Research news

Ranking places researcher third in neuroscience in South Africa by Willie du Plessis BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/08/2026 - 10:37

The 2026 edition of the ranking of the Best Scientists in Neuroscience by Research.com places Prof. Brian Harvey from the subject group Pharmacology at the North-West University (NWU) among the three most cited researchers in the field in South Africa.

Prof. Harvey says this accolade highlights his decades of work in neuropharmacology and psychiatric research. “When you get notified of a ranking like this, it counters any doubt or negative thinking about the impact of your work.”

For him, who will retire at the end of this year, this recognition is both a professional milestone and a deeply personal affirmation of his lifelong commitment to science.

“I was really quite bowled over to see that I am the third most cited neuroscientist in South Africa,” he said. The ranking placed him alongside esteemed colleagues from the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of Cape Town, institutions he says have long been regarded as leaders in the field.

Reflecting on the significance of the Research.com ranking, Prof. Harvey sees it as validation of years of dedication. “For me, this rating confirms that what we are doing has been noticed to the level that it is being well‑cited,” he said. Professionally, it underscores the place of the NWU in the global academic landscape. Personally, it reassures me that my legacy will endure through the cadre of postgraduate students and colleagues who will continue the work,” he noted.

A seasoned and influential scientist, Prof. Harvey also takes pride in his National Research Foundation (NRF) B1 researcher status and the international recognition it represents.

Pursuing excellence at the NWU

Preceded by a tenure at the international pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, Prof. Harvey’s journey in academia began in 1998 when he joined the School of Pharmacy at the NWU and was tasked with establishing a new research platform. “At the time, the university faced a gap in neuroscience expertise. My time at Eli Lilly helped shape how I thought about novel drug discovery, especially in psychiatry. It was therefore a great opportunity to set up a laboratory dedicated to developing animal models that translate to human psychiatric disorders.”

He says one of the major challenges for neuropsychiatric research is trying to develop new drug treatments. “Psychiatric disorders are difficult to manage. Moreover, our current drug treatments fail to appropriately target the complex biological underpinnings of these conditions. This results in compromised efficacy and often intolerable side effects that adversely affect long-term outcome. So, there is a huge need to better understand these disorders and to develop new compounds. To do that, you need a preparation that can simulate the human pathological condition.”

Over the past two decades, Prof. Harvey and his team have refined rodent and zebrafish models to emulate the pharmacological, biological, and behavioural aspects of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. These models have been instrumental in the understanding of psychiatric conditions and have attracted international collaborations aimed at advancing novel drug discovery.

Prof. Harvey emphasises that this type of research is never solitary: “No journey like this is without colleagues. I have had enormous support from my NWU colleagues and my postgraduate students, as well as through collaborations with researchers from other renowned international and South African universities. I especially would like to credit psychiatrists such as the late Prof. Dan Stein for helping us bridge the gap between laboratory models and clinical practice.”

While much of Prof. Brian Harvey’s career has focused on studying anxiety and stress disorders in humans that contribute to psychiatric illness, in recent years he has also extended his research to veterinary science, most notably investigating capture myopathy in wildlife, a severe stress‑induced condition that can lead to muscle damage, organ failure, and often death in animals.

As he prepares for retirement, Prof. Harvey leaves behind not only a distinguished career but also a foundation of research that will continue to shape neuroscience in South Africa and beyond.

Prof. Brian Harvey

Research.com names researchers among the best psychology scientists by Willie du Plessis BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/05/2026 - 09:42

The 2026 ranking edition of the leading global platform, Research.com, places three of the researchers of the North-West University (NWU) among the best scientists in the field of psychology.

The inclusion of Prof. Ian Rothmann and extraordinary professors Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman and Prof. Linda Theron in the list underscores the impact of the NWU on psychological research.

A moment of reflection for Prof. Rothmann

Prof. Rothmann says the recognition is a moment of reflection for him. “It represents a long career that began with trying to understand how work affects people’s capabilities and well-being in the South African context.”

His early studies on stress, burnout, job demands and resources, and even suicide ideation, in different occupations revealed the weight of psychological experiences in the workplace.

He emphasises that the impact of his research and an honour such as being included in prestigious rankings is not his alone. “Research is a collaborative endeavour, and I think of this as recognition of a research programme, one built together with exceptional colleagues, postdoctoral fellows and doctoral students at the Optentia Research Unit at the NWU. Their intellectual energy and dedication are inseparable from anything that appears under my name.”

Prof. Rothmann’s contributions span more than two decades. He was one of the founding researchers of the South African Personality Inventory, developed as part of an internationally recognised cross-cultural psychology initiative. His work expanded into flourishing and work engagement, leading to the development of the Flourishing-at-Work Scale, now used internationally. He also contributed to the Qhubekela Phambili unemployment intervention, funded by the Flemish Interuniversity Board.

In recent years, his focus has shifted toward the capability approach, which focuses on not just asking whether people have resources, but whether they genuinely have the freedom and opportunity to use those resources to live and work well. A milestone in this journey is the forthcoming edited volume, Capabilities at Work: The Added Value of the Capability Model for Well-Being and Work, co-edited with Prof. Jac van der Klink of Tilburg University, to be published open access by Cambridge University Press in June 2026.

He is currently engaged in a study on the sustainable employability of Life Orientation teachers across the nine provinces in South Africa, while continuing to develop

psychometric instruments tailored to South African populations. His vision remains clear to build pathways from precariousness to capabilities, integrating social justice and cultural sensitivity into the study of well-being and employability.

“It is genuinely meaningful to be recognised alongside Prof. Smits-Engelsman and Prof. Linda Theron, whose work I deeply respect. Prof. Theron is based at the University of Pretoria, but is still affiliated with the NWU as extraordinary researcher, and I am particularly proud that Prof. Theron was a research professor at the Optentia Research Unit before moving to Pretoria.”

He says he acknowledges the recognition with appreciation and humility. “It is a signal worth noting, but not the measure I reach for when asking whether the work has been worthwhile.”

Prof. Smits-Engelsman: passion beyond recognition

For Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman, an extraordinary researcher at the NWU who was formerly at the University of Cape Town, the ranking came as a surprise. “To me personally, recognition is not a great deal. I enjoy my work, and I have been a curious person since childhood. It is simply my nature.”

Her work in South Africa began 13 years ago, when she moved away from advanced laboratory-based work in brain-behaviour research and kinematics in children with motor disabilities. “Previously, I had access to sophisticated equipment, but when I arrived here, I had only a ruler and a stopwatch. It pushed me back to the basics of what can be done in research.”

She says that challenge sparked a new direction. Running intervention studies for children with motor coordination problems, she noticed that the absence of proper motor performance assessment tools for South Africa with established norms limits finding the children in need of extra support. Over the past eight years, she has developed such tests. “I am thankful that with help from many colleagues, master’s-degree and bachelor students from Africa, Europe and South America, we could do this. There was not a single cent of grant funding – everybody invested their time in the projects,” she explains.

Prof. Smits-Engelsman’s passion for accessible, low-cost solutions for screening and intervention has defined her work since she retired from her university post in Belgium, where retirement is mandatory at 65. “In a way, it motivated me to prove that I am not ‘finished’. I have published more papers after my retirement than before, which is quite satisfying.”

While she says she does not attach much importance to rankings, she acknowledges their value in supporting younger researchers. “Being recognised can make it easier for them to secure funding or publish their work. So, while it does not benefit me directly, it does help me support others.”

“It is good to know that psychology research that seeks to make a difference in the lives of South Africans with experiences of hardship is valued. This is the ongoing imperative of the resilience research that I am involved in,” says Prof. Theron.

“I am honoured to be an extraordinary professor in Optentia and to use the growing understanding of what supports people with high stress exposure to experience resilience (the focus of my research) to advance how society, industry and government can create the conditions that young people need to thrive.”

The recognition of Prof. Rothmann, Prof. Smits-Engelsman and Prof. Theron highlights the breadth of the contributions made by the NWU to psychology. These researchers emphasise that their work is collaborative, context-driven and motivated by a desire to make a meaningful difference.

Prof. Ian Rothmann

Prof.Linda Theron

Prof. Bouwien Smits-Engelsman

DSTI hands over key hydrogen and energy innovation facilities at North-West University MOIRA MULLER Thu, 04/30/2026 - 16:59

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) marked a significant milestone in South Africa's clean energy transition with the official handover of two strategic energy research, development and innovation (RDI) deployments at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus.

The handover forms part of the Department's contribution to South Africa's just energy transition, the hydrogen economy and the country's long-term net-zero carbon ambitions.

The two key deployments that were launched are the Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station and the Rapid Prototyping, Testing and Training Facility (RPTTF), developed under the DSTI's energy RDI flagship programmes.

The Director-General of the DSTI, Dr Mlungisi Cele, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Dr Cele said the handover demonstrates the successful translation of publicly funded research into tangible infrastructure that supports industrial development, skills creation and environmental sustainability.

"These facilities reflect our commitment to positioning science, technology and innovation at the centre of South Africa's industrialisation agenda. They show how strategic partnerships can deliver solutions that contribute to economic growth, energy security and the decarbonisation of the economy," said the Director-General.

The Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station, located at NWU, was completed in February 2025 through a partnership between the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure Centre of Competence and Toyota South Africa Motors.

Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Community Engagement and PG Studies at NWU also emphasised the importance of collaboration for a sustainable future. 

"Partnerships between academic institutions, government and the private sector are essential for advancing South Africa's energy future through shared expertise, innovation and coordinated action. By aligning research capability with policy direction and industry implementation, these collaborations create practical pathways for developing sustainable solutions in the energy and fuel sector. Advancements in hydrogen research and implementation provide an opportunity to accelerate clean energy development, strengthen energy security and unlock new economic opportunities," he said. 

The station represents a major step forward in advancing hydrogen mobility in South Africa and directly supports the decarbonisation of the transport sector in line with the DSTI's Hydrogen Society Roadmap. It serves as a demonstration platform for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle technologies, as illustrated with the Toyota Mirai at the launch.

The station also showcases locally developed intellectual property and strengthens collaboration between public and private sector partners in building an integrated hydrogen value chain.

The RPTTF was officially opened as part of HySA Infrastructure's strategic research and innovation platform. The project was developed with DSTI as the primary funder in partnership with the NWU, with additional support from African Rainbow Minerals.

The RPTTF is designed to accelerate the incubation, development and demonstration of water electrolysis technologies, which will support innovation in green hydrogen production, component development, system integration and the scaling of technologies from laboratory to pilot and industrial levels.

Fully operational since early 2025, the facility is equipped with advanced machining and fabrication infrastructure, including a computer-controlled machining centre and laser cutting equipment, specialised tooling and a five-tonne overhead crane. This state-of-the-art equipment will enable rapid turnaround from concept to prototype.

The event brought together representatives from national and provincial government, municipalities, academia, state-owned entities and the private sector. The programme included a ribbon-cutting and handover, a guided tour of the hydrogen facilities, and a stakeholder imbizo held under the theme, "Placing science, technology and innovation at the centre of government, education, society and industry".

The South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) is responsible for implementing the Department's sustainable energy initiatives. Acting CEO of SANEDI, Prof. Sampson Mamphweli, said that these investments reaffirm the DSTI's central role in advancing low-carbon energy technologies through its energy RDI flagship programmes, which include renewable energy, energy storage, HySA and carbon capture and use.

"The launch of the facilities is in line with the SANEDI mandate of supporting innovation and technology commercialisation. The commercialisation of the DSTI-funded intellectual property, managed through SANEDI, is a major step towards growing the South African economy using the knowledge economy and creation of the much-needed jobs." 

The Department remains committed to supporting innovation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, enables industrialisation, builds skills and creates sustainable jobs for South Africans.

 

Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov, Director of the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure Centre of Competence. 

Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Community Engagement and PG Studies at NWU.

Driving into the the future: Toyota's hydrogen-powered demonstrative vehicle was the belle of the ball during the launch ceremony.

Prof. Louis du Preez to receive prestigious Havenga Prize MOIRA MULLER Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:19

His name is synonymous with groundbreaking research and innovation, with many honours over the years acknowledging the impact of his work. Now, another prestigious honour will soon be awarded to Prof. Louis du Preez, amphibian conservationist and amphibian parasite diversity expert of the School of Biological Sciences of the North-West University (NWU).

The Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (South African Academy for Science and Art) will present him with one of their most prestigious annual awards, the Havenga Prize for Life Sciences, in October this year. This annual award recognises original quality research that also promotes Afrikaans in science. It can only be awarded once to a particular person.

This year’s award acknowledges Prof. Du Preez’s remarkable scientific journey spanning more than three decades. Over this time, he has established himself as an international expert in herpetology and parasitology, while he also promoted Afrikaans as a high-functioning scientific language.  He has produced approximately 200 peer-reviewed publications, including the description of multiple new species. 

He has also authored and co-authored 10 books, including impactful titles such as A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa, Frogs and frogging, and the Afrikaans version, Paddas en Paddajolyt, and Polystomatid Flatworms: State of knowledge and future trends. His contribution to biodiversity research and international scholarship is widely recognised.

A prestigious recognition

Reflecting on the award, Prof. Du Preez says he did not know that he had been nominated for the prestigious award. “The nominations came from people from outside the NWU, and I have great appreciation for it.”

He says he is very passionate about Afrikaans. “Although scientific publications are mostly in English, I made sure to translate some of my work for Afrikaans readers as well.”

Beyond his academic publications, Prof. Du Preez is most proud of the 10 books he has written for the general public. “I experienced in my own family what this research means to people. I wanted them to understand what I was doing, and when possible, I used to take my children with me on field trips. I did this to make them feel part of what I was doing and I could experience how enthusiastic they were about it. It gave me significant satisfaction.”

These works, including a field guide and app, have made science accessible to wider audiences. He answers questions from the public on a regular basis on the RSG radio programme “Hoe verklaar jy dit?”.

Prof. Du Preez continues to pursue research on amphibian well-being and parasitology, with a strong focus on conservation. He is currently still busy with a rain frog project. In 2024, he and his team described a new rain frog species (Boston Rain Frog) that had previously been confused with the endangered and elusive Bilbo’s rain frog. This new frog was discovered by keen naturalists who tried to tick off all the KZN species in the field guide that Prof.  Du Preez had written. “That was one discovery that had a great impact on the conservation of an endangered species. I am proud that our work on rain frogs is still continuing. One of my students, Tiaan Botha, is continuing our research in this regard.”

His career has been marked not only by discovery but also by mentorship. He mentions that his mentor was Prof. Dawie Kok from Bloemfontein, and that he is simply continuing what Prof. Kok taught him. 

Prof. Du Preez plays a key role in training a new generation of scientists, encouraging them to remain curious and passionate. His advice to young people is to be passionate about what they are doing. “The greatest discoveries are often found by accident. You will only know if something is out of the ordinary if you know what is the ordinary. Keep your eyes open, observe and make notes. That is the start of finding extraordinary things.”

His career demonstrates how rigorous research, mentorship and science communication can combine to leave a lasting impact. This impact is not only on the scientific community but also on society at large.

Prof. Louis du Preez.

NWU researcher to be honoured with the Jacques van der Elst Prize MOIRA MULLER Wed, 04/29/2026 - 11:07

Prof. Tobie van Dyk will receive the Jacques van der Elst Prize.

On 2 October, Prof. Tobie van Dyk will stand on the stage in Pretoria to receive a prestigious award in the humanities, the Jacques van der Elst Prize, presented by the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns (South African Academy for Science and Art).

For Prof. Van Dyk, who is based at the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU), the recognition is both personal and professional. “Receiving the Jacques van der Elst Prize is a significant personal honour and, professionally, an important affirmation that this line of research is both credible and relevant in the broader scholarly community,” he reflects. 

He says it also highlights the value of sustained work in applied linguistics and language planning in the South African context.

Article explores mother-tongue education and inclusivity

The award celebrates his article, Afrikaans as akademiese taal: Verlede, hede en toekoms, which was published in 2025 in the Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe. 

The article examines Afrikaans as an academic language by tracing its past, present and future in South Africa’s multilingual higher-education landscape. 

Prof. Van Dyk explains that the article is grounded in debates on mother-tongue education, multilingualism, inclusivity and language planning. It also draws on empirical evidence from the 2023 national language resource audit that was conducted by SADiLaR on behalf of Universities South Africa.

“While the findings confirm that Afrikaans remains comparatively well represented in the sector, they also point to significant challenges, including the ubiquitous dominance of English, uneven policy implementation and issues of perception and resource allocation,” he says.

Against this backdrop, Prof. Van Dyk argues that although Afrikaans is under considerable pressure, it remains resilient and continues to function as a meaningful academic language at several universities. He explains that there is, however, a need for coherent, well-informed frameworks to advance multilingualism more broadly.

“Institutional preparedness, capacity and the practical implementation of language policies and plans are essential to strengthen epistemic access and inclusivity for all,” he notes. “Alignment with national initiatives led by SADiLaR is important, as it demonstrates how conceptual work can inform practical and scalable interventions.”

For Prof. Van Dyk, the Jacques van der Elst Prize is not only recognition of a single article, but also of a sustained research trajectory that bridges theory and practice. His work underscores the resilience of Afrikaans as an academic language, while simultaneously advocating for a multilingual future that ensures inclusivity and access for all students in the higher-education system in South Africa.

To read SADilaR’s press release visit: https://sadilar.org/en/sadilars-hessp-lead-receives-prestigious-jacques…

NWU earns Platinum certification for global grant management standards by Bertie Jacobs MOIRA MULLER Tue, 04/28/2026 - 12:12

The North-West University (NWU) has achieved Platinum Tier certification in Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP), placing the institution among a small group of South African universities recognised for meeting the highest international standards in research grant governance and financial accountability.

The certification, effective from March 2026, follows a process led by Research and Postgraduate Support (RPS) to demonstrate the university’s compliance with globally recognised grant management standards. The achievement forms part of the NWU’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in attracting large-scale research funding and expanding international research partnerships.

Good Financial Grant Practice is an internationally recognised framework developed to assess whether institutions have the systems, governance structures, financial controls and operational processes needed to manage research funding responsibly and transparently. The standard was developed through the African Academy of Sciences and the African Organisation for Standardisation, with input from major global funding bodies and development partners.

The GFGP framework evaluates institutions across four core areas: financial management, human resources, procurement and governance. Certification is awarded across four tiers — Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum — depending on the complexity of funding an institution can responsibly manage. Platinum represents the highest level of compliance.

The NWU is the third university in South Africa to achieve Platinum Tier status, following the achievements of the University of the Free State and the University of South Africa.

According to Prof. Nnenesi Kgabi, Chief Director of Research and Postgraduate Support at the NWU, the certification strengthens institutional credibility in an increasingly competitive global funding environment.

“Platinum certification is crucial to the NWU because it reinforces the credibility of the university and strengthens the trust that major global funders can place in us. It demonstrates that external funders can rely on the institution to manage grants responsibly, while also trusting our researchers to lead major research programmes and collaborative projects. Achieving this status places the NWU among a select group of institutions operating at the highest recognised level of grant management accountability,” she explains.

“Research excellence is not only defined by the quality of ideas, but also by the systems that support them,” says Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Community Engagement and Postgraduate Studies at the NWU. “Achieving Platinum Tier GFGP certification signals that the NWU has the governance, accountability and institutional maturity required to compete for and manage large-scale international research funding. It strengthens our position as a trusted global research partner and creates greater opportunities for our researchers to lead impactful, collaborative projects that address societal challenges.”

The certification is expected to improve the NWU’s competitiveness when applying for large-scale grants, consortium funding and international collaborative projects. Funders increasingly seek assurance that institutions can demonstrate transparent financial systems and strong governance structures before awarding substantial research grants.

Globally, GFGP certification serves as a common standard that reduces the need for repeated due diligence assessments by different funders. Institutions that achieve certification can demonstrate verified compliance through an independent audit process conducted by licensed certification bodies. Successful organisations are then listed in a searchable database used by funders during grant assessment processes.

The NWU Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka, congratulated Research and Postgraduate Support for initiating and driving the certification process, as it strengthens the university’s standing as a trusted partner capable of managing complex, multi-partner research programmes across disciplines.

Prof. Tyobeka also said: “The achievement reinforces the NWU’s commitment to accountability, governance and research excellence, while strengthening its ability to compete in an increasingly competitive global funding landscape.”

Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, Prof. Nnenesi Kgabi and Prof. Bismark Tyobeka. 

Fiction is where researchers can find facts by Bertie Jacobs MOIRA MULLER Tue, 04/28/2026 - 11:21

Civilisations rising and crumbling over eons and across galaxies. Interplanetary conflicts, alien races and worlds as vivid in description as they are difficult to conceive.
For a young Prof. Henk Bouwman, now professor in Zoology at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, specialising in ecotoxicology across multiple biological systems, these were the realms in which his imagination roamed during his formative years. And still does.

The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov — which follows a mathematician predicting the collapse of a vast galactic empire and attempting to preserve knowledge — and the Barsoom series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which follows the adventures of John Carter on Mars, were among the worlds to which he gravitated. Their influence, however, extended far beyond escapism.

According to Prof. Bouwman, quoting Albert Einstein, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” On this, Prof. Bouwman remarked: “To me, thoughts framed by perceived reality throttle imagination and creativity.”

Prof. Bouwman also references Arthur C. Clarke, who argued that progress is often hindered not by a lack of facts but by “a failure of imagination”.

For Prof. Bouwman, fiction helped shape how he thinks as a researcher. Yet he fears many learners and young academics are increasingly missing out on the imaginative breadth that fiction can provide.

“Reading beyond strictly scientific material is not always something people prioritise, but fiction books, especially science fiction, have had a profound influence on how I think. Fiction is deeply inspiring because it broadens the mind and encourages you to think beyond narrow objectives. It prevents you from moving through life with blinkers on, focused only on completing a task and moving on. I sometimes see this limitation in students who are highly goal-driven; once the objective is achieved, the thinking stops, without always recognising wider consequences, implications and possibilities,” Prof. Bouwman explains.

In a time when entertainment is consumed in seconds rather than hours, imagination is rarely given the space to mature, let alone to listen to the back-of-your-mind thoughts; that niggling voice telling you something. How, then, will future researchers cultivate the ideas that drive ingenuity? Now may be the time to turn that page, embrace a sense of wonder, and be daring.

Prof. Henk Bouwman

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