Women

Alumnus powers the future

Growing up in the Eastern Cape, Eniswa Kandzi, an engineer in training at Lesedi Energy Engineering, developed an early interest in electricity. This interest now drives her work in renewable energy, where she helps design solar systems that power homes and industries across South Africa.

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Celebrating Breastfeeding Week: Why we need to do more

  • Breastfeeding is every person’s first start in life, yet millions of South African mothers stop within weeks.
  • A simple change in position or early expert support can make the difference between quitting and success.
  • Myths, short maternity leave, and lack of workplace facilities are costing babies their best food.
  • Supporting breastfeeding isn’t just good for health – it’s good for the economy and the planet.

 

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Chardoné Smidt shines on the world stage

South Africa’s rising sprint star, Chardoné Karla Smidt, made her mark on the world stage recently as she competed in the 4x100 m relay at the prestigious Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany.

Representing her country with speed, poise and pride, Smidt was backed every step of the way by her home institution – the North-West University (NWU) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Chardoné, a 19-year-old BCom student majoring in business operations and logistics management, described the experience as “unreal.”

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Prof Welma Lubbe appointed to global committee for newborn brain care

Prof Welma Lubbe from the Quality in Nursing and Midwifery (NuMIQ) research focus area at the North-West University (NWU) has been appointed as the nursing representative on the global committee for the Newborn Brain Society.

Prof Lubbe, who is the director of NuMIQ and focuses her research on neonatal care in the Faculty of Health Sciences, will represent the nursing profession in an international forum focused on newborn brain health.

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South Africa faces a waste crisis with legal and health consequences

South Africa’s failure to manage waste properly is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a growing legal, health and human rights concern and without urgent reform, the costs will continue to mount in landfills and lives.

With nearly a third of households lacking access to formal waste removal, communities increasingly rely on open dumping, backyard burning and unregulated landfill use, exposing themselves to serious health and environmental hazards.

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