August 2024

Read the Afrikaans version

Welcome to the fifth edition of the North-West University's newsletter, Research@NWU. The aim of this newsletter is to showcase research projects, researchers and related events.

Leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy in South Africa

Gone are the days of the throwaway economy. Environmental scientists and pioneers like Prof Linda Godfrey are leading the charge towards a thriving circular economy. With over 20 years dedicated to studying the waste sector, Prof Godfrey has observed the unsustainability of the traditional linear economy model, characterised by extraction, production, consumption, and disposal.

Climate change alters distribution of disease-carrying snails in South Africa

Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, is the second most socio-economically devastating parasitic disease after malaria, affecting millions of South Africans. Caused by parasitic worms which rely on specific snails as intermediate hosts, recent research has explored how climate change might impact the distribution of these snails, and, consequently, the spread of the disease.

Shift to social media by local newspaper proves effective

Fortune Tsutsa's master's-degree research on the use of social media for newsgathering and reporting by the Potchefstroom Herald exemplifies the power of modern technology in journalism. As a student, he was intrigued and researched the shift from traditional to digital media.

Research leads to comprehensive approach to forensic interviewing

The Optentia research unit recently celebrated a significant milestone with delivering the first PhD graduate in social sciences with relational dynamics and development. Dr Constant Laubscher-van Graan's research focuses on relational dynamics in forensic investigations.

African herb and nanotechnology combine for "amazing" results

Maize seeds quickly germinate and become thriving seedlings when primed with fertiliser made from nanoparticles extracted from an indigenous African herb, impepho. This potent herb is at the centre of the research of Dr Bongiwe Dhlamini-Zungu, a recent NWU PhD graduate in chemistry.

Ancient texts and their interpretation for today's society

Whether they are historically true or fictional, texts are not only informative, but are drivers of ideological change for their target audience, compelling their readers to adopt new behaviours such as morals and good ethical conduct.

Meet our researchers

Researchers across the faculties at the NWU continue to produce exciting work in their fields of expertise. We introduce the work of two researchers – Prof Tycho Maas and and Tumi Ledwaba.

Please share your comments and input by sending an email to
the newsletter editor, willie.duplessis@nwu.ac.za