Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Researcher uses artificial mussels to monitor water pollution

Water pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on society. It is not confined to local or regional boundaries and is exacerbated by climate change, leading to human health risks.

In dealing with such unprecedented risks to our water resources, what is needed is innovation – the kind of innovation embodied by the Water Research Group of the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University (NWU).

Submitted on Fri, 04/19/2024 - 10:48

Plastic pollution is the downside to celebrations

Ten million tiny pieces of plastic are estimated to be lying on the lawn in front of the North-West University (NWU) Law Faculty in Potchefstroom, and the soil in the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds also has high levels of plastic pollution. This is the downside of the celebrations that are often held in these spaces, where glitter poppers and fireworks leave a lasting legacy – unpleasantly so.

Submitted on Tue, 04/09/2024 - 09:38

Looking to sustainable agriculture

Poultry manure could revolutionise farming practices in South Africa, particularly among subsistence farmers in rural areas. This is one of the research findings of Mandisa Mazibuko, a researcher from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Her research delves into the effects of poultry manure on selected maize cultivars and soil minerals with a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture.

Submitted on Mon, 04/08/2024 - 13:19

IKS Centre signs cooperation agreement with three communities to protect indigenous knowledge

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre has recently sealed a significant cooperation pact with three communities in the North West province.

This agreement aims to safeguard South African indigenous knowledge by ensuring it is managed and utilised for the benefit of the communities and rights holders from which it originates.

The communities involved in this initiative are Batlharo booMasibi, Batloung ba ga Shole, and Barolong booMotshegare.

Submitted on Mon, 04/08/2024 - 11:14

Academic analyses the North West State of Province Address

A recent analysis by Dr Lindikaya W Myeki from the subject group Agricultural Economics and Extension at the North-West University (NWU) delved into the North West State of Province Address (NWSOPA), with a particular focus on food security issues.

The NWSOPA took place on 20 February 2024, and was presided over by acting premier Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi.

Submitted on Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:31

Inaugural lecture explores mathematics' role in modern theory

Prof Thekiso Seretlo, a mathematics professor at the North-West University (NWU), delivered a captivating inaugural lecture on 13 March 2024, at the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

The lecture, titled "The role of finite simple groups in Clifford-Fischer Theory: group generations, codes and designs", shed light on the significance of finite simple groups and their applications in contemporary mathematical theory.

At the core of Prof Seretlo's lecture was the role that finite simple groups played in the study of finite groups.

Submitted on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:58