A group of 15 researchers from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management recently presented their work at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The theme for the meeting was “Towards a reduced pollution society”.

According to one of the NWU researchers, Dr Hannes Erasmus, a variety of topics were discussed, ranging from laboratory-based studies to field studies in terrestrial, fresh water and marine ecosystems.

A secret, closely guarded since 2019, was at long-last revealed during the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science graduation session on 23 May 2022.

Not only did NWU mascot Eagi graduated with a BSc degree in agriculture and agricultural economics, but his true identity was revealed.

Kabelo Mathope, wearing the iconic grey, blue and purple mascot sneakers, got a standing ovation from the crowd as he was announced as Eagi, the iconic mascot.

The burning of fossil fuels and industrial emissions are among the major sources of air pollution in South Africa. However, there are other sources that are found in residential areas, for example unpaved roads, of which there are plenty in low-income residential areas in South Africa.

Air pollution is one of the top environmental problems that have a negative impact on human health and the environment in general.

Farming runs in Prof Kenny Mnisi’s blood, and his life-long passion for animal sciences is finally paying off. Based in the School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, he has been awarded a Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is known for its rigorous and robust rating process.

“Partnerships between the government, the private sector and civil society are critical for any sustainable development agenda. However, experience in Africa has shown that participation by local communities in development projects is rarely interactive or empowering,” says Otsile Maditsi, a PhD candidate and lecturer at the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre of the North-West University (NWU).

Africa has abundant flora that can be used for food and medicine, and a young botanist at the North-West University (NWU) and his collaborating researchers are determined to ensure that communities themselves benefit from the rich plant life around them.

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola was elected a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS) during its annual general meeting earlier this year.

She was formally inducted as fellow, along with 10 international distinguished scientists on 12 May 2022.

The NAS fellow induction is one of the highest honours of the academy, and each fellow receives a certificate and gold medal.

Ontiretse Motingwa

North-West University (NWU) Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola recently shared her expertise by editing the book, Food Security and Safety: African Perspectives, published by Springer, Cham.

For this young woman entrepreneurship is a way of life. North-West University (NWU) master’s student in chemistry, Paula Maseko, recently started her own business by producing and selling haircare products.

Paula, who hails from Lonelypark in Mahikeng, started her business in 2020 in her mother’s garage. With a few pots, bowls, a hand blender and a two-plate stove, Buhle Bomqhele hair cream and growth oil were born.

The Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) Centre of the North-West University (NWU) has partnered with Wits University to do palaeontology research along the Karoo Basin.

The IKS Centre team comprises Prof Simeon Materechera, a senior professor and research leader for the NWU team, and Otsile Maditsi, a lecturer at the centre. They are working with the Wits team to explore the indigenous knowledge associated with palaeontology.

The IKS Centre will focus on indigenous paleo-knowledge which consists of geomythology associated with palaeontology.