In a country where the number of female academics specialising in occupational hygiene is exceptionally small, the North-West University (NWU) stands out as a national and continental leader.

Of the only eight known female academics in South Africa with a specialised focus in this field, an astounding five are based at the NWU. This speaks volumes about the university’s commitment to advancing occupational hygiene and promoting female academic leadership in a historically male-dominated discipline.

As the African continent marks Africa Month Africa Day on 25 May, a remarkable story of cultural resilience and leadership is unfolding in the North West Province.

Khumo Feni, a graduate from the first cohort of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (B.IKS) programme at the North-West University (NWU), is taking centre stage in the documentation and preservation of Batswana indigenous knowledge systems (IKS).

By Gofaone Motsamai

Years of study, fieldwork and reflection have culminated in a book that combines experience and policy on a touchy subject in South Africa, housing.

Dr Salphinah Vuloyimuni Ubisi, a lecturer in the subject group Public Administration and Local Government at the North-West University (NWU), described how her work had evolved into a project that reconnected her with her heritage during a seminar on 15 May.

Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are threatening crop production across Southern Africa. A groundbreaking discovery by a North-West University (NWU) researcher could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress.

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo, who recently earned her PhD in biology, led the study which identified a unique plant protein that boosts stress resistance and helps plants maintain vital internal balance during extreme conditions.

Medical scientist Puseletso Manyaka-Lesofe recently stepped up to change the narrative regarding the representation of females in science. Puseletso joined as a panellist at the launch of the groundbreaking InnovateHER project, which was hosted at the University of Johannesburg on Saturday, 10 May, reaffirming her commitment to empowering young women.

The North-West University (NWU) has once again shown it is the knowledge hub of choice in the province. The latest high-profile graduate is the North West Legislature’s chief whip, Motlalepue Ziphorah Rosho, who received her master’s degree in communication at the recent graduation ceremony held at the Mahikeng Campus’s Great Hall. A former member of the Executive Committee for Finance in the province, Motlalepue was also a spokesperson for the North West Department of Agriculture.

North-West University (NWU) graduate Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has been named the 2024 Spokesperson of the Year by the National Press Club, recognising her work in national police communication during a year of major public events.

“It is the power of a girl with a book that is the best weapon for progress ... Because with educated women comes prosperity.”- Deborah Rodriguez.

The North-West University (NWU) has officially joined the growing national STEM MentHER initiative, a mentorship-driven programme aimed at empowering young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

A Centre for Diversity and Identity is being established at the North-West University (NWU), which is building academic pipelines for women and people with disabilities and stepping up efforts to support economic equity and inclusion.

These developments were highlighted during the stakeholder consultation session of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group for the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, which took place at the Potchefstroom Campus on 24 April.

A new international study is shedding light on how future biology teachers from South Africa and Indonesia perceive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, and what they believe is needed to make it work effectively.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the North-West University (NWU), led the comparative study. It focused on the perceived benefits of AI in biology education and teachers’ self-reported Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK).