The Faculty of Health Sciences held its annual Research and Innovation Awards on 12 November 2025, recognising outstanding academic and research excellence across various disciplines. The event acknowledged researchers and research bodies that have made exceptional contributions to innovation, impact and scholarship at the North-West University (NWU).

This annual event has become a highlight on the faculty calendar – a moment to acknowledge the dedication, collaboration and perseverance driving health sciences research that matters.

Recognising exceptional achievements

Every weekday, the airwaves across the North-West University (NWU’s) campuses tell a story. Stories of student voices rising, the laughter shared between lectures, the pride in sports, heart-to-heart conversations, and the music of campus life.

PUKfm (93.6) and NWU FM (105.5) have both been nominated in five categories of the 2025 Telkom Radio Awards, demonstrating that NWU’s talent should not be underestimated. For campus radio stations, being recognised alongside top commercial and community stations is a powerful affirmation of the growing influence of youth-led media.

The North-West University (NWU) proudly celebrates one of its shining stars, Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo from the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning.

Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo received the South Africa’s Young Leader in Education award at the prestigious 40 Under 40 Awards ceremony held at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

This national recognition honours exceptional young professionals under the age of 40 who are making significant contributions as influential leaders and trailblazers in their respective fields.

A healthcare transport solution designed to deliver medical services to remote communities has earned two students from the North-West University (NWU) national recognition in a leading engineering competition.

By Gofaone Motsamai and Phenyo Mokgothu

Innovation, collaboration and youthful energy took centre stage in Mpumalanga at the Sabi River Sun Resort, when North-West University (NWU) students and an academic participated in the first G20 National Department of Tourism Hackathon.

Dr Rorisang Machailo, senior lecturer and deputy director at the School of Nursing at the North-West University (NWU), has been recognised as a top 3 finalist in the Women in Academic Administration category of the 2025 Higher Education Women Leaders (HEWL) Awards.

This honour highlights her outstanding leadership and dedication to advancing mental health education and equity in South Africa’s higher-education sector.

In celebration of the Women’s Month 2025 theme of the North-West University (NWU), “Empowered to Lead: NWU Women Shaping the Future”, the Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office proudly showcases the achievements of women innovators who are transforming society through practical solutions. Leading this charge is Prof Erica Derbyshire, a chartered accountant and academic, whose pioneering research has resulted in the Financial Literacy Survival Toolkit, a practical resource designed to equip owners of small and micro enterprises with essential financial skills.

Dr Petronella Lunda, a maternal and neonatal expert from the North-West University (NWU) Faculty of Health Sciences, was elected as president of the Society of Midwives of South Africa (SOMSA) North West. Dr Lunda was honoured with this prestigious position at the 19th SOMSA Congress held at the OR Tambo Premier Hotel in Kempton Park from 13 to 14 August.

Two places on the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans list for 2025 have been filled by education academics associated with the North-West University (NWU).

They are Dr Makhura Benjamin Rapanyane, a senior lecturer in political studies and international relations at the NWU, and Dr Monicca Thulisile Bhuda, an NWU alumnus and lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga.

Both were recognised in the education category of the 200 Young South Africans list.