Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Study examines herbicide in South Africa’s environment

By Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

Researchers from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management conducted a study on the presence of a widely used herbicide – glyphosate – and its byproduct, AMPA, in South Africa’s water, soil and sediment.

Glyphosate, a key ingredient in many weed-control products, is essential in modern agriculture, particularly in the production of crops like maize and soybeans.

Submitted on Fri, 02/07/2025 - 08:24

Workshop explores the establishment of an Agri Hub in North West.

The North-West University (NWU), in partnership with the North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, held an extensive three-day workshop on beef beneficiation and goat aggregation from 22 to 24 January at the Mahikeng Campus’ Molelwane Farm.

The workshop aimed to equip agricultural stakeholders in the province with the essential tools and knowledge to conceptualise and establish an Agri Hub that will serve the community effectively.

Submitted on Thu, 01/30/2025 - 08:55

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences celebrates Grade 12 top achievers

By Mokgothu Phenyo and Tiyiselani Precious Miyambu

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) at the North-West University (NWU) held an awards ceremony on 21 January to honour the 2024 Grade 12 top achievers of the Dean’s Project School Intervention Programme and their tutors.

Submitted on Mon, 01/27/2025 - 09:52

Academic calls for implementation of Fresh Produce Market report

The time for inquiries and investigations is over and action is needed. This is according to Dr Lindikaya Myeki, a senior lecturer in Agricultural Economics and Extension at the North-West University (NWU).

This is in response to the recent release of the Competition Commission of South Africa’s (CCSA’s) Fresh Produce Market Inquiry report and the broader challenges facing South Africa’s fresh produce market.

Submitted on Wed, 01/22/2025 - 08:56

NWU symposium addresses water and climate challenges

Nature-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting and infrastructure designed to withstand floods and other climate impacts were among the practical ideas raised at  a recent two-day symposium on water management and climate change in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District of the North West Province.

Held at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus on 4 and 5 December, the event brought together community leaders, researchers, policymakers and industry experts to discuss local challenges and identify innovative strategies.

Submitted on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 18:56

Water symposium leads to collaboration agreement between NWU and WRC

The North-West University (NWU), in partnership with the Water Research Commission (WRC) and Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, hosted a Water Symposium at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus on 4 to 5 December 2024.

The symposium resulted in the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between the NWU and the WRC to address regional water challenges. The agreement is for five years.

Submitted on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 09:18

Alumnus makes his mark in full-time farming

Farming is often regarded as a noble profession that demands a unique set of qualities, including a profound appreciation for the land and animals and a steadfast commitment to hard work. Thamsanqa Ramosotho, an alumnus of the North-West University (NWU), embodies these attributes and has the qualifications to match.

He holds a diploma in agriculture and animal sciences and a BScHons in animal sciences from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, as well as a qualification in new venture creation from the NWU Business School.

Submitted on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 08:49

Academic honoured with prestigious award

Prof Roelof Coetzer, an academic from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) research focus area for Pure and Applied Analytics, has been awarded the prestigious Thought Leader Award by the South African Statistical Association (SASA).

This accolade recognises individuals who have profoundly impacted the South African statistical community through academic excellence, leadership, and industry contributions.

Submitted on Fri, 12/06/2024 - 09:57