Women

Multilingualism shapes online communication

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:28:15 +0000

Multilingualism shapes online communication

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 07/21/2025 - 12:28

Languages clash, blend and connect users across the North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group, revealing how multilingualism drives communication in a digital student space.

Ontiretse Motingwa, an NWU graduate, led a study that examined how language choice, ethnicity and power relationships influence communication patterns on the NWU Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group. The group, moderated by NWU students, functions as a platform where members post, comment and engage in various languages, including indigenous ones.

“Multilingualism in this group goes beyond translation,” says Ontiretse. “It plays a role in shaping identity, access to information and participation.”

The research used sociolinguistic theories, specifically the language variation theory and social network theory, to investigate the relationship between language and online interaction. A netnographic approach allowed her to observe communication patterns and analyse content shared on the group.

One participant noted, “When someone posts in Setswana, I feel more at home. But sometimes I skip posts I don’t understand.”

The findings highlighted that language diversity boosts communication effectiveness and cultural exchange among members. However, the study also identified ongoing challenges such as the preference for English, unequal access to digital tools, and gaps in indigenous language comprehension.

“Using many languages helps reach more people, but it also risks leaving some out,” says Ontiretse.

She believes this research offers a lens into broader issues of language use in South Africa’s digital communities. “Social media reflect real tensions and opportunities in multilingual societies,” Ontiretse says. “Understanding how people navigate them helps shape more inclusive digital spaces.”

The study contributes to ongoing discussions about preserving indigenous languages while recognising the limitations of current strategies in virtual environments.

Ontiretse Motingwa’s study explores how language diversity affects interaction on the NWU Mahikeng Campus Updates Facebook Group.

Study examines legal frameworks for just energy transition in SA and Zimbabwe

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:13:58 +0000

Study examines legal frameworks for just energy transition in SA and Zimbabwe

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 07/21/2025 - 12:13

While coal continues to dominate the energy mix of both South Africa and Zimbabwe, the two countries have begun introducing legal frameworks that signal a shift. The question that North-West University (NWU) researcher Tariro Mary Tingini set out to answer is: How ready from a legal and policy perspective are South Africa and Zimbabwe to make this shift, and how do their legal frameworks compare?

Her study, completed as part of her LLM degree in the Faculty of Law, critically examined the strengths, weaknesses and implementation challenges of climate-related laws and policies in both countries, focusing on how these laws and policies would support or hinder a just transition.

An important finding was the importance of addressing local socio-economic needs. “In both countries, vulnerable communities face the risk of exclusion if social protections are not integrated into energy policy,” Tariro says. “There must be deliberate efforts to include affected communities in the planning and benefits of the transition.”

Pinpointing policy strengths and weaknesses

Her study, supervised by Prof Oliver Fuo of the Faculty of Law, found that the two countries face different challenges in developing and implementing their policy and legal frameworks.

South Africa’s Climate Change Act of 2024 and Integrated Resource Plan of 2023 outline clear targets for reducing emissions and expanding renewable energy. However, regulatory delays and the influence of powerful interest groups create tension between economic and environmental goals, Tariro found. Despite stronger legal instruments, consistent implementation remains a challenge.

Zimbabwe’s policy efforts include the Draft Climate Change Bill and National Renewable Energy Policy. However, Tariro’s research found that Zimbabwe’s frameworks lack enforceability and face major institutional and economic limitations.

“Zimbabwe’s ability to implement its policies is constrained by financial resources and governance issues. Stakeholder participation is limited, and this affects public trust in energy planning processes.”

Greater investment needed in community engagement

The study recommends that both countries strengthen coordination across government departments, improve legal enforcement and align national energy strategies with international climate commitments. It also calls for greater investment in community engagement and support for workers and regions affected by the decline of coal industries.

“A just energy transition cannot be achieved through legal reform alone. It requires inclusive governance, adequate resources and commitment to long-term social equity,” Tariro concludes.

Tariro Mary Tingini

Expert hails new malaria drug approval for newborns as turning point for Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:28:27 +0000

Expert hails new malaria drug approval for newborns as turning point for Africa

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 07/17/2025 - 11:28

Switzerland’s recent approval of Coartem Baby, the first antimalarial treatment specifically designed for newborns and very young children, is a major step forward in tackling one of Africa’s most pressing public health challenges, says Dr Fortunate Mokoena, a malaria expert at the North-West University (NWU). Developed by Novartis with support from the non-profit Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), Coartem Baby is expected to be fast-tracked for approval in eight African countries that participated in the joint regulatory assessment. The Eight countries are Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.

The treatment, also known as Riamet Baby in some countries, was developed to address a long-standing gap in malaria care for neonates under 4,5kg.

“The burden of malaria is particularly severe among children under the age of five,” says Dr Mokoena from the NWU’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. “Addressing this issue not only tackles a critical public health challenge but also paves the way for a prosperous future for sub-Saharan Africa, which bears over 90% of the malaria burden.”

She adds that the drug approval sends a strong message about prioritising maternal and neonatal survival on the continent. “There is no greater gift to humanity than caring for our most vulnerable populations. This is incredibly positive news, and it fills me with pride to be African during such significant advancements.”

With no effective treatment previously designed for neonates, and malaria vaccines recommended only for children older than two years, newborns weighing under 5kg have had limited options. “These precious little ones have often been treated with formulations intended for older children, which can lead to issues of intolerance and toxicity,” says Dr Mokoena. “Coartem Baby represents a significant step forward by providing vital medicine with an optimised dosage.”

Despite the breakthrough, she cautioned that some hurdles lie ahead. “There is an urgent need for the continent to explore additional funding avenues for these treatments. Furthermore, investing in local manufacturing infrastructure is essential to reduce the production costs of these life-saving medications.”

Dr Fortunate Mokoena.

Celebrating excellence: Mari Prinsloo receives prestigious Anthology Impact Award

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:48:08 +0000

Celebrating excellence: Mari Prinsloo receives prestigious Anthology Impact Award BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 07/17/2025 - 09:48

Mari Prinsloo, director for enterprise systems at the North-West University (NWU), has received international recognition as one of three recipients of the 2025 Anthology Impact Award. The award honours higher education professionals who make a meaningful difference in their institutions and contribute actively to the broader academic community.

Each year, the Anthology Impact Awards highlight individuals who go beyond their daily responsibilities to support the work of Anthology and collaborate with peer institutions around the world. Mari stood out for her leadership in driving collaboration, guiding user groups, and helping deliver practical, lasting improvements in digital systems.

Anthology presented the award to Mari during a special ceremony and luncheon on Wednesday, 16 July, at the Anthology Together 2025 conference held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas Hotel in the United States. She shared the honour with Johan Slabbert from the University of Pretoria and Sharon Long from James Cook University in Australia.

Reflecting on the award, Mari said:
“I am grateful and honoured to receive this recognition from Anthology, our valued partner in the NWU CRM and SIS journey over the past three and a half years. This achievement is not mine alone – it reflects the dedication of our excellent project management and core teams, and the support of our sponsors and business owners, Prof Marlene Verhoef and Prof Michael Temane.”

Mari Prinsloo

The allure of stardom: How celebrity casting is shaping musical theatre

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:43:33 +0000

The allure of stardom: How celebrity casting is shaping musical theatre BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 07/15/2025 - 12:43

Musical theatre, a vibrant blend of song, dance and drama, has long been a playground for the audacious and the talented. Star and celebrity have always been a staple for glittering marquees of Broadway to the neon-lit stages of the West End, however this has in recent decades become a contentious issue as celebrity as a concept has undergone tremendous change. When looking to fill seats in theatres the phenomenon of casting TV and film stars has become a defining feature, sparking debates as intense as a show-stopping ballad.

The roots of this star-centric approach stretch back to the early 20th century, when impresarios like Andrea Charlot and Charles B. Cochran leveraged the fame of popular performers to fill theatres. Charlot, known for showcasing extraordinary British talent on a shoestring budget, famously collaborated with Noël Coward to stage intimate, actor-led productions. In contrast, Cochran’s lavish spectacles featured the celebrities of his day, often imported from film and radio – a strategy that earned him the moniker ‘the British Ziegfeld’.

Dr Michelle Pretorius, a senior lecturer at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Music and author of a recent study on the topic, explains that the distinction between ‘star’ and ‘celebrity’ is crucial to understanding this evolution. “Stars are performers known for their craft, whose reputations rest on their talent and ability to command the stage,” she says. “Celebrities, on the other hand, are public figures who have transcended their original medium, leveraging their fame across platforms. They are, in a sense, human brands – able to sell tickets as much by virtue of their name as by their talent.”

Her study titled “The changing nature of celebrity in musical theatre: The development of star casting” was published in the journal Celebrity Studies and notes how this commercial power has become an increasingly attractive asset for producers navigating the high-risk economics of musical theatre.

For example, stars like Ethel Merman, whose brassy voice and onstage magnetism made her a Broadway icon, or Mary Martin, who transformed from a little-known film actress into a household name with her roles in South Pacific and Peter Pan, exemplify this star power. In contrast, celebrities often bring pre-packaged fan bases, social media followings, and tabloid-ready personal lives – potent ingredients in a marketing cocktail designed to fill seats and drive ticket sales.

But the path from stage to stardom is no longer the only route to fame. The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw a seismic shift as reality television emerged as a celebrity factory. Shows like The X Factor and America’s Got Talent catapulted ordinary people to global fame, often with little more than a knack for high drama and a few catchy choruses.

Dr Pretorius notes that this shift has fundamentally altered the casting landscape, creating a “new breed of celebrity, groomed for instant mass appeal.”

However, not all in the theatre community have embraced this trend. Traditionalists argue that the art form risks losing its integrity, becoming a mere vehicle for stardom rather than a showcase for true theatrical talent. They worry that the emphasis on celebrity over skill dilutes the craft, leading to productions where vocal finesse and stage presence take a back seat to brand appeal.

Yet, the financial lure of celebrity casting remains compelling. As theatre struggles to recover from pandemic shutdowns and fierce competition from streaming platforms, the draw of a ready-made audience can be a lifeline. For every sceptical critic, there is a delighted producer counting the box office returns of a hit show bolstered by a marquee name.

As the curtain rises on a new era of musical theatre, the debate over celebrity casting is unlikely to fade. Whether a temporary trend or a lasting evolution, the question remains: Can musical theatre balance the glitter of celebrity with the grit of true talent, or will it risk becoming a sideshow in the circus of modern celebrity culture? Only time will tell.

Dr Michelle Pretorius.

VAT discretion under scrutiny: Study probes Tax Commissioner’s powers

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:07:39 +0000

VAT discretion under scrutiny: Study probes Tax Commissioner’s powers

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 07/14/2025 - 09:07

What happens when tax law allows one person the final say? A new study investigates how discretionary powers granted to the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) under the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Act affect both taxpayers and the principle of fairness in tax administration.

A study led by Sizakele Zamokuhle Ngwenya, a North-West University (NWU) graduate, has turned the spotlight on the often-overlooked discretionary powers held by the SARS Commissioner under the Value-Added Tax Act. These powers, while previously examined under the Income Tax Act, have received limited attention within the VAT framework, despite their implications for tax policy and taxpayer rights.

“The discretionary authority of the Commissioner under the VAT Act has not been subjected to the same level of analysis as under the Income Tax Act,” said Sizakele. “This leaves a gap in our understanding of how these powers are applied and what that means for principles like fairness and administrative justice.”

The research focused on whether the Commissioner’s powers align with the principles of a good tax system, originally articulated by economist Adam Smith. These principles, particularly fairness, are now reflected in the South African Constitution and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA).

“The Constitution and PAJA were designed to protect citizens from arbitrary decisions,” Sizakele explained. “That includes how tax laws are interpreted and enforced. Our concern is whether these discretionary powers uphold or undermine those protections.”

The study draws from international guidelines, including those of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to assess how South Africa’s approach compares globally. Sizakele noted that discretionary powers in tax law must be exercised with transparency and accountability.

“Taxpayers need certainty,” Sizakele said. “When discretion is involved, there is a risk of inconsistency or unequal treatment. That is why this analysis is important – not just for legal scholars, but for every taxpayer.”

Sizakele’s study aims to inform both legal reform and public debate, contributing to the evolving understanding of how tax administration interacts with constitutional principles and the legal frameworks intended to uphold them.

Sizakele Zamokuhle’s research examines how SARS applies discretionary powers in VAT law and their alignment with tax fairness principles.

The hidden cost of a broken funding system: South Africa’s public universities

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:51:10 +0000

The hidden cost of a broken funding system: South Africa’s public universities BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 07/10/2025 - 09:51

Prof Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the North-West University (NWU), explains why the ongoing dysfunction within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) is not only jeopardising the futures of vulnerable students but also placing immense strain on South Africa’s public universities. While attention has focused on student hardships, the crippling operational, financial and reputational toll on universities has gone largely unnoticed. This is threatening universities’ ability to deliver quality education, sustain infrastructure, and drive national development.

Prof du Plessis: “The dysfunction at the heart of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and various Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) has been the topic of many recent media articles. This focus is needed, as it directly affects the academic journey and future of South Africa’s most vulnerable students. However, what continues to receive little or no acknowledgment is the burden these failures place on the very institutions tasked with delivering quality higher education: the public universities.

For years, universities have had to carry the brunt of NSFAS mismanagement, often without any meaningful prior consultation or support. While Minister Nkabane and her department continue to promise reforms, universities remain on the receiving end of a crumbling system that is fast becoming unsustainable – not just for students, but for the institutions themselves.

The NSFAS was designed to ensure that no student is denied access to higher education due to financial barriers. Yet, despite meticulous planning from universities, every academic year begins with chaos: delayed funding, defunding of students mid-year, and tens of thousands of students left in accommodation limbo. These issues do not affect only the students – they cripple university operations.

Universities are not profit-driven institutions but operate as financially accountable public entities. The payment of municipal bills, maintenance of infrastructure, licences for an IT infrastructure to enable digital innovation, and the payment of salaries are but a few of the basic things that are expected of any well-managed institution. South Africa has no shortage of examples showing how years of limited maintenance have left once-functional infrastructure and office spaces unfit for use.

When the NSFAS fails to disburse funds on time, what is then expected of a public university? Universities are forced into the untenable position of either blocking registrations or carrying the cost of registration and tuition, effectively becoming creditors in a relationship they never agreed to. When landlords stop accommodating students due to unpaid rent, the backlash is directed at universities. Institutions have had to extend registration deadlines, negotiate short-term payment terms with

landlords, and manage rising legitimate student frustration and unrest. They have to manage a crisis not created by them.

Funding challenges affect the core existence of universities and disrupt teaching and learning. While the public sees burning tyres and angry slogans, what remains hidden is the massive operational toll this takes on institutions. Academic calendars are adjusted repeatedly, and these changes often come with additional cost implications. Although the budget allocation for higher education is increasing, most of the growth is directed towards funding the NSFAS, rather than expanding universities or advancing research and innovation.

The situation within the SETAs adds another layer of strain. SETAs are tasked with facilitating skills development, and the potential impact of these bodies is enormous. However, political appointments and poor governance have rendered many of them ineffective. The recent allegations regarding the appointment of politically connected individuals are yet another example of how politics can be prioritised over merit and accountability in the higher-education and training sector. Universities depend on SETA partnerships for work-integrated learning placements, funding of graduate internships and industry collaboration. When SETAs fail, universities are again forced to fill the gap.

The notion that universities are “denying graduates access to the job market” because of student debt reflects a simple interpretation of a complex issue. Public universities would like to see all graduates making a contribution, either as employees or entrepreneurs, in various sectors of the economy. However, the universities cannot continue functioning if they are expected to provide a free service without financial planning, especially when government departments responsible for that funding are in disarray. Public universities are not just service providers, they are national assets tasked with transforming lives, producing research, driving innovation and shaping the future workforce of South Africa. It is therefore important to focus on the impact of funding challenges on institutions and the dysfunction it creates too.

Reform will require more than cosmetic changes and promises. It requires a fundamental rethink of how to establish a sustainable financial aid model for students. It requires sound and accountable management. The financial stability, operational effectiveness and reputation of public universities are at stake. Sustaining excellence within a failing system is difficult.”

Prof Linda Du Plessis

Bridging motherhood, STEM and early childhood education

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 05:45:15 +0000

Bridging motherhood, STEM and early childhood education

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 07/03/2025 - 07:45

What began as a mother’s effort to support her own children blossomed into a doctoral study exploring the links between early exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and cognitive development in young children.

The research of North-West University (NWU) academic Dr Moleboheng Mokhele-Ramulumo is profoundly shaped by her personal experience as a mother. When both her sons, Wavhudi and Rivhavhudi, experienced speech delays as toddlers, she sought digital educational games to support their language development. To her surprise, it was not just their vocabulary that grew; their curiosity for science, mathematics and complex puzzles became evident as they interacted with STEM-based games on her phone.

Now a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education and a member of the Research Unit for Self-Directed Learning at the NWU, Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo’s PhD research shows that early exposure to STEM concepts significantly enhances visual and conceptual reasoning in young learners.

Head start for youngsters exposed to STEM

Her study, which focused on Grade R learners from private schools in Bloemfontein, found that children in schools with integrated STEM curricula outperformed their peers in spatial reasoning, visual interpretation and conceptual understanding. These schools incorporated hands-on science experiments, visual problem-solving tasks and interactive logic games, offering young learners a head start in cognitive development.

When asked why early STEM education matters, Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo points to broader developmental benefits. “This is not just about careers in science or technology. It’s about critical thinking, logical reasoning and adaptability, skills that matter across all professions.”

Her findings have received notable attention from education stakeholders.

Opportunity to influence education policy

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from the Free State Department of Education,” says Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo. “They invited me to present a report on the findings of my PhD, and following that engagement, I am now implementing my Thuthuka NRF-funded project in collaboration with the department.”

This project, which is officially underway, focuses on fostering global citizenship education through science education, visual literacy and indigenous knowledge systems. “This will be achieved by reviewing the current Grade R curriculum and integrating key recommendations from my doctoral research. The project has already received full ethical approval and represents a significant step toward bridging research and policy. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see academic work directly contributing to meaningful change in the public education system.”

Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo also reflects on how her personal experience has shaped her academic work. “My academic work is deeply grounded in my lived experience as a mother,” she explains. “Motherhood has given me a lens of empathy and urgency. I don't just want to publish, I want change. I want to help create an education system that is not only fit for my own children but for all South African children. I want to see the same spark in other children that I saw in my boys when they engaged with educational tools that respected their intelligence and curiosity.”

Dr Mokhele-Ramulumo’s study links early STEM education to improved visual literacy and scientific reasoning among preschoolers, inspired by her sons and driven by a vision for inclusive, transformative education in South Africa.

NWU experts advocate improved patient care

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:15:57 +0000

NWU experts advocate improved patient care

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 07/02/2025 - 14:15

Two healthcare experts from the North-West University (NWU) shared their insights during a workshop that was recently held at the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in an attempt to raise awareness on quality and safety in healthcare.

Dr Sabelile Tenza, a specialist in healthcare quality and patient safety, and Dr Petronella Lunda, a maternal and neonatal health expert, led the workshop. Both experts serve as researchers at the NuMIQ research entity, which forms part of the Faculty of Health Sciences. The workshop aimed at educating hospital staff on the fact that everyone working at the hospital, regardless of role, plays a part in shaping the patient's experience.

Under the theme "I am the experience of care", the workshop encouraged hospital employees to become more conscious of their daily actions and how these actions impact patients. To improve the patient experience, not only doctors and nurses should work together, but also all staff members – from administrators to cleaners.

The sessions utilised global approaches on patient care and customised them for the specific conditions in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on the unique context at Witrand. Dr Tenza expressed her pride in making a direct contribution to a clinical setting.

“It was a great privilege to be part of this innovative workshop, sharing key lessons with teams as a healthcare quality and safety specialist. I always enjoy working directly in the clinical environment. Patient safety is everyone’s business. As academics it is critical for us to find the means to translate our complex research into information that can be used, and to empower teams, and collectively build positive experiences of care for the public. We would like to thank the leadership of Witrand Hospital for inviting us.”

In turn, Dr Lunda also commended the enthusiasm of the event. “I found the discussions to be quite enlightening. The encouraging response from teams and the involvement from leadership was uplifting,” she stated.

Attending workshops like these is good for both non-medical employees and healthcare workers. They help employees remember why they are doing what they are doing and remind everyone that safety and quality are team efforts.

Dr Sabelile Tenza

Dr Petronella Lunda

Academic shares expertise on sustainable agriculture

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 11:43:53 +0000

Academic shares expertise on sustainable agriculture

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 07/01/2025 - 13:43

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Microbiology subject group recently visited the National Potato Innovation Centre in Scotland. She delivered a seminar on her pioneering research into rhizosphere microbiomes and their role in developing sustainable agroecosystems.

Her seminar, held in Invergowrie on 23 June, attracted researchers and scientists interested in innovative approaches to agricultural sustainability. Prof Babalola’s presentation outlined how microbial communities in soil can be harnessed to support long-term soil health and food production.

The National Potato Innovation Centre’s mission is to carry out research that helps future-proof the potato industry while supporting economic resilience and growth. It is based at the James Hutton Institute, which is known throughout the world for its work on the environment, agriculture, food security and sustainability.

Prof Babalola also shared insights from her international engagements. She serves as vice-president of both The World Academy of Sciences and the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, roles that underline her commitment to advancing global scientific collaboration.

Reflecting on the experience, Prof Babalola described her visit as intellectually enriching and personally uplifting. “Engaging with passionate, forward-thinking scientists has reminded me why collaboration across borders matters so much in advancing science.”

Her visit highlights the NWU’s commitment to global research partnerships and to advancing solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola with researchers at the National Potato Innovation Centre in Scotland.