Research news

Five researchers earn nominations for this year’s Science Oscars by Willie du Plessis MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:57

Our researchers continue to receive national recognition for their impactful work across a wide range of disciplines. The North-West University (NWU) has five nominees for the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards. This further affirms our standing as a contributor to excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation in South Africa.

The NSTF‑South32 Awards, widely known as the country’s “Science Oscars”, represent the largest and most comprehensive national awards honouring outstanding contributions in science, engineering, technology and innovation. Now in its 28th year, the awards ceremony will take place on 16 July, with simultaneous events being held in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The 2026 theme, Healthy Ageing, aligns with the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 – 2030).

As the 2025/2026 NSTF‑South32 Awards approach, the achievements of our researchers reflect a strong culture of inquiry, leadership and impact. It underscores the presence of the university on the national science and innovation stage in South Africa.

The NWU nominees represent a range of prestigious award categories:

 

Prof. Olubukola Oluranti Babalola has been nominated for both the TW Kambule‑NSTF Award: Researcher, and in the Lifetime and Science Diplomacy category. She is a professor in the Food Security and Safety Focus Area and principal investigator of the Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. She also serves as vice-president of the World Academy of Sciences, Africa, and is an honorary member of the International Science Council in France.

Dr Mawethu Bilibana has been nominated for the NSTF Award: Researcher. He is a senior lecturer in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Prof. Kgaugelo Lekota has been nominated for the TW Kambule‑NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher, and in the Engineering Research Capacity Development category. He is an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Dr Moleboheng Mokhele has been nominated for the TW Kambule‑NSTF Award: Emerging Researcher. She is a senior lecturer in the School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in the Faculty of Education.

Prof. Jaco Hoffmann has been nominated for the Science Diplomacy for Africa Award, and also in the special annual theme category: Healthy Ageing. He is co‑director of the International Longevity Centre South Africa, professor of Socio‑Gerontology in the Optentia Research Unit, lead of the Ageing and Generational Dynamics in Africa programme, and a professorial fellow at the Institute of Population Ageing at the University of Oxford. He also coordinates the African Research on Ageing Network.

 

Smart Village dialogue advances South Africa’s first indigenous knowledge-led initiative MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/24/2026 - 14:13

By Mzwandile Ndlovu

A renewed push to translate indigenous knowledge (IK) into practical rural development took centre stage as stakeholders gathered for the Second Smart Village conference in Nyandeni in the Eastern Cape.

Held under the theme “Towards an indigenous knowledge-based smart village model: A multi-stakeholder planning dialogue for sustainable rural development,” the three-day engagement from 24 to 26 March 2026 moved beyond conceptual discussions towards implementation and community participation.

The dialogue was convened as a partnership led by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) – which laid the foundation in locating the Smart Village within a legal framework – and the North-West University (NWU) DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Knowledge Systems in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Lastly, MSV Consulting was commissioned by the DSTI to serve as the project manager for the Smart Village initiative.

The conference built on South Africa’s first Indigenous Knowledge-led Smart Village Regeneration Conference held in February 2025, which introduced the theoretical foundations of the Nyandeni Smart Village initiative.

Protecting IKS

Central to the discussions was the implementation of the Protection, Promotion, Development and Management of Indigenous Knowledge Act 6 of 2019, which seeks to elevate indigenous knowledge systems as a driver of socio-economic development.

Shumikazi Rodolo, acting director for policy development and institutionalisation at the DSTI, highlighted the role of the Act in protecting communities from exploitation. 
“Signed into law in 2019, the Act safeguards indigenous knowledge and associated resources. To put it into action, the smart village concept was developed. We chose the Eastern Cape because, despite its rich resources and knowledge, it remains one of the poorer provinces, with many people migrating for work. The initiative aims to harness local knowledge to revitalise communities and improve livelihoods,” she said.

Transforming communities

The initiative is aimed at stimulating rural and regional economies by integrating indigenous knowledge systems, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, cultural heritage, quality education and citizen engagement. The model seeks to protect indigenous knowledge while promoting environmental sustainability, job creation and the revitalisation of rural areas through policy integration and community participation.

Dr Mothusiotsile Maditsi, lecturer and community engagement coordinator for the DSTI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, explained how the smart village project will blend Amampondo indigenous knowledge with modern technologies to create a culturally grounded and innovative community.

“The centre aims to harness traditional architecture and local resources to create a culturally rooted, innovative village, while using 4IR technologies like nanotech to drive smart village development,” said Dr Maditsi.

Prof. Mzo Sirayi, a consultant from MSV consulting, said the transformative vision behind the smart village initiative was rooted in indigenous knowledge and community empowerment. “Smart villages are not limited to a single model or confined to one location. One smart village can serve as a hub that benefits an entire region delivering essential services such as healthcare, education, clean water, and energy access,” said Prof. Sirayi.

“This initiative is not just an idea; it is a mission to transform rural communities. It calls on all stakeholders, government, investors and citizens to commit to practical roles that ensure sustainable development and real impact. If we act together, we can empower communities, protect indigenous knowledge and create lasting economic opportunities,” he added.

Nyandeni Local Municipality Mayor Viwe Ndamase highlighted the progress and community excitement around the initiative. “This is the second round of the initiative, and we have made great progress, the site is fenced, rezoning is underway and community resolutions are complete. With investors, academics, and even the Zulu Kingdom now involved, the dialogue is a success,” he said.

“We are doing this with great enthusiasm because this is a ground-breaking programme that has never been there before. So, we are pacesetters as Nyandeni Local Municipality,” he concluded. 

Delegates to the Smart Village Conference joined community members for a Smart Village project site viewing.

 

 

 

Academic recognised globally for blockchain research by Gosego Phutieagae BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/22/2026 - 09:18

A North-West University (NWU) academic has earned international recognition for research examining how ready South Africa’s public sector is to adopt blockchain technology.

Dr Beatah Sibanda received the 2024 Best Abstract Award from the British Blockchain Association for her study on blockchain adoption in government systems.

Her research highlights a key gap between growing interest in blockchain and the country’s actual readiness to implement it at scale. It points to constraints such as limited technical capacity, regulatory uncertainty and misaligned infrastructure across public institutions.

The award was made for her paper, “Assessing the readiness of the South African public sector to embrace blockchain technology: Factors for successful adoption”, which explores the conditions needed for successful integration of blockchain into governance systems.

Dr Sibanda said the recognition confirms the global relevance of her work and its contribution to debates on digital governance.

“Receiving the 2024 Best Abstract Award was both an honour and a significant milestone in my academic journey,” she said. “It affirmed that my research contributes meaningfully to global scholarly conversations.”

Her findings show that adopting blockchain in government requires more than technological innovation. It depends on coordinated development across policy frameworks, institutional systems and human capacity.

“There is clear recognition of the potential of blockchain, but the sector is not yet fully prepared for adoption,” she said. “The foundations still require strengthening.”

The study identifies several critical factors for successful implementation, including regulatory clarity, leadership commitment, technical expertise and collaboration between government, academia and the private sector.

Dr Sibanda emphasised that legal certainty remains essential, alongside improved understanding of blockchain within government structures. She added that infrastructure alignment is necessary to ensure that blockchain solutions can integrate with existing systems.

Her work forms part of a broader global conversation on how emerging technologies can improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public administration.

In 2026, Dr Sibanda was invited as a delegate to the ISC2026 conference, where discussions focused on moving blockchain from theory to policy-driven implementation.

She noted that international trends show increasing involvement of legislative institutions in shaping blockchain regulation and innovation strategies, signalling a shift towards more structured adoption approaches.

The recognition by the British Blockchain Association highlights growing international attention on research that addresses governance challenges in developing economies. Dr Sibanda’s work continues to contribute to discussions on digital transformation in the public sector, particularly in strengthening institutional systems and service delivery.

Dr Beatah Sibanda receives the 2024 Best Abstract Award from the British Blockchain Association.

NWU professors secure prestigious national research chairs by Zenoyise John BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 04/20/2026 - 10:32

The North-West University (NWU) has marked a significant academic achievement after two of its leading scholars, Prof. Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu and Prof. Rasheed Adeleke, were awarded prestigious research chairs under the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI).

The announcement was made at a high-profile national launch hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF), placing the two academics among a select group of researchers tasked with advancing innovation and addressing the most pressing development challenges in South Africa.

The research chairs form part of the Decadal Plan Aligned Research Chairs initiative for historically disadvantaged universities, universities of technology and emerging institutions. A total of 41 new chairs were announced as part of the broader strategy of the government to address historical inequalities in the higher-education and research landscape.

The launch brought together senior government officials, university leaders, deputy vice-chancellors and international delegates, underscoring the national importance of the programme. Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, highlighted its transformative intent. Prof. Aremu, a research professor at the NWU, is widely recognised for his expertise in indigenous knowledge systems, ethnobotany and plant biotechnology, with a focus on improving the productivity and conservation of medicinal plants and food crops.

Reflecting on the recognition, he said: “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a reflection of years of collaborative work aimed at improving how we understand and utilise our rich plant diversity and systems. My research focuses on unlocking the potential of medicinal plants and food crops (often underutilised and neglected) through biotechnology, ensuring that we can enhance productivity while also preserving biodiversity and associated indigenous knowledge.”

He added: “With this platform, I will be able to expand research into plant biotechnology and indigenous practices and their role in seed germination and the development of indigenous plants. More importantly, it allows us (in collaboration with indigenous knowledge holders) to translate scientific findings into practical applications that can benefit farmers, traditional medicine practitioners and the broader agricultural sector.” Prof. Adeleke, a full professor of Microbiology at the Potchefstroom Campus of the NWU, specialises in agricultural and environmental microbiology, including plant-microbe interactions and soil health.

Speaking on the achievement, he said: “This is exciting and shows that hard work pays off. It also affirms that the kind of research we are doing is relevant and making a difference.”

He added: “This will give me a bigger platform to do more and be more innovative. It allows us to strengthen collaborations, attract young researchers and build capacity in critical areas of agricultural microbiology.”

On impact, he said: “I target challenges faced by both commercial and small-scale farmers. Many of the issues they face – soil degradation, crop diseases and sustainability – can be addressed through understanding plant-microbe interactions and applying environmentally friendly solutions.”

“My focus is on sustainability and ensuring that people practise agriculture in a responsible manner. We need solutions that not only increase productivity but also protect our environment for future generations.”

NWU principal and vice-chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka described the appointments as a proud institutional milestone, noting their alignment with the strategic focus of the university on agriculture and food security.

The university has invested in a state-of-the-art Living Lab for Sustainable Agriculture in Potchefstroom, with further expansion plans underway.

“Our Pienaarskraal Farm has also recently come into the national spotlight following the NWU Agriculture Farmers’ Day held on the Potchefstroom Campus. The event brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural sector. The work of these research chairs will complement the activities on our Molelwane Farm and Pienaarskraal Farm in both Mahikeng and Potchefstroom, where we have launched a joint collaborative project with the provincial government called the Agri Hub. Its objective is to capacitate farmers in the province with state-of-the-art methods in both animal and crop science, ultimately improving agricultural productivity in the region,” said Prof. Tyobeka.

He added that the NWU values the continued support of the NRF and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation in strengthening the research ecosystem in South Africa.

The Research and Postgraduate Studies Directorate, led by Prof. Nnenesi Kgabi, facilitated and coordinated the SARChI applications. 

"This milestone affirms the Directorate’s flagship role in strengthening the NWU’s research ecosystem, enabling excellence, advancing transformation, and positioning the university to compete and lead on the national and global research stage," said Prof Kgabi.

The SARChI programme remains a key national instrument for building research excellence, supporting postgraduate training and enhancing innovation capacity while addressing historical inequalities in higher education.

Prof. Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu and Prof. Rasheed Adeleke were awarded South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) chairs.

Indigenous languages key in fight against crime by Mzwandile Ndlovu BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/16/2026 - 10:23

As crime continues to ravage communities across South Africa, a North-West University (NWU) researcher has highlighted how indigenous languages play an active role in strengthening crime prevention efforts through communication strategies in rural areas.

Dr Kgomotso Bosilong, a research support coordinator at the NWU, is focusing her research on how indigenous languages are being used by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to communicate safety and crime prevention messages in rural communities. She examines how the choice of language influences understanding, engagement and participation in crime prevention activities.

“Crime prevention depends on effective communication that is easily comprehensible, engaging and trustworthy for communities. When safety information is shared in a way that reflects the language, culture and everyday realities of the community, people are more likely to pay attention, respond appropriately and take proactive steps to protect themselves and others,” says Dr Bosilong. “When safety messages are delivered in indigenous languages, they reflect the lived experiences of the people they are meant to reach.”

Her study draws on secondary data to explore how SAPS engages rural communities. she investigated how safety and crime prevention messages are conveyed and understood among community members.

According to Dr Bosilong, indigenous languages influence how different political and social actors participate in crime prevention efforts. “Language affects how messages are received,” she says. “It determines whether people relate to the information shared with them.”

Her research found that communication in local indigenous language supports dialogue between the police and residents. “Indigenous languages create shared meaning,” Dr Bosilong explains. “They enable communities to engage in discussions about safety and crime prevention.”

Recognising the role of indigenous languages can strengthen communication between SAPS and rural communities. “Language forms part of the broader strategy to address crime,” she says. “It connects institutions and the communities they serve.”

Dr Kgomotso Bosilong

Research flags regulatory gaps in tailings dam management by Phenyo Mokgothu BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 04/10/2026 - 13:37

Thousands of abandoned mining tailings dams across South Africa continue to expose gaps in environmental regulation, placing communities and ecosystems at risk.

Researcher Thandolwakhe Mokotedi from the Faculty of Law at the North-West University (NWU) says that “the regulation of tailings dams in South Africa remains an area of environmental law that requires immediate attention.” According to her research, there are an estimated 6 000 abandoned and unrehabilitated tailings dams posing a persistent environmental challenge.

Thandolwakhe explains that mining, while central to the economy, remains a major source of environmental harm. “Mining activities are also considered the largest producers of solid waste,” she says, linking this to the growing number of tailings dams and associated risks.

Tailings dams are large, engineered structures designed to store large amounts of fine-grained waste from mineral processing. Thandolwakhe adds that these dams often contain hazardous substances and have the potential to cause catastrophic environmental and human harm in the event of structural failure.

Despite legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act, the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the National Water Act, Thandolwakhe says there are structural weaknesses in the system. “The current mining environmental law framework is characterised by a lack of coordinated and integrated legal framework,” she says.

This lack of coordination has consequences for enforcement. Fragmentation results in ineffective governance and inefficient arrangements between organs of state, weakening accountability. In some instances, Thandolwakhe observed that no one was willing to take accountability, even when environmental risks were known.

Communities living near tailings dams continue to face health risks, with Thandolwakhe reporting that they were adversely affected by the dust from the tailings dams, which led to respiratory problems, skin and eye infections.

She says the mining industry is considered one of the main contributors to water pollution in South Africa with tailings dams contributing to acid mine drainage and contamination. She notes that acid mine drainage is “one of the most serious and enduring environmental problems.”

The research is grounded in constitutional principles, and South Africa, says Thandolwakhe, recognises the right to an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being, which must be supported by reasonable legislative and other measures.

She highlights the role of broader stakeholders, stating that: “Civil society organisations, institutions are important to the regulation and management of environmental tailings dams.”

The findings focus on the need to strengthen enforcement, improve coordination and ensure accountability in the management of tailings dams as mining continues to shape the country’s economy.

Thandolwakhe Mokotedi

International partnership targets perinatal mental health care in rural South Africa by Phenyo Mokgothu MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 03/31/2026 - 11:43

Long-term capacity building is required to address perinatal mood disorders which affect more than a third of women in South Africa, negatively impacting individuals and families.

To address this, local, international health care professionals and academics met in Mahikeng from 9 to 13 March 2026. The purpose was to advance a joint programme aimed at improving early detection and management of perinatal mood disorders in rural South Africa. Limited access to specialised mental-health services in these areas continues to affect maternal and child health.

The initiative, Capacity Building in Managing (Perinatal) Mood Disorders in Rural South Africa (CaBu-PeriMooD), is a collaboration between Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital in Mahikeng, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany, and the North-West University (NWU) School of Nursing.

The programme focuses on healthcare workers, strengthening screening systems, and developing research cooperation to support mental-health care for mothers before and after childbirth.

Chief executive officer of Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, Molefi Monokoane, said the partnership reflects a shared responsibility among institutions to improve patient care.
“Now that we have established this partnership, we are one. The aim is to work together to improve outcomes for patients and strengthen services in the province,” he said.

Concerns over mental-health training

During discussions on nursing education, Prof. Rorisang Machailo from the NWU’s Faculty of Health Sciences outlined the structure of the nursing curriculum in South Africa. Participants noted that recent curriculum revisions reduced the time allocated to psychiatric nursing, limiting the level of training received by undergraduate students.

Stakeholders indicated that current Bachelor of Nursing students receive introductory exposure to psychiatry, potentially widening the gap in mental health expertise. This may contribute to shortages of trained personnel in mental-health services, particularly in rural areas where specialist support is limited.

Addressing healthcare professionals during a multidisciplinary seminar, Prof. Patience Kovane, a researcher in perinatal mental health at the NWU, said the programme responds to the high prevalence of perinatal mood disorders in South Africa.

“Research shows that close to 39% of mothers experience perinatal mood disorders, with the burden higher in rural communities where access to specialised care is limited,” she said.

The CaBu-PeriMooD project, explained Prof. Kovane, will introduce validated screening tools, structured training and a task-sharing model that allows nurses and community health workers to identify symptoms, manage and early referral of patients for further treatment.

“If we want sustainable solutions in healthcare, we must work together across disciplines, institutions, and countries. This partnership allows knowledge to be shared while ensuring that training remains relevant to local conditions,” she said.

The collaboration reflects the university’s commitment to research that responds to community needs, said Prof. Kovane, noting that the NWU continues to expand its international partnerships while strengthening work in public health.

Training and research collaboration

Dr Angel Phuti, research associate from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, presented the objectives of the CaBu-PeriMooD project. She encouraged stakeholders to actively participate in the initiative, training and research activities linked to the programme.

A clinical session led by Dr Nthabiseng Morwe, psychiatrist at Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital, shed light on perinatal mental health. Participants indicated prior lack of awareness on perinatal mental-health conditions. This may contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Dr Morwe emphasised the urgent need for broader awareness, not only among healthcare professionals but also within communities.

An interprofessional roundtable discussion, led by Dr Motsei Melford Moloto from Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital and Dr Stieglitz from Charité, fostered meaningful engagement. The session highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in effectively addressing perinatal mental health challenges and identified key considerations for the project’s future direction.

Discussions during the engagement centred on strengthening training, improving screening at the primary-care level and aligning the programme with existing provincial health services. Participants agreed that long-term capacity building is required to ensure that rural facilities can identify and manage perinatal mood disorders.

The CaBu-PeriMooD collaboration is expected to continue through follow-up training, joint research and the development of materials for use in public healthcare facilities, with the aim of improving support for mothers, infants and families in rural communities.

Management members of the Bophelong Psychiatric Hospital in Mahikeng management, visitors from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, and academics from the NWU’s School of Nursing came together to discuss the advancement of a joint programme aimed at improving early detection and management of perinatal mood disorders. 

NWU researcher earns global recognition for advancing science in Africa by Belinda Bantham BELINDA BANTHAM Sun, 02/01/2026 - 08:00

For Dr Modupe Stella Ayilara, science has always been about more than research. It is about people, communities and finding solutions that matter.

That purpose came into sharp focus on 11 December 2025 in Johannesburg, when she was named one of just 30 laureates of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Award. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants across 18 African countries, the recognition celebrates early-career women scientists whose work shows both excellence and the potential to change lives.

For Dr Ayilara, the moment was deeply personal.

“It was humbling,” she reflects. “But it also reminded me why I do this work. Science must speak to the realities around us.”

Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at North-West University (NWU), she is part of the Food Security and Safety Research Area, where her work focuses on microbial biotechnology, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience. Her research is rooted in the urgent need to strengthen food systems while protecting the environment, especially in communities that face ongoing challenges.

Receiving the award also opened the door to a different kind of learning experience. As part of the programme, she joined fellow laureates for an intensive training week hosted by the Fondation L’Oréal. The sessions went beyond the laboratory, focusing on leadership, negotiation, research ethics, public speaking and navigating gender bias in science.

“It was empowering to be in a space with other women who are equally passionate about making a difference,” she says. “You realise that you are not alone in the challenges you face, and that there is strength in sharing knowledge and experiences.”

At the NWU, Dr Ayilara’s days are filled with more than experiments and data. She contributes to supervising students, publishing research and building collaborations that align with the university’s focus on sustainability, innovation and societal impact. Her work reflects a balance between scientific rigour and a deep awareness of the communities her research serves.

This recognition has strengthened her resolve.

“It encourages me to keep pushing boundaries and to contribute to science that is inclusive and impactful,” she says.

Her achievement not only shines a spotlight on her individual excellence, but also highlights NWU’s growing footprint in cutting-edge research that responds to real-world challenges.

As Africa continues to invest in science and innovation, stories like Dr Ayilara’s serve as a powerful reminder of the talent driving progress across the continent  and the importance of creating platforms that recognise and support women in science.

Dr Modupe Stella Ayilara