The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has granted a five-year extension to the SAMRC/NWU Extramural Unit (EMU) for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, effective from the beginning of April 2025. This decision follows a successful review process and highlights the crucial role of the unit in addressing the burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in South Africa.
In a noteworthy seminar hosted by the School of Social Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) on Friday, 4 April, Dr Pedro Mzileni, a senior lecturer in the Department of Sociology at the University of Zululand, delivered a captivating case study on the “Coloniality of academic freedom” in South Africa’s higher-education sector.
By: Gofaone Motsamai
NWU researchers have completed a groundbreaking study that sheds light on the environmental implications of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in South Africa’s water resources. The report, “Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources”, was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC) and is the most comprehensive study to date on the issue.
The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in academic excellence as Prof Jacques Petzer, professor in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has been recognised as the Best Examiner in professional exams for 2024 by the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC).
A disease without a diagnosis is a battle fought in the dark. Without precise diagnostic tools, treatment decisions become guesswork, prevention efforts lack direction and disease control remains ineffective. This was the core message of Prof Oriel Thekisoe’s inaugural lecture at the North-West University (NWU).
“Diagnosis is the foundation of disease control,” said Prof Thekisoe during his lecture on 6 March 2025 at the Potchefstroom Campus. “It determines the effectiveness of treatment and guides prevention strategies.”
As we consider the urgent issues confronting social work in South Africa, it is evident that the profession is at a crucial turning point. On 18 March we commemorate World Social Work Day, and this year’s theme – “Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Well-being” – serves as a timely reminder of the vital role that social workers play in our communities.
However, the challenges they encounter risk undermining their efforts and compromising the well-being of those they serve.
The North-West University (NWU) continues to shine in international rankings. The latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject place four of the NWU’s subject groups in the top 850 globally, with one of these featuring in the 301 to 350 ranking category. The subject groups are agriculture, environmental sciences, physics and medicine. QS published these rankings on 12 March 2025.
After recent developments, impactful leadership in nutrition is needed now more than ever. The United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition* ends this year and USAID funding to Africa and other developing countries has come to an abrupt halt.
He has a recipe for success, and he knows how to collect the trophies. One of South Africa’s favourite sons, Dr Rassie Erasmus, was a welcome sight back at the North-West University (NWU) when he delivered his first guest lecture since being awarded an honorary doctorate in 2024.
The lecture, entitled From the Sidelines to the Spotlight: Insights from a Back-to-Back World Cup Winning Coach, was hosted by the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences – School of Human Movement Sciences in partnership with NWU’s Centre for Human Health and Performance (CHHP).
Medical biological scientist Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe from the Centre for Human Metabolomics at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU) has been selected as one of Forbes Africa’s 2025 Over 30 Under 50 honourees for her contributions to science and academia.