mental health awareness, not stigma

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/19/2025 - 08:46

A 5km-walk through the streets of Mmabatho marked more than just a physical challenge – it was a call to recognise and understand the realities of bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorder.

On 30 April 2025, members of the Lifestyle Diseases research focus area at the North-West University (NWU) joined forces with the Mahikeng Provincial Hospital, Kgatelopele Wellness Centre and the North West College of Nursing to host a mental health awareness campaign under the theme “Ending the stigma through embracing our differences”.

Although World Bipolar Day and World Autism Awareness Day are observed on 30 March and 2 April respectively, the combined event amplified the voices of the stakeholders involved. They included non-governmental organisations such as Autism South Africa and government departments and agencies such as Health, Education, Social Development and the South African Police Service.

Dr Gopolang Gause, a representative of the research focus area, said the aim was to bring attention to the symptoms, causes and treatment options related to the two mental health conditions.

“Our goal is to educate the public and reduce stigma. Through psychoeducation and lifestyle modification, we can shift public understanding and attitudes toward bipolar disorder and autism,” said Dr Gause.

The programme included a talk by a psychiatrist from Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, who outlined how the conditions typically present and the kind of support available in the public healthcare system.

Adding a personal perspective, a mother of a child living with autism and an individual diagnosed with bipolar disorder shared their lived experiences with the audience.

“Speaking about it helps us feel seen. It’s not about labels; it’s about learning how to live,” they said.

The event closed with reflections on the importance of early intervention, support systems and continuous awareness campaigns that go beyond a single day on the calendar.

Members of the NWU’s Lifestyle Diseases research focus area participated in a mental health awareness campaign. From left are Koketso Rankudu, Ellen Tlhojane, Dr Gopolang Gause, Tsholofelo Shophi, and Hellen Olugondae.

Dr Gopolang Gause unpacks the purpose of the day.

Book launch marks a milestone in ethical caring discourse

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 14 May 2025 06:48:12 +0000

Book launch marks a milestone in ethical caring discourse

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/14/2025 - 08:48

In a powerful affirmation of compassion as a catalyst for social change, the Optentia research unit at the North-West University (NWU) and the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area co-hosted the hybrid launch of the groundbreaking book, Relational Caring: A Soft Voice in Transforming Society.

The event brought together scholars, practitioners and community leaders from across the globe to reflect on the necessity for empathy and ethical care in transforming communities and institutions.

The book, published by Policy Press in 2025, offers a profound exploration of relational caring and the theory of presence. It challenges conventional care models by emphasising deep, attentive and ethically grounded relationships between caregivers and those they support, especially individuals in vulnerable or marginalised circumstances.

The launch featured opening remarks by Prof Jaco Hoffman, who heads up the Ageing and Generational Dynamics programme of the Optentia research unit, recognising the importance of the book’s contribution to care ethics, social work, theology and healthcare education.

Prof Andries Baart, extraordinary professor at Optentia, founder of the presence theory and a globally respected scholar in theology and philosophy, shared reflections on the book’s core message: the transformative potential of presence – being with, listening and staying in connection – as a quiet but powerful force for social change.

Dr Guus Timmerman from the Netherlands co-authored the book but unfortunately could not join the launch. He highlighted how the book is rooted in over three decades of practice-based research across Europe and South Africa.

The programme included two discussants, one from practice and the other from the teaching and learning context of the university. Dr Rayne Stroebel, the founder and managing director of GERATEC, a South African company, focused on helping older people live a quality life. Prof Emmerentia du Plessis from NuMIQ provided insight into the value this new book will have for the training of tomorrow’s nursing practitioners.

Several participants shared moving accounts of how the theory of presence had already informed their daily work, especially in contexts where technical competence alone falls short. "This book speaks to what many of us feel but do not always have the words for: the human, relational heart of care," one healthcare practitioner noted. Relational Caring: A Soft Voice in Transforming Society is now available through Policy Press and is expected to become a foundational text for scholars, practitioners and students in the fields of healthcare, social work, theology and ethics.

The launch affirmed the NWU’s position as a leading hub for innovative and socially responsive research on human well-being.

As Prof Baart concluded in his keynote address: “In a world growing louder with efficiency and systems, relational caring offers a soft voice – but one capable of transforming how we live and care together.”

Attendees at the launch of the book, Relational Caring: A Soft Voice in Transforming Society.

Prof Andries Baart

NWU Celebrates International Nurses Day

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 May 2025 11:16:25 +0000

NWU Celebrates International Nurses Day

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/12/2025 - 13:16

Nursing is an indispensable, noble profession – the backbone of our healthcare sector. It demands unwavering commitment and a dedication to serve a purpose higher than oneself. Too often, nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, but not today. Every year on 12 May, the world celebrates International Nurses Day, marking the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Today, we collectively reflect on the immeasurable value of nurses as they are deservedly placed in the spotlight.

At the North-West University (NWU), nursing is one of the cornerstones of our healthcare mission. Our comprehensive nursing programme equips students not only with the technical skills required to tackle South Africa’s unique healthcare challenges but also with a strong foundation in compassionate care, ethical practice, and leadership. This approach is closely aligned with the requirements and goals of the South African Nursing Council, ensuring our graduates are prepared for the demands of the profession.

On average, we produce between 120 and 160 nursing graduates annually. These graduates join the ranks of over 270,000 nurses in South Africa who so often bridge the gap between limited resources and the needs of a diverse and growing population. They are the ones who toil and sweat to ensure that families are reunited with their loved ones, that mothers hold their newborns for the first time and watch them grow into thriving adults. They care for the elderly and the vulnerable, the poor and the desperate, without discrimination – an example to us all.

As the country grapples with a chronic shortage of healthcare workers, the NWU’s commitment to nurturing skilled, compassionate, and resilient nurses is more critical than ever. On this International Nurses Day, we honour those who, day in and day out, care for the nation with unmatched dedication. They are, without doubt, the heartbeat of healthcare. They are our guardian angels.