News

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   Menstrual products used by millions of South Africans every month have been found to contain hormone-disrupting chemicals — even those marketed as “chemical-free” or “organic”. A groundbreaking study released this week by the University of the Free State (UFS) warns that long-term exposure to these substances could be an overlooked factor in reproductive health issues.   The research team, which included PhD candidate Janine Blignaut; Dr […]

Abygail Smit.  @Abysmit06.    Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral infection that is common among children. The disease causes sores, called ulcers, inside or around the mouth, as well as a rash or blisters on the hands and feet. Although it can be very painful, the illness is not fatal.   HFMD may seem harmless, but the recent outbreak in South Africa has cost thousands of […]

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, and delegates from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) conducted an oversight visit to the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus on Friday, 6 February, along with representatives from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).   This follows a similar assessment by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela at the Mahikeng campus on […]

Chiara Dover @chiaradoverr   Many South Africans remember the polony scare of 2017, but the country is currently facing another processed food concern. This time, however, it is not affecting humans, but rather cats and dogs.   Products such as Bobtail, Catmor, Canine Cuisine, Optimizor, Ultra Pet, and Superwoof have been recalled due to elevated levels of deoxynivalenol (DON), a naturally occurring mycotoxin.   RCL Foods explained that moulds growing […]

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   The expulsion of Tshepiso Tau, former Chairperson of the Student Campus Council (SCC) and Secretary-General of the Student Representative Council (SRC), has closed a contentious chapter for the North-West University (NWU). While the university publicly attributed his removal to unspecified “misconduct,” confidential documents reviewed by Wapad indicate that the internal disciplinary committee found him guilty on charges listed in the record as serious sexual misconduct.   […]

Awethu Khumalo & Mhlengi Khumalo @awe2s_righttoe & @into.mbiyakwakumalo   Making waves from the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom campus, PUKfm 93.6 has been recognized as one of the country's top broadcasters. The student-run station was recently named a finalist for Station of the Year in the Campus category. The selection committee highlighted the station's consistent on-air excellence, stating that PUKfm’s impressive performance across various categories has positioned the station among the […]

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   This weekend, images of a damaged gate and videos of chanting crowds in Potchefstroom circulated widely on TikTok. Without context, the footage appeared to show student unrest, leading some viewers to label the actions as violent or unethical.   However, according to multiple students present at the scene, the events of Saturday, 15 November, and Sunday, 16 November, formed part of a coordinated protest responding to […]

Mhlengi Khumalo & Abygail Smit @into.mbiyakwakhumalo & @Abysmit06    Tshepiso Tau has been suspended as chairperson of the Students' Campus Council (SCC) for the Potchefstroom Campus at North-West University (NWU) and subsequently also as Secretary-General of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), only six weeks after being elected. While the official reasons for Tau’s suspension remain unclear, two students have made allegations of electoral misconduct to Wapad.   The student community […]

Mhlengi Khumalo @into.mbiyakwakhumalo   South Africa is well known for its diverse natural beauty, from scenic mountains and coastlines to unique wildlife and famous national parks such as the Kruger National Park. It is also recognised for its vibrant, multicultural identity as the “Rainbow Nation,” its history of struggle and triumph, and its significant contributions to sports and mining. However, South Africa is also widely known for its high rates […]