The spectacular aurora also known as the Southern Lights, caused by a solar storm that impacted the Earth on 10 and 11 May, was seen and captured across the southern hemisphere, including in southern Africa in places such as Gansbaai and in Namibia.

A team of researchers from the North-West University (NWU) captured this rare and historic event through the university’s solar telescope observatory on the Potchefstroom Campus.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) proudly announces the arrival of Prof Nishanta Rajakaruna, a Fulbright specialist and extraordinary professor within the unit.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) African Amphibian Conservation Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management celebrated annual Frog Day with a vibrant and educational event on 6 April 2024.

The team invited 70 children to be immersed in the fascinating world of frogs, guided by experts passionate about amphibian conservation.

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards.  It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:

Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje from the North-West University (NWU) recently returned from a sabbatical in Ancona, Italy, where she conducted groundbreaking research in toxicology.

Over seven months, Prof Mazibuko-Mbeje delved into a crucial yet often overlooked area of study: the impact of toxins on human health, particularly in the development of diseases like cancer and obesity.

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).

Dr Fortunate Mokoena has a vision. This senior lecturer in biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) wants to make the continent she calls home a better, safer place for its citizens.

She hopes to do this by helping to eliminate malaria.

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.

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.

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.