FNAS

NWU alumnus Ofentse Rabaji is a trailblazer

North-West University (NWU) alumnus, Ofentse Rabaji, was recently recognised by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) for being a trailblazer and innovative entrepreneur. 

In 2020 Ofentse proved how one man’s waste can be another man’s treasure by making face masks for the less fortunate, using scrap cotton fabric. He also sold these masks to members of the public and used the proceeds to purchase essential goods for the underprivileged in the Potchefstroom area. 

Submitted on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 14:43

Watch out for contaminated meat sold on the streets

The wide range of bacterial species found in ready-to-eat meat sold on the streets of Johannesburg indicates that consumers of this meat could be at risk of food poisoning.

This is according to the findings of a study conducted by Dr Mpinda Edoaurd Tshipamba, North-West University (NWU) master’s graduate in the subject group Animal Health.

The title of his study was “Evaluation of the effect of hygiene practices and attitudes on the microbial quality of street vended meats sold in Johannesburg, South Africa”.

Submitted on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 12:54

Perennial grasses are the answer for veld restoration

In a water-scarce country like South Africa with growing demands for grazing, cultivated perennial grasses could be the answer to protecting the veld and providing nutrition for animals.

“Droughts, scarcity of rain and overgrazing have caused a lot of degradation of the veld, and therefore veld restoration is a priority for farmers and the animals that depend on grass for survival,” says Ntokozo Msiza, a PhD candidate in animal science at the North-West University (NWU).

Submitted on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 10:56

Using plant growth-promoting microorganisms to address food sustainability

Maize production and mining are essential for the economy of the North West Province, and researchers at the North-West University (NWU) are now looking at how microorganisms can protect maize from climate challenges and mining by-products.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and two PhD graduates, Saheed Adekunle Akinola and Dr Ayansina Segun Ayangbenro, recently published research articles looking at the benefits and essential services provided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) for sustainable maize production in the province.

Submitted on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 11:41

Tree plantations are harming ecosystems

Replacing native forests with tree plantations is harming the soil at a microbial level by having an impact on soil fertility and the health of the planet.

This is one of the conclusions of North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola – who along with Dr Adenike Eunice Amoo – recently conducted ground-breaking research to investigate the impact of land-use change on soil bacterial communities and characteristics.

Submitted on Tue, 06/15/2021 - 15:28