Humanities

How technology and community involvement can bridge the gap between communities and legal aid

When seeking legal assistance, community members often face significant barriers owing to inadequate financial resources. One way to connect members of the public with legal services is to use online channels.

This is one of the possible solutions outlined in the research work of Prof Lusanda Beauty Juta, acting deputy director of the School of Government Studies at the Mahikeng Campus of the North-West University (NWU).

Submitted on Thu, 07/11/2024 - 15:39

Another academic announced as a M&G 200 Young South African

The North-West University (NWU) boasts another winner of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans for 2024.  Dr Pieter Odendaal, a senior lecturer in the subject group Creative Writing, was announced a winner in the Arts and Entertainment category.

He joins Dr Monray Williams, a senior lecturer in the subject group Biochemistry, who was announced a winner in the Science, Technology and Innovation category.

 Dr Odendaal views this recognition as an affirmation of his contributions to the arts and the significance of spoken word poetry in South Africa.

Submitted on Thu, 07/11/2024 - 08:33

The Faculty of Humanities: fostering engagement and social change

The Faculty of Humanities (FHUM) at the North-West University (NWU) has an approach to education that goes beyond textbooks and lectures. Here, students and staff embark on a journey that not only sharpens their minds but also nurtures their hearts, fostering a sense of responsibility towards creating a better world. Through engaged research, teaching and community activities, the FHUM lights the way for positive change, shaping a more just and equitable society for all.

Submitted on Wed, 07/10/2024 - 14:30

SADiLaR celebrates PhD aimed at improving Sesotho learners' reading skills

A former high school teacher's quest to improve the poor reading ability of learners in low-resource languages has resulted in a groundbreaking PhD. Centered on the development of a means to measure text readability while developing digital language resources for Sesotho, this research is the first of its kind and will also serve as a model for other African languages.

Submitted on Wed, 06/26/2024 - 08:16

Subject group History hosts insightful pre-conference presentations

The subject group History at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently hosted a series of insightful postgraduate history presentations, serving as a rehearsal for the upcoming South African Hydrological Society (SAHS) Conference set to take place from 26 to 28 June at the University of Johannesburg.

The event showcased the academic prowess of honours, master’s and PhD students, and the engaging presentations featured notable topics that shed light on various historical perspectives.

Submitted on Thu, 06/20/2024 - 12:35

SADiLaR director elected as Zimbabwean fellow

The executive director of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) at the North-West University (NWU), Prof Langa Khumalo, has been elected as fellow of the Zimbabwe Academy of Sciences (ZAS).

Founded in 2003, the ZAS recognises and promotes outstanding science through election to membership, and this process brings recognition, honour, distinction and excellence to scientific programmes, projects, research and innovation.

Submitted on Thu, 06/20/2024 - 09:31

School of Social Sciences sows the seeds for long-term collaboration

The School of Social Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a delegation from the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz. The visit proved to be an enriching experience, with insightful presentations and meaningful discussions.

During their visit, Dr Regina Schäfer, Prof Dr Jörg Rogge and Dr Verena von Wiczlinski shared presentations on their research.

Dr Schäfer's lecture on "Doing fruntschaft between neighbours: Negotiating the conditions of living together in the late Middle Ages" provided a fascinating look into historical social dynamics.

Submitted on Tue, 06/18/2024 - 08:32