Academic

Former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss has completed his MBA at the NWU... with distinction

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:22:58 +0000

Former Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss has completed his MBA at the NWU... with distinction

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/25/2024 - 13:22

Former Springbok captain and firebrand Cheetahs and Bulls hooker, Adriaan Strauss, graduated with honours from North-West University (NWU) with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) on Thursday 25 April.

The graduation ceremony was held on the NWU's Potchefstroom Campus.

In 2022, Strauss enrolled for his MBA at the NWU's Business School, and two years later, he added another qualification to his CV.

So which is harder, working towards an MBA or facing the All Blacks? “An MBA takes a bit longer than a test against the All Blacks, but the All Blacks are not a team to be taken lightly. Perhaps if a test against the All Blacks lasted two years...,” jokes the veteran of 66 tests. “I'd say the All Blacks!”

Strauss says he wouldn't trade his journey into the world of academia for anything, but he doesn't mince words about the demands of this internationally accredited course.

“It has been a wonderful experience; I have loved every moment and I have improved so much. It's the best thing I could have done. I would advise anyone to do an MBA at the NWU. However, it requires a great deal of dedication and work. My advice is to take in everything that is offered during the two years of the course. But you must be prepared and know what to expect.”

On the rugby field, he was known for his exceptional leadership and his performance, and the latter proved to be a valuable arrow in his academic quiver.

“There is a huge difference between sitting behind the books and being on the field. As a professional rugby player you have to train every day and you have to constantly work on your physical conditioning. I think that work ethic has helped me with my studies. Then there is the matter of competitiveness. During my MBA I competed with myself every day and made sure that every assignment I submitted was a reflection of my best work. The workload is considerable and there is a lot of pressure, but I was determined not to deliver substandard work.”

It is an attitude that has paid off for him. He's going to savour that distinction for a long time to come.

“It's quite nice. My goal was simply to pass, so to pass with distinction was a surprise,” he says.

Now he is even better equipped to match or even surpass his success on the field in the business world.

“The course is very relevant, and I have already applied it with great success. You learn not only book knowledge, but also how to work together in a group and how to improve your time management. It has changed the way I think and taught me how to solve problems. Then I have to say that the quality of the administrative staff at the university made it easy for me, and the professors were fascinating. The North-West University is an incredible institution, and what makes this qualification even more special is that it is internationally accredited.”

The final destination was reached, but for Strauss it was by no means a solitary journey.

“I couldn’t have done it without my wife, Carmen. We have three children, the youngest of whom was about seven months old when I commenced my studies, so she had a lot on her plate. I want to thank all my family for their support. There were a few family gatherings that I was unable to attend due to class on a Saturday, but they understood. I would also like to single out Prof Hein Prinsloo, my supervisor. He provided me with invaluable guidance and support.”

Adriaan Strauss receives his MBA from the North-West University

Student rewarded for innovative digital project in ABSA competition

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:08:38 +0000

Student rewarded for innovative digital project in ABSA competition

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/25/2024 - 13:08

Through its digital innovation competition – which is designed to identify and support digital payment innovators – Absa recently honoured students from selected universities who took part in the competition.

As part of Absa’s inaugural commercial payments competition awards ceremony, the group of student finalists convened at the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday, 16 April. They received recognition for their outstanding interventions in the field of digital payments.

Onkabetse Moleko, a third-year student at the North-West University (NWU), pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications, won the second prize for the innovative concept, “Enhancing financial inclusion and security through digital systems”.

“As a competitive person and a former debater, entering competitions has always been about expanding the knowledge I have. Knowledge and wisdom are things no one can take away from me, so I constantly want to improve them,” said Onkabetse, referring to the reason she entered the competition.

Onkabetse said she never imagined she would receive a prize, because Phase 1, the competition’s research, was extremely difficult. “I did not think I had the ability to understand the research phase of the competition, but Prof Leenta Grobler helped me make it through the phase. Her intellect and knowledge are out of this world – this win goes to both of us,” Onkabetse added.

Her reaction upon receiving the news: “I received a call from the ABSA team during a guest lecture in the middle of a class assessment and they wanted to see me, and I requested to see them after thirty minutes. When we met after thirty minutes, they disclosed the news. I waited for my class to end, and I started screaming as I walked from the classroom to the location of my transport. I was overwhelmed, happy and I was crying – everything came gushing down, I could not believe it,” she said.

Onkabetse’s project explored crucial steps towards advancing responsible digital payments in South Africa. Her strategic framework discussed noteworthy topics like good practices in responsible digital payments, strengthening data collection, building inclusive digital ecosystems, and alternative payment methods.

She said her innovative methods of improving digital payment systems through technology included using new kinds of biometric authentication methods that business owners can have full access to when they accept or decline transactions.

“They can use voice authentication, fingerprint identification or eye-contact lenses,” Onkabetse stated. She added: “This will cater to everyone, including those living with disabilities. Rural residents could have a helpline to assist them when they do transactions, and this can eliminate the need for people to travel to banks.”

As the sole female innovator among the top five award-winning participants, Onkabetse continues to be bold in her pursuits. We at the NWU extend our sincere congratulations to her.

Onkabetse received an amount of R30 000, and said that 2% of her winnings will go towards financing the paperwork for her soon-to-be-launched cosmetic line. She will invest the remaining funds and grow the investment until she needs it for a specific reason.

Optentia symposium emphasises the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 13:08:20 +0000

Optentia symposium emphasises the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations

by Zenoyise John

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/18/2024 - 15:08

The Optentia research unit of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a symposium on technology, humanity and ethics, emphasising the importance of balancing technological progress with ethical considerations and human rights to ensure advancements support sustainability and individual well-being.

Optentia director Prof Ian Rothmann says the event aimed to bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from various fields to collaborate towards a more equitable and humane technological future.

“This symposium aims to facilitate international dialogue on enhancing education and research in higher education institutions to promote inclusivity, digital literacy and ethical standards. This event provides us with a platform for developing strategies to ensure technology respects diverse values and enhances human dignity,” he added.

The hybrid event at the Potchefstroom Campus featured several distinguished speakers. Among them were Prof Olya Kudina, assistant professor in ethics and philosophy of technology from TU Delft in the Netherlands, Prof Shirley Chen, professor of digital learning and education and vice-dean for academic affairs at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Prof Sang Min Lee, professor in psychological counselling at Korea University, and Prof Amandeep Dhir, professor in research methods at the University of Agder, Norway. They were joined by NWU experts Dr Lance Bunt and Prof Japie Greeff.

The speakers discussed various topics, including the ethics of artificial intelligence, algorithmic management, digital storytelling for critical thinking and emotional learning, virtual and merged reality in supporting learning, and metaverse counselling.

Prof Kudina shared a perspective on ethics and its main infrastructure unit, human values, which evolve alongside technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). She highlighted that humans have never been independent in crafting their moral compass and that technologies such as AI play a role.

She also explained AI not primarily in its technical dimension, but as a dynamic sociotechnical system comprising the interrelation of social, technical and institutional components. She outlined several ways AI and human values are interrelated, considering this from the perspective of responsible design and use of AI.

Prof Dhir discussed the bright and dark aspects of algorithmic human resource management. He delved deep into the emotional, psychological and behavioural correlates of employees' experience with and responses to algorithmic human resource management.

Prof Chen addressed the intersection of digital storytelling with critical thinking and emotional learning. Their research suggested that digital storytelling, with its diverse applications, serves as a holistic approach to education, spanning the domains of cognitive and emotional learning.

Prof Greeff explored the current state-of-the-art tools for artificial intelligence translation and audio and video generation to determine if these tools can provide a pathway to functional multilingualism. He proposed a solution currently at the proof-of-concept stage, while also exploring the limitations of such a system and what would need to be explored next to make it a production-ready environment that non-technical people can use.

Dr Bunt’s presentation focused on the nuanced interplay of technology and human beings, highlighting the importance of understanding this interplay and how it impacts our lives.

Prof Lee discussed the intersection of mental health and the metaverse, focusing on innovative counselling methods for the new generation.

From left are GP Van Rheede van Oudtshoorn, Prof Japie Greeff, Dr Lance Bunt, Prof Shirley Chen, Prof Ian Rothmann, Prof Sufen Chen, and Prof Amandeep Dhir.

Botswana should be praised for its conservation efforts, not chastised by Germany

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:19:43 +0000

Botswana should be praised for its conservation efforts, not chastised by Germany

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/04/2024 - 12:19

- Africa must take ownership of its own wildlife.

- Botswana has proven how effective it is at sustainable wildlife conservation.

- Hunting is an effective tool to manage wildlife sustainably.

Germany’s proposed ban on the import of hunting trophies over poaching concerns has drawn the ire of Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. Botswana is home to the world’s largest elephant population, which has grown to more than 130 000.

Marauding elephant herds wreak havoc on local crops, properties and are endangering the lives of the country’s citizens, and President Masisi says that hunting is one way to stem the destructive tide.

However, Germany's environment ministry has called for stricter rules on the import of hunting trophies, to which President Masisi vowed to send 20 000 elephants to Germany. Botswana has already given 8 000 elephants to Angola and has promised about 500 to Mozambique.

Prof Peet van der Merwe from the research unit for Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, says that the continent’s conservation should be left in local hands.

“I completely agree with President Masisi’s stance on how Botswana wants to manage wildlife, especially elephants. Africa must take ownership of its own wildlife. I think it is time that Germany and other countries stop telling us how to manage our wildlife. It is our wildlife, and we know the best way to do it,” Van der Merwe explained.

“Botswana has a very good conservation management system and model, and they have proved over the years how effectively and sustainably they can manage their wildlife. Hunting is one of the tools you can use to manage wildlife sustainably. There are many poverty-stricken communities in Botswana. If they can’t plant or harvest crops due to elephant populations destroying their crops, what are they to do? How will they survive? Hunting generates a lot of income for local, impoverished communities. That money can be used to uplift those communities and there can be investments in those communities,” he added.

“Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, to name but a few, all have very good conservation management strategies. We have healthy wildlife populations and we have proven that we can manage them sustainably.”

Let us make mining sexy

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 09:19:25 +0000

Let us make mining sexy

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/04/2024 - 11:19

Professor Quentin Campbell from the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) has an eloquent, soft-spoken way with words. Therefore, when he said, “it is time to make mining sexy”, the attendees at the NWU’s first ever mining indaba immediately took note with a chuckle.

Prof Campbell was serving as moderator during a group discussion, and his quick wit summed up a few of the delegates’ comments. The NWU’s mining indaba served to bring together leaders in the mining industry with the NWU to discuss establishing a mining school in the Rustenburg area.

The delegates concurred that mining has somewhat lost its lustre as an attractive vocation to study and work towards – something that needs to be addressed. To ensure that the mining sector can capitalise on utilising some of the brightest young minds in the country, mining must have an appealing lure.

One of the ways to accomplish this is through retention initiatives like taking mining closer to where prospective students as well as mining industries are located. A case in point: Rustenburg and its surrounding communities.

“We need to stabilise our talent pipeline to the mines,” said Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU.

He also stated that it was evident during the indaba that the NWU was on the right track with regard to supplying industry needs, but that “we have more steps to walk”. He emphasised the importance of differentiating between the NWU’s proposed mining school and the other two mining schools in the country without disparaging them. It is imperative that all three mining schools work together to meet the country’s mining needs.

The NWU envisions a multidisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach to accomplish this.

The proposed NWU mining school is a package that is aimed at enticing prospective students to embark on a career in a field that is not only rife with opportunities, but also of paramount importance to the sustainable growth of the country. The optimisation of South Africa’s scarce resources and the effective distribution thereof are all factors that were put in the spotlight, as were the ample research and skills development opportunities that collaboration between the NWU and the industry hold.

In giving a summation of his impressions about the indaba, Prof Tyobeka remarked with a wink: “Like my colleague, Professor Quentin Campbell, always likes to say: ‘It is time that we make mining sexy’.”

Prof Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, with Prof Quentin Cambell and Ntsikie Kote at the NWU’s first ever mining indaba.

Prof Quentin Cambell

Inaugural mining indaba strikes gold

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:24:49 +0000

Inaugural mining indaba strikes gold

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 04/03/2024 - 14:24

To unearth potential, you need to dig deep. To break new ground, knowledge is needed. The North-West University (NWU) brought these two themes together on Wednesday, 3 April, when the NWU held its first mining indaba at the Capitol on Park Hotel in Sandton.

Here, mining industry leaders and experts joined a delegation from the NWU that included Bert Sorgdrager, chairperson of the NWU Council, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU, and Prof Liezl van Dyk, executive dean of the Faculty of Engineering, to discuss the university’s proposed establishment of a School of Mining Engineering.

The primary objective of the engagement was to outline the NWU’s vision for the development of academic programmes and research initiatives that will be tailored to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry in South Africa and on the African continent, with a specific emphasis on North West.

Industry partners that attended the indaba included delegates from Anglo Platinum, Harmony Gold, MENAR, Mintek, Seriti Resources, the Minerals Council, South32, Tharisa, IDC, the Mining Qualifications Authority, the Department of Science and Innovation, RBI Consultancy, Arxo Metals, the CSIR, and independent consultants.

It is a journey that, in part, started on 26 August 2022, when, during his inaugural address, Prof Tyobeka stated his intention to establish a mining school.

“It is important for us to recognise the critical role that the mining and minerals industry plays in addressing pressing societal challenges such as inequality, unemployment, and poverty, particularly in North West. Furthermore, we must acknowledge the significant contribution of the South African mining and minerals industry to the country's economic progress. The sector has propelled South Africa to become one of the most industrialised nations on the continent,” said Prof Tyobeka at the mining indaba.

He further told attendees at the indaba that: “We envisage the mining school to be located in Rustenburg, and I am happy to share that we have already made some advances in the process, as we have presented this important idea to the Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister Gwede Mantashe, and his team. We are pleased to share that he confirmed his support towards this initiative. In addition, we have engaged with the Ministry for Higher Education and Training and received their hearty support, although we acknowledge that there are processes that we still need to follow to obtain all the necessary approvals. The North West provincial government and Rustenburg Local Municipality are part of our key stakeholders in this initiative. We are glad that they have expressed their support for this strategic project.”

Prof Van Dyk then outlined the NWU’s vision for its future mining-related endeavours, before a panel of industry leaders discussed and gave their inputs on topics such as the current state of the mining industry, what the current greatest disrupters in the mining industry are, where the mining industry needs to go in the future, and what the mining industry needs from educational and research partners.

Although the project is still in its relative infancy, Prof Tyobeka has no illusions about its potential success. As he concluded in his opening address at the indaba: “If we harness the collective expertise and resources of academia, industry and the government, we can address the challenges of the future and unlock the full potential of South Africa's rich mineral resources in a sustainable and responsible manner.”

Partnership empowers Malawian dietitians

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:28:57 +0000

Partnership empowers Malawian dietitians

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 03/27/2024 - 12:28

It takes an expert team of doctors and nurses to ensure effective treatment for critically ill patients. A crucial addition to this team is a dietitian, as studies have shown that without the guidance of nutrition experts, many patients become malnourished while in hospital care.

The Dietetics Programme in the School of Applied Health Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) has many years of experience in training quality dietitians in South Africa.

A partnership between the NWU and the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Malawi gives Malawian students the opportunity to gain much-needed practical exposure while completing their studies.

This collaboration is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, enabling four cohorts of Malawian students to gain practical exposure in intensive care units at local hospitals in North West. These include the Potchefstroom Hospital, the Klerksdorp-Tshepong Tertiary Hospital and the Mediclinic.

Birth of a new dietetics network

Doris Nanga completed her master’s degree at the NWU before returning to Malawi and pursuing her career as a lecturer in Clinical Dietetics at LUANAR, where she is currently a postgraduate coordinator.

She says for many years Malawi did not train or have dietitians in hospitals. “We needed a programme that would contribute to establishing a workforce quicker than a full four-year programme.”

LUANAR developed a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Dietetics to address this. Candidates who already have a basic qualification in nutrition or a BSc degree in Human Physiology can enrol for the postgraduate diploma, which focuses mainly on hospital dietetics.

The students complete the medical and paediatric blocks of their studies in Malawi, but the need was in the critical care block, which is a smaller part of the full programme.

This is where the NWU became involved. Doris reached out to her mentor, Prof Robin Dolman-Macleod, associate professor of and programme leader for Dietetics at the NWU. They discussed opportunities to enhance the training of Malawian dietitians.

This led to the signing of the MoU in 2022, with the first cohort of seven students visiting the NWU in January 2023 for eight weeks. This group graduated at the end of last year. The second group is currently busy with their practical exposure in South Africa, with the third and fourth cohorts joining in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

Essential skills to boost patient care

“They gain valuable skills in the provision of nutrition support to patients who cannot eat by themselves but depend on tube feeding or receiving nutrition directly into their veins.”

Doris says the students have the opportunity to work with a large range of patients, including premature babies, children and elderly people who have undergone surgery, motor vehicle accident victims, patients with burn injuries and critically ill diabetic patients, as well as cancer patients.

The programme is financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Nutrition for Health Activity, which is led by Dr Tinna Manani in the Faculty of Food and Human Sciences at LUANAR. The funds cover the costs of visas, flights, accommodation, food, transport and payment for local dietitians who help Doris and Prof Dolman-Macleod as dietetics preceptors (similar to mentors).

Doris hopes that the Malawian government will adopt the programme and possibly equip the hospitals in Malawi so that the programme can continue after 2026.

The immeasurable value of collaboration

According to Prof Dolman-Macleod, it is not only the practical exposure that is especially beneficial to students from both the NWU and Malawi. “The interaction between students is contributing to a bigger network of dietitians. We have seen with the first cohort that friendships and networking continue even when their studies have been completed.”

The NWU’s fourth-year students must spend 10 weeks in a hospital setting, with a few of these weeks focusing on critical care. Prof Dolman-Macleod and Doris arrange this practical component to coincide with the visit of the Malawian students, giving them the chance to interact and share experiences. This interaction also entails leadership development and various other activities.

“Our vision at the School of Applied Health Sciences and also at the NWU’s Centre of Excellence for Nutrition (CEN) is to develop scholars in nutrition in Africa. It is important to share our expertise and successes with other countries,” says Prof Dolman-Macleod. “This is a good example of where we have a great opportunity to achieve this aim.”

The second cohort of Malawian students from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) visited the NWU in March 2023. They are in front Lusekero Mwandosya and Bongani Mkandawire. At the back are Prof Robin Dolman-Macleod, Anjawo Nyirenda, Christina Kandewu, Doris Nanga and Rejoice Kachingwe.

Former professional footballer returns to the Soccer Institute

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 08:28:10 +0000

Former professional footballer returns to the Soccer Institute

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:28

By Phenyo Mokgothu and Lerato Tshweu

Former professional footballer Ngunezi Mkhize has re-enrolled at the North-West University (NWU) Soccer Institute to further his football career and complete his studies.

The Soccer Institute is renowned for developing soccer players, coaches and administrators – producing well-rounded individuals with tertiary qualifications, as a football career is usually short-lived.

Ngunezi's football journey saw stints with professional teams such as Pretoria Callies FC and Polokwane City FC, as well as his previous tenure with the Soccer Institute in 2019.

He has also played for premier soccer league teams such as Golden Arrows FC and Royal Eagles (now Royal AM FC).

His road lead him back to the NWU after an interim period with UThongathi FC in the 2020/2021 season.

Despite the league's dismissal due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ngunezi's tenure at UThongathi FC saw notable success as the team finished in the top eight. Now, seizing the opportunity to resume his studies while pursuing his passion for football, Ngunezi is eager to make the most of his time at the NWU.

He says he is eager to continue his education while making meaningful contributions to the football team. "Resuming my studies while playing football is a holistic approach."

NWU coach Amos Xabanisa emphasises the strategic significance of Ngunezi's return, noting his wealth of experience and compatible playing style.

Underlining the importance of balance in critical positions, coach Xabanisa lauds Ngunezi's return and highlights his multifaceted role beyond his on-field performance.

“Ngunezi’s expertise extends beyond football. Acting as a mentor to younger teammates, he draws upon his extensive career to guide his teammates through the intricacies of sports, academics and personal development.”

Former professional footballer Ngunezi Mkhize has rejoined the NWU Soccer Institute.

Public lecture sheds light on Afrocentricity

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:25:27 +0000

Public lecture sheds light on Afrocentricity

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 03/26/2024 - 13:25

The North-West University’s Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research niche area hosted a hybrid public lecture featuring Prof Molefi Kete Asante, a prominent figure in African American scholarship, on 19 March 2024.

The title of the lecture was “Afrocentricity, communication, and culture: Building a common history".

Prof Asante, a distinguished professor in the Department of Africology at Temple University in Philadelphia and president of the Molefi Kete Asante Institute for Afrocentric Studies, stands as a beacon in shaping discourse on Afrocentric education.

In his presentation, Prof Asante revealed the fundamental principles and profound significance of Afrocentricity as a guiding philosophy. Drawing from his extensive research and expertise, he provided insights into Afrocentricity's transformative potential in reshaping narratives about Africa and its people.

"At the core of Afrocentricity is the imperative to prioritise African interests, values and perspectives in all facets of research and interpretation," emphasised Prof Asante.

He stressed the transcendent nature of Africology, which, from an Afrocentric standpoint, offers a comprehensive understanding of Africa's heritage and contemporary challenges.
Distinguishing Africology from conventional African studies, Prof Asante highlighted its departure from Eurocentric frameworks that historically dominated academic discourse about Africa. He identified the impact of the "language of dislocation" employed by colonial powers to assert mental domination and perpetuate dependency on Western hegemony, thereby undermining African wisdom.

"Challenging assumptions about historical facts is paramount to reclaiming agency over African narratives," he added.

He dissected the violent colonisation of Africa and the subsequent control exerted by colonisers over land and communication, highlighting the critical role of language, chronology, etymology and mythology in shaping narratives and perceptions.

Central to Afrocentricity, Prof Asante explained, is the imperative to recentre Africans in their history and reclaim agency over their narratives. He emphasised how Afrocentric study empowers Africans as the main protagonists in the continent's narrative, countering centuries of marginalisation perpetuated by colonial powers.

"Afrocentricity represents a significant Africological advance by centring the agency of Africans in the narrative and dismantling inherited power matrices from colonialism."

He further explored how analytic sciences evolve through language, communication, deconstruction and decoloniality, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive understanding of Africa's past, present and future.

Prof Molefi Kete Asante.

Largest frog in more than 100 years discovered in Africa

BELINDA BANTHAM — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 07:35:36 +0000

Largest frog in more than 100 years discovered in Africa

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Sat, 03/23/2024 - 09:35

A new species of African bullfrog has been discovered in northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana.

It is the largest frog species discovered in more than 100 years.

The largest specimen found is 210 millimetres long and weighs 1 kilogram.

Once there were three, now there are four. Professor Louis du Preez, from the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, and his team of researchers, have discovered a new species of African bullfrog, called Pyxicephalus beytelli. This is only the fourth species of bullfrog ever identified in Southern Africa.

The species occurs in parts of northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana, and is named after the late Ben Beytell, Director of Parks and Wildlife Management in Namibia, who was instrumental in the proclamation of the Khaudum National Park in Namibia, where the species occurs.

The new species is similar to all other species of bullfrogs in its external structure, internal anatomy and general behaviour. However, two of the main distinguishing features of Pyxicephalus beytelli are its bright yellow and lime green colouring, blue spots and a white vertebral line running down its body. Then there are its prominent and somewhat ferocious teeth, which are sloped backwards (recurved), and two large bony protrusions on the lower jaw.

“Their teeth really stand out, and we are excited to learn more about their feeding habits. I can promise you that this frog has a big bite,” says Du Preez. Bullfrogs have a varied diet that includes mice, small birds, snakes, insects and even other frogs.

Du Preez and a former student, Marleen Byron, first encountered the bullfrog in the Okavango 12 years ago, and immediately realised “there was something different about this frog”. In late 2021, Du Preez was commissioned by the Namibian Nature Foundation to conduct a survey of amphibians and reptiles in Khaudum National Park. “When I saw the bullfrog again, I knew it was the one I had seen a decade earlier.”

A thorough and painstaking process then began, in which the specimens collected were carefully detailed and compared with existing known species.

Du Preez attributes the belated discovery of Pyxicephalus beytelli to its habitat. “Getting to some of the places where Pyxicephalus beytelli can be found is extremely difficult. These places are remote and you have to cross rough terrain to get there. Also, people simply didn’t realise that it was a different species.”

From a conservation perspective, the identification of new species is of paramount importance to ensure their protection.

“Frogs evolved about 350 million years ago and have diversified from there. Today they are the most threatened group of vertebrates in the world. A big reason for this is the destruction of their natural habitat. The more we know about a species, such as its location and range, the better we can protect it. It is only when we have caused the extinction of a species that we realise what we have lost,” says Du Preez. “There is still a lot to learn about this new species, and the fun will be in finding out.”