Research news

The degree and the broken promise of mobility

South Africa's higher education system continues to expand at a time when the economy into which it feeds remains largely unchanged.

Professor leads landmark international book on the future of non-chicken poultry production

A new upcoming book by Prof. Caven Mguvane Mnisi as lead editor and fellow researchers is repositioning ostrich, quail, waterfowls and other non-chicken poultry at the centre of discussions about food security and sustainable farming systems.

Nuclear physicist joins NWU to steer applied radiation research

Renowned nuclear physicist Prof. Siyabonga Majola has joined the North-West University (NWU) as the new head of the Centre for Applied Radiation Science and Technology (CARST).

NWU maintains strong global standing in CWUR rankings

The forward-looking strategy of the North-West University (NWU) continues to deliver results. According to the 2026 edition of the outcome-based Global 2000 list by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), the NWU ranks in the top 4,1% of universities worldwide.

How TikTok and YouTube are helping keep Setswana culture alive

A Setswana proverb shared on TikTok, a traditional wedding blanket draped over a bride’s shoulders in a music video and folktales narrated through podcasts may seem like ordinary digital content.

AI is teaching us the wrong lessons about happiness

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming more than a tool. Increasingly, people are turning to AI for advice, companionship and emotional reassurance.

Indigenous plant study opens new path in cancer treatment research

A plant long used in traditional medicine is now at the centre of research that could shape future cancer treatment options in South Africa and beyond.

Kgodiso Development Fund partners with NWU to advance climate-resilient farming in the North West

The Kgodiso Development Fund (KDF), in partnership with the North-West University (NWU), is making significant progress on a flagship agricultural development initiative aimed at supporting emerging commercial farmers and strengthening food security in South Africa.

South African Sign Language dissemination event: Promoting inclusion in digital spaces

The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) hosted at the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with its Child Language Development node at Stellenbosch University, will

Harnessed energy offers a new path for smallholder poultry farmers

Smallholder poultry farmers who adopt harnessed energy systems such as solar and wind power could improve production efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs, according to research conducted by Ella Mogashoa during her master’s study at the North-Wes

Research and Postgraduate Support celebrates prestigious global certification

The Research and Postgraduate Support (RPS) directorate at the North-West University (NWU) celebrated the university’s successful attainment of the Good Financial Grant Practice (GFGP) Platinum Tier certification during an event held in Mahikeng on 22 April.

Ranking places researcher third in neuroscience in South Africa

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.

Research.com names researchers among the best psychology scientists

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.

DSTI hands over key hydrogen and energy innovation facilities at North-West University

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 Un

Prof. Louis du Preez to receive prestigious Havenga Prize

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.

NWU researcher to be honoured with the Jacques van der Elst Prize

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

NWU earns Platinum certification for global grant management standards

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

Fiction is where researchers can find facts

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.

Five researchers earn nominations for this year’s Science Oscars

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

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.