Latest news with #Potchefstroom
The Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
EP got it right in Potch, says Coetzee
'It was important for us to get the win away from home and also at altitude, which makes it even more special. 'It was really a satisfying showing from the team after we started slowly and then got into our stride. 'We showed our ability to score tries and we got four before halftime, which was very pleasing. 'EP are still creating too many soft moments in the game where we don't control the chaos, but we are creating a bit of it. 'That was why the Leopards came back in the second half. 'But, having said that, I am really pleased with the showing away from home and we are still on track to achieve our goals. 'EP wanted to be much better in terms of execution and accuracy. 'There were a lot of turnovers and unforced errors that we conceded. 'We talked about taking ownership during the week and players know where they stand. 'They had to look at themselves after the defeat against the Griffons. 'It was a big step up and EP pitched up in Potchefstroom 'I am really pleased with our defence because we held them to three tries and we scored six. 'That shows our improved performance in terms of physicality and us dominating the set piece.' Other First Division results: Border Bulldogs 15 Falcons 33, SWD Eagles 31 Griffons 40, Log (all teams have played three matches): Falcons 15, Griffons 11, EP Elephants 11, SWD Eagles 8, Leopards 6, Border Bulldogs 2. The Herald
News24
25-06-2025
- Health
- News24
North West health department probes patient death at psychiatric hospital
An investigation into a patient death at a North West psychiatric hospital has been launched. Recently, it was alleged that the same facility had a lack of adequate food and toiletries, and frequent power outages. The probe is expected to be completed by the end of August. The North West health department is investigating the death of a patient at a psychiatric hospital in Potchefstroom earlier this month. The patient reportedly died at the Witrand Psychiatric Hospital in the North West on 12 June, prompting Health MEC Sello Lehari to visit the hospital over the weekend. The incident was initially brought to his attention after social media posts reported that a long-term patient had died at the hospital. Witrand provides care for intellectual disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and people requiring physical medicine and rehabilitation services. Recently, it was alleged that there was a lack of adequate food and toiletries at the facility, and that it had frequent power outages. There were also allegations that equipment in the laundry, including boilers, were out of order. On Tuesday, Lehari said a nine-member investigation team had been appointed to probe the allegations. 'The investigation team, led by seasoned clinician, Professor John Tumbo, comprises experienced managers from diverse disciplines and areas of expertise to ensure a thorough and objective inquiry,' said Lehari. He added that the scope of the investigation had been expanded to include a separate incident involving a patient who allegedly absconded from Mahikeng Provincial Hospital. This after the SABC reported that a 22-year-old mentally ill man escaped from the psychiatric ward. His parents reportedly said the hospital failed to inform them about the incident. Lehari said: 'We are deeply concerned about these incidents and are determined to get to the bottom of what transpired. We owe it to the families, the patients, and the broader community to ensure that the matter is thoroughly probed.' The investigation team is expected to present the report and its findings to the MEC by 1 August.
Mail & Guardian
25-06-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine cements future with North West Department of Health partnership
The MEC for Health in the North West, Sello Lehari. The future of the North-West University's (NWU) Desmond Tutu School of Medicine was further consolidated on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the NWU and the North West Department of Health (NWDOH) on the university's Potchefstroom Campus. 'It is a privilege to be able to celebrate another milestone in the establishment of our medical school,' said Prof Awie Kotzé, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. 'This strategic partnership with the NWDOH will ensure that our medical students have access to the province's medical and infrastructural resources while serving the healthcare needs of the region. It has been a long journey to reach this point, and this collaboration promises a long and successful future for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.' Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, officially opened the proceedings by stating: 'Let it be recorded in the institutional memory of all our entities that, on this day, we chose collaboration over isolation, foresight over short-sightedness, and service over self. We affirm our mutual dependence and shared destiny.' Prof Beth Engelbrecht, Governance Lead of the medical school, noted that this date would be remembered as a significant moment in the school's history. 'Today is a momentous occasion. Thirty years ago, on 24 June 1995, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup for the first time, and today we are once again making history with the signing of this MOA. Right now, there are Grade 10 learners who will be able to apply for enrolment at the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine in 2028. Isn't that just so exciting?' The Department of Health's Deputy Director-General, Polaki Mokatsan, expressed his gratitude to the key stakeholders who made the occasion possible, saying that the signing of the MOA symbolises a deepening of trust between all parties involved. 'The signing of this MOA will propel the NWDOH and the province forward, and I am thrilled by the opportunities that this partnership will bring,' he said. The medical school's project lead, Prof Bino Luke, echoed the sentiments of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, remarking that 'healing is not just about science; it is also about the human touch', and that 'we must never lose sight of our deep connection to others'. The MEC for Health in the North West, Sello Lehari, stated that the signing of the MOA marks the formalisation of a shared vision, emphasising the compelling need for a medical school in the province. He described the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine as 'a game-changer'. 'The medical school will translate research into real-world solutions. It will bring hope, dignity and the right to quality healthcare to the province.' NWU Council Chairperson, Bert Sorgdrager, also reflected on a historic moment, saying: 'Today, the university and the province crossed an administrative Rubicon. There is no turning back now. Congratulations!' • Follow the link to the article here:
Mail & Guardian
18-06-2025
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Exploring new paths in tackling the big three infectious diseases
Prof Joe Viljoen. Just a few drops of oil and water may be enough to change how the world treats tuberculosis, malaria and HIV/Aids – the 'big three infectious diseases', also known as BTIDs. This was the central message delivered by Prof Joe Viljoen during her inaugural lecture at the North-West University's (NWU's) Potchefstroom Campus on 13 June 2025. Prof Viljoen, from the Faculty of Health Sciences, presented her work under the title: 'Combating the BTIDs using innovative self-emulsification drug delivery systems.' Her lecture focused on how self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) can improve treatment for TB, malaria and HIV/Aids. 'These diseases are mostly treated with drugs that are highly lipophilic (water insoluble),' explained Prof Viljoen. 'That makes them difficult to absorb, especially for patients who are malnourished and unable to take the high-fatty meals required for proper drug uptake.' Harnessing the body's natural movement SEDDSs are oil-based formulations combined with surfactants and co-surfactants. Once swallowed or applied to the skin, they mix with the body's fluids and form fine emulsions without the need for external mixing equipment. 'With just the body's natural movement, for example, peristalsis in the stomach, SEDDSs form into very small droplets that help drugs dissolve and be absorbed more effectively,' she said. These delivery systems further improve bioavailability by enabling drugs to bypass the liver's first-pass metabolism through lymphatic transport. For skin-based applications, Prof Viljoen explained the importance of choosing oils that help the drug pass through the skin where water is limited. 'We have to carefully balance the oily and water-loving components. Natural oils are key, as they help the drug penetrate the skin barrier and are better accepted by consumers due to being viewed as safer.' Challenges in developing SEDDSs include selecting the correct ingredients, ensuring stability and controlling droplet size to regulate drug release. Tools such as pseudoternary phase diagrams help design fixed-dose combinations, especially where drugs have different solubility characteristics. 'These systems are scalable, stable and can be produced at relatively low cost,' said Prof Viljoen. 'They could make a significant difference in the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in low-resource settings.' The lecture concluded with a call for interdisciplinary efforts to advance the development of SEDDS-based therapies.
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
United Rugby Championship Final - Build-up to Leinster v Bulls
Update: Date: 16:56 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Simon ZeboFormer Munster and Ireland winger on Premier Sports The weather conditions turn it into a territorial battle and a set-piece battle where I fancy the Bulls. Update: Date: 16:55 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Mark StrangeBBC Sport NI at Croke Park Leo the Lion has just led a thunder clap around Croke Park and the atmosphere is crackling! The weather certainly hasn't dampened anyone's spirits. Update: Date: 16:54 BST Title: 'Everyone loves to hate Leinster' Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Joe McCarthy says Leinster will be using perceived ill will as fuel in their quest for silverware today. Leo Cullen's side beat last year's champions Glasgow Warriors 37-19 at Aviva Stadium last week to book their place at Croke Park this evening. The Irish province have had a point to prove after being stunned at home by Northampton Saints in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals as they aim to avoid a fourth consecutive season without a trophy. "We know everyone loves to hate Leinster. That definitely drives us on," lock McCarthy told RTE after the Glasgow game. "We've a great fanbase. We don't really care about the outside noise, what you guys [the media] or other people say." Read more. Update: Date: 16:52 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) They must build them differently in Potchefstroom. RG Snyman and Marcell Coetzee never overlapped at the Bulls but they hail from the same hometown in the north of South Africa. Coetzee is well known to Irish rugby fans as well, of course, after spending five seasons with Ulster and starts at number eight for the visitors. Update: Date: 16:49 BST Title: Familiar faces Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Two-time World Cup winner RG Snyman won the only club medal of his career when lifting this trophy with Munster two years ago, his association with the Bulls goes all the way back to his teenage years. The 30-year-old lock, who starts on the bench this evening, represented the Bulls all the way up to Super Rugby level. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Mark StrangeBBC Sport NI at Croke Park With just over fifteen minutes until kick off, the heavens have opened here at Croke Park again. It never stopped on the way down today but had cleared up briefly. However, the grey skies have never gone away and the precipitation is going to play a big part in today's proceedings. Update: Date: 16:47 BST Title: Final times in blue Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) All Black Jordie Barrett's time with Leinster has been short and he'll be out to ensure the ending is sweet this evening. The centre has frequently been brilliant for Leo Cullen's side but he'll certainly want some silverware to show for his efforts in the northern hemisphere. Leinster will, of course, miss him next season, although his replacement isn't too bad either given his his All Black team-mate Rieko Ioane will be the next star set for a short stay in Dublin. Fly-half Ross Byrne, who is on the bench, will also have his final game for Leinster this afternoon, although Cian Healy, their most-capped ever player, is not in the 23. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: 'It's like playing a fully international side' Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Bulls head coach Jake White speaking on Premier Sports: "We can't be playing Ireland. "I hear Luke McGrath is in now, he's got 231 games for Leinster, 19 Test matches. That's not a bad replacement to have when you lose your scrum-half. "Add Slimani, Barrett and RG, it's like playing a fully international side. "It goes without saying that they must be favourites to beat a provincial side today." Update: Date: 16:38 BST Title: A reminder of those teams Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Leinster: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, Ringrose, Barrett, Lowe; Prendergast, McGrath; Porter, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Baird, Van der Flier, Conan (captain) Replacements: Kelleher, Boyle, Slimani, Snyman, Deegan, Gunne, R Byrne, Osborne. Bulls: Le Roux; Moodie, Kriel, Vorster, De Klerk; Goosen, Papier; Wessels, Grobbelaar, Louw, Wiese, Van Heerden, Van Staden, Nortje (captain), Coetzee. Replacements: Van der Merwe, Tshakweni, Smith, Kiersten, Carr, Burger, Johannes, Williams. Update: Date: 16:34 BST Title: Big blow for Leinster Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) There's huge news out of the Leinster camp this morning with Jamison Gibson-Park ruled out of this Croke Park contest. The scrum-half was named to start when the teams were announced on Friday but Luke McGrath will now wear the number nine jersey and Fintan Gunne on the bench. Gibson-Park joins fellow British and Irish Lions Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan on the sidelines just six days before Andy Farrell's side begin their tour by playing Argentina across the city in the Aviva Stadium. Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose are back in the starting line-up, though. We'll bring you those confirmed teams in just a moment. Update: Date: 16:30 BST Title: Here we go! Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) The United Rugby Championship all comes down to today with Leinster taking on Bulls in the final. Leo Cullen's side have been the standard-setters all season, topping the table with only two defeats from their 18 regular-season games and then seeing off Scarlets and Glasgow in the play-offs. Still, though, there's a sense that they've been off their game since their Investec Champions Cup defeat since by Northampton Saints last month. The Bulls have proven to be tough opposition in the past too - can the Irish province seal a ninth league title this evening? Stay with us to find out!
