Women

Academic joins the launch of InnovateHER to support young women in STEM

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning, has been invited as a panellist for the upcoming InnovateHER project launch, under the African Female Voices platform, which will be held at the University of Johannesburg on 10 May 2025.

Submitted on Mon, 04/14/2025 - 14:34

Alumnus receives Hope Bearer Award for exceptional contribution to social work

In a moment that left both her and her colleagues in awe, Suanne de Bruyn, a North-West University (NWU) alumnus and dedicated social worker at Lerato Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC), was recently honoured with the esteemed Hope Bearer Award. This award celebrates her tireless commitment to improving the lives of children and families, especially those dealing with trauma and adversity.

Submitted on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 14:07

Academic earns spot in global grant programme

Articulating the social value of her research is a key priority for North-West University (NWU) researcher Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, who has been selected for a top global programme on cutting-edge grant-writing and related skills.

Prof Babalola, director of the Food Security and Safety research niche area at the university, has been chosen for the 2025 Leaders of Africa Institute’s Grant Writing and Funding (GWF) Programme.

Submitted on Fri, 03/28/2025 - 13:33

Advancing the circular economy: South Africa’s commitment to zero waste with Prof Linda Godfrey

On 30 March, the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and fostering global action towards waste reduction, sustainable resource management, and environmental preservation.

South Africa is making progress in waste management, with experts such as Prof Linda Godfrey leading the charge in research and innovation within the waste sector.

The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the remarkable, award-winning work of Prof Godfrey, whose research focuses on waste and circular economy science.

Submitted on Fri, 03/28/2025 - 08:34

Human rights defender delivers guest lecture

As the world struggles with the degeneration of democracy and the increasing political dissatisfaction, human rights activism has never been more important. This was the message delivered by human-rights defender Mary Pais during her recent guest lecture on honouring human rights at the North-West University (NWU). Titled “The State of Human Rights and the Importance of Human Rights Activism in a Time of Democratic Recession”, the lecture explored the critical need for community engagement in safeguarding democracy and fundamental freedoms.

Submitted on Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:10

Albertina Sisulu Research Chair will continue to shine its light on nursing

In a nod to the North-West University’s (NWU’s) outstanding research abilities, the Albertina Sisulu Research Chair in Nursing Science has been upgraded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and will continue for another five years under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).

Submitted on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 09:34

For the love of the language: Master’s-degree student to write entire dissertation in Setswana

By Gofaone Motsamai

Master’s degree student Otsile Emily Moatshe from the Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area of the North-West University (NWU) is advancing the role of Setswana in academic research.

She is the first student at ILMA to write a master’s-degree dissertation entirely in Setswana, aligning with the research niche area’s focus on African languages in the media. She is supervised Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe – a renowned scholar in journalism, film, and television studies at the NWU.

Submitted on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 14:20

NWU confirms Dr Anna Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor

The North-West University (NWU) has confirmed renowned business leader and entrepreneur Dr Anna Mokgokong’s second term as chancellor.

This was confirmed during a prestigious event in Potchefstroom on 12 March, after the NWU Council elected her for a further five years. Dr Mokgokong ended her first term on 20 November 2024.

As chancellor, she serves as titular head of the NWU, and all qualifications awarded by the university are formally conferred by her.

Submitted on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 10:04

Celebrating International Women’s Day with an inspiring symposium

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the North-West University (NWU) Business School, in collaboration with People and Culture: Learning and Development, hosted a vibrant symposium titled “Women in leadership”.

The event took place at the Potchefstroom Campus and celebrated International Women’s Day with the theme “Barriers and challenges faced by women in the quest for leadership positions”. This annual symposium serves as a platform to recognise the achievements of women and to highlight the ongoing need for gender equality across all spheres of life.

Submitted on Thu, 03/13/2025 - 08:53

From selling tekkies to award-winning lecturer

Dr Thulisile Bhuda once stood behind the counter at a Tekkie Town store in in a mall, ringing up customers’ purchases. Now, years later, she stands in front of a lecture hall of students at the University of Mpumalanga, sharing her knowledge of culture and heritage, with a PhD in indigenous knowledge from the North-West University (NWU) behind her name.

Submitted on Thu, 03/06/2025 - 08:53