FNAS

NWU researchers honoured at prestigious NRF Awards

Two North-West University (NWU) scholars have received national recognition for research addressing two defining challenges of the modern age: the impact of HIV on African communities and the growing influence of artificial intelligence on journalism.

Prof. Monray Williams and Soligah Solomons were honoured at the National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards ceremony in Gqeberha on Thursday, 3 September.

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It is time for the South African Blue Crane to spread its wings as a national icon

  • More than 99% of the world’s Blue Cranes live in South Africa, yet our national bird remains one of the country’s most underused tourism assets.

  • The Blue Crane is a living part of South Africa’s heritage, yet the species’ ‘Vulnerable’ status shows that national-symbol status does not guarantee survival.

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Nepal’s Himalayan tragedy: Climate catastrophe or warning failure?

The horror, the horror. On 26 August, catastrophic flash floods devastated settlements and communities around Rasuwa, close to Nepal’s border with Tibet, high in the Himalayas. The nightmarish scenes, captured by CCTV cameras and witnessed across the globe, showed thousands of tonnes of ice, water, mud and debris surging with fearsome intensity through the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani river systems.

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Researchers earn national fellowships at Women in Science Awards

Two North-West University (NWU) researchers have received national recognition for work that could contribute to safer water, healthier honeybees and stronger communities.

Rebaone Mofokeng and Nolwandle Khumalo were awarded the DSTI-Prof. Keolebogile Shirley Motaung Fellowships at the 2026 South African Women in Science Awards on 20 August 2026. Rebaone received the Master’s Fellowship, while Nolwandle received the Doctoral Fellowship.

For Rebaone, the award is recognition of a research journey built on perseverance and support.

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Lesego Molema breaks new frontiers on the national stage

The North-West University (NWU) is celebrating one of its own as Lesego Molema, a final-year student at the Mahikeng Campus, prepares to step onto the national stage for the second consecutive year.

Lesego, who is pursuing a BScHons degree in animal science, has once again been nominated for the prestigious Student of the Year Award at the South African Agricultural Awards, with the ceremony scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 16 October 2026.

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NWU graduate builds rural animal health practice from the ground up

Rural livestock farmers often travel long distances to access animal healthcare. North-West University (NWU) graduate Tshepo Selaledi is working to change that through a private animal health practice that is bringing preventive healthcare, farmer education and professional animal health services closer to communities in North West.

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