Press Release

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

MOIRA MULLER — Thu, 29 May 2025 10:16:52 +0000

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

MOIRA MULLER Thu, 05/29/2025 - 12:16

Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation
People are far more likely to protect what they can name
South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science
The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic

Frogs, snakes and lizards rarely take centre stage in the worlds of language policy and biodiversity, but then again, South Africa is no ordinary place. A new study published in the African Journal of Herpetology offers a compelling insight into how indigenous knowledge and scientific taxonomy can coexist to make conservation truly inclusive and effective.

The study, titled Naming South African frogs and reptiles in nine indigenous languages, is a multilingual feat led by Dr Fortunate Phaka of the North-West University (NWU), alongside collaborators from Belgium and across South Africa. It addresses a significant yet overlooked issue in South African science: the near-total absence of frogs and reptiles named in the country's nine official indigenous languages.

The problem is more than linguistic. Scientific names, which are often in Latin or Greek, are intended to be consistent across the globe, but they are largely incomprehensible to the local communities who live among the species and who are often central to their conservation. This disconnect can be more than a minor inconvenience, it can result in miscommunication, poor policy implementation, and a general lack of public engagement with biodiversity efforts.

Phaka's research is groundbreaking in both scope and intent. Using online surveys, social media outreach and field interviews, the team compiled a list of over 4 800 indigenous names for all 543 species of frogs and reptiles officially recognised in South Africa, extending the names originally used to group multiple species together. These names span the country’s linguistic diversity and include languages such as isiZulu, Xitsonga, isiNdebele and Tshivenda. Where no specific name for a species existed, the researchers created new names based on familiar descriptive traits, as scientists do with newly discovered organisms.

Why does this matter? Firstly, it makes conservation more accessible. People are far more likely to protect things they can name, especially if those names are rooted in their own language and cultural understanding. For example, a Xitsonga speaker may not relate to the scientific name Ptychadena anchietae, but the name “Mabhruku”, inspired by the frog’s long legs and springy leap, may inspire a different kind of curiosity and care.

Moreover, the research reveals that indigenous naming systems often reflect an intuitive ecological logic. For instance, the Xhosa and Zulu words Ixoxo and Isele group frogs based on the texture of their skin. While not strictly scientific, this classification still captures a meaningful distinction. This folk taxonomy often aligns with scientific classifications at higher taxonomic levels (family or genus), though rarely at the species level. The mismatch, or “under-differentiation”, as the authors describe it, is not due to a lack of insight, but rather reflects the observational priorities of communities whose engagement with these animals is shaped by cultural, utilitarian or ecological familiarity.

The implications stretch beyond taxonomy into social justice and language policy. South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science, a space still dominated by English and, to a lesser extent, Afrikaans. As Phaka argues, including indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic. It enables speakers of these languages to engage with conservation as informed contributors rather than passive recipients. In short, it is a step towards epistemic equity.

The fact that this project emerged from a collaboration between the North-West University and international institutions such as Hasselt University speaks to the global relevance of local knowledge. While the frogs and reptiles are mostly endemic to South Africa, the model of integrating folk and formal taxonomies and embedding local languages in scientific discourse is exportable. Countries ranging from Brazil to Pakistan have grappled with similar issues, and Phaka’s work could serve as a valuable template.

There is still work to be done. Why do some species have names, while others don’t? What role do cultural taboos, visibility, and perceived usefulness play in shaping folk taxonomy? These are questions for future research. In the meantime, however, the simple act of naming a frog, lizard or snake in a language that has endured generations is a profound act of cultural and scientific synthesis.

Ultimately, it turns out that what you call a frog does matter. Especially when that name could be the key to saving the species.

• Dr Fortunate Phaka can be contacted at 071 463 6065 and mafetap@gmail.com.

Student’s body found in pond on campus

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:58:18 +0000

Student’s body found in pond on campus MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 05/12/2025 - 07:58

The NWU would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the 20-year old Mojalefa Reabetswe Nthebe. He was a second-year student in industrial psychology on the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the NWU. Immediately after his body was discovered the matter was reported to the police who is investigating an inquest. Protection Services is providing all possible support to the police in their investigation. As is the case after any such incident, counseling is provided to those in need of it. Due to the fact that the matter is in the hands of the police, no further information will be provided by the NWU.

A memorial service will be held today at 12:00 at the Kumba Hall on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Student passed away after injury during rugby match

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 12 May 2025 05:51:47 +0000

Student passed away after injury during rugby match MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 05/12/2025 - 07:51

The North-West University (NWU) would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Vilano Saunders who passed away during the early hours of Monday, 5 May. He was injured during a rugby match on 3 May on the Vanderbijlpark Campus. It is always tragic and heartbreaking to loose a member of our student community. We are aware of the allegations regarding the position he played in, but the NWU does not have any knowledge of Vilano being forced to play in the front row for any reason. According to information available, he had the training and experience to do so. The tragic incident is being investigated by the relevant rugby union, the Falcons. Vilano was a second-year education student.

A memorial service will be held for him on the Vanderbijlpark Campus on Wednesday, 7 May.

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:30:39 +0000

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 04/24/2025 - 08:30

By Gofaone Motsamai

While the release of weevils into the hyacinth-infested waters of the Hartbeespoort Dam is a welcome development, these insects alone cannot be expected to permanently solve the dam’s pollution problem.

“The use of weevils must be part of an integrated plan to resolve the issue,” says Prof Wynand Malherbe from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Water Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management.

“They can help treat the symptoms of the problem, but they won’t address the root cause – which is nutrient-rich inflows and poor water quality in the catchments of Hartebeesport Dam.”

Prof Malherbe, commenting on the recent release of a weevil biotype – a small beetle species used in biological control – into the dam, says weevils can help combat the rapid spread of water hyacinth, but that reinvasion will reoccur if the underlying causes are not addressed.

On the one hand, the use of weevils is part of a scientifically backed method of restoring ecological balance without the use of chemicals, he says, noting that research from the Centre for Biological Control at Rhodes University has shown limited risk to the ecosystem.

On the other hand, biological control of this kind is not without its challenges.

“These weevils are unable to survive the region’s cold winters, which naturally limits their population and prevents uncontrolled spread,” Prof Malherbe says. “They also take time to become effective, and their performance is affected by environmental conditions such as water quality, temperature and pollution, making outcomes difficult to predict from year to year.”

He says biological control works best when combined with mechanical removal and, in some cases, the use of selective herbicides. “It is a very effective method to control water hyacinth in the long run, but it will never fully eradicate the problem.”

Ongoing management and coordination are essential, he adds. “Water hyacinth will return in the new season, so continuous efforts and monitoring are essential. Without proper oversight, there’s also a small risk that the biological agents could impact indigenous systems, especially if mismanaged.”

Prof Wynand Malherbe.

North-West University medical school named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:06:25 +0000

North-West University medical school named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 04/22/2025 - 15:06

The North-West University (NWU) is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The official naming ceremony took place on Tuesday, 22 April, at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton. The name was unveiled by Dr Anna Mokgokong, Chancellor of the NWU, Bert Sorgdrager, Chairperson of the NWU Council, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU and Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.

The illustrious ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Honourable Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, Premier of the North West Province, Lazarus Mokgosi, as well as various bishops of the Anglican Church.

Dr Ramphele reminded those in attendance of Archbishop Tutu’s early wish to become a doctor before receiving a higher calling, stating that it is fitting that “Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s name will now live on in every graduate of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.”

She also spoke of his unwavering commitment to the spirit of ubuntu.

“It is the obligation of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to live up to the values of ubuntu, and it is the responsibility of its students to meet the high standards that Desmond Tutu would have approved of.”

Premier Mokgosi reflected on Archbishop Tutu’s role as a moral compass during the liberation struggle. “His teachings must continue to galvanise and guide us to be solution-driven citizens.”

The NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. The project is a collaborative effort between the NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders. One of its main aims is to address the severe shortage of healthcare practitioners in the province, while providing a base for the growth of the country’s medical expertise.

NWU Chairperson of Council, Bert Sorgdrager, said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise Archbishop Tutu’s lifelong contributions to the country, but also to create an enduring connection between his legacy and the values, character, and graduate attributes the university seeks to instil in future graduates of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

“Desmond Tutu espoused core values that guided his life and work. Central to his philosophy was the belief in every individual's intrinsic worth and dignity, irrespective of race, creed, or background. His commitment to human rights and equality was deeply rooted in the principle of ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and the idea that ‘I am because we are’. Desmond Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith. His approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation was grounded in the belief that forgiveness and understanding could overcome deep-seated divisions.”

Dr Mokgokong highlighted South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1,000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1,000. She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address.

“We are not merely building a school of bricks and mortar, we are laying the foundation for something much greater and more enduring. Today we open doors that will never close. Doors of opportunity, healing, compassion, and transformation. That is also why we have chosen the name of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was not only a man of faith and moral courage, but also a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity. He understood, better than most, that the essence of humanity lies in our capacity to care, to heal, and to uplift one another. His life’s work taught us that no barrier is too great, no injustice too entrenched, and no dream too distant to be realised through perseverance and unity,” she said.

Prof Tyobeka added that the future of medicine is interconnected, and that the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will play a vital role in shaping it.

“At the foundation of this medical school stand three unwavering pillars: undergraduate and postgraduate training, research, and engaged scholarship. Through world-class education via the MBChB and MMed degrees, we will nurture the next generation of medical professionals. Through rigorous research, we will push the boundaries of medical science and discovery. Through engaged scholarship, we will ensure that our knowledge does not remain confined within academic walls, but actively uplifts communities and strengthens health systems in the North West province and across South Africa. These pillars are not merely conceptual; they are commitments that will define our impact. Now that the NWU has a medical school, we stand at the threshold of exciting global opportunities. Medical education thrives on collaboration across borders, and we intend to establish international partnerships with leading medical schools and research institutions.”

The first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028.

Outcome of the investigation: Apparent cultural ritual disturbance at Eikenhof residence

MOIRA MULLER — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 08:29:33 +0000

Outcome of the investigation: Apparent cultural ritual disturbance at Eikenhof residence MOIRA MULLER Thu, 04/17/2025 - 10:29

The North-West University acknowledges receipt of a letter by Afriforum Youth dated 14 April 2025 on the above matter. NWU registrar, Prof Marlene Verhoef, has responded to the matters raised.

Read the official response here.

Concern/complaint: alleged unwelcome religious practice in the residence

MOIRA MULLER — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:42:14 +0000

Concern/complaint: alleged unwelcome religious practice in the residence MOIRA MULLER Tue, 04/15/2025 - 17:42

The North-West University (NWU) notes the correspondence from one of the student societies and media enquiries regarding an incident that occurred on 13 April 2025 at the Potchefstroom Campus. The incident is allegedly related to religious or spiritual practices in one of the ladies’ residences.

The university is investigating the matter and ensuring that all involved and affected persons receive the necessary support and fair opportunity to make representations. We urge all stakeholders to respect the privacy of all the affected and involved individuals.

We reiterate our commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, respect, consideration, and tolerance for religious and cultural practices of all members of the NWU community. It is also crucial that we continue to create and maintain a dynamic and conducive student life environment in all residences across our three campuses, guided by the Constitution of our country and our institutional ethic of care.

To this end, the matter shall be handled in terms of applicable university rules and processes, and stakeholders updated accordingly.

Issued by:

NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing
15 April 2025

2025 SAICA and ICAN results reaffirm NWU as a leader in accounting education in South Africa

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 11:27:04 +0000

2025 SAICA and ICAN results reaffirm NWU as a leader in accounting education in South Africa

by Oscar Mosiane

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/07/2025 - 13:27

The North-West University (NWU) has again emerged as a leader in accounting education in South Africa. Its candidates achieved an overall pass rate of 95% in the January 2025 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examinations of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN).

This compares to the national average pass rate of 70%, according to the results, which were announced on Friday, 4 April 2025.

“This year, a total of 141 candidates from the NWU passed the SAICA and ICAN exams, which is the highest number of successful passes in these exams in the history of the university,” says Prof Heleen Janse van Vuuren, director of the NWU’s School of Accounting Sciences. Among the university’s SAICA candidates, the pass rate was 95%, while the figure for ICAN candidates was 100%.

The latest results also reaffirm the NWU as a top contributor to the transformation of the chartered accountancy profession: 88% of the NWU’s African, coloured and Indian SAICA candidates passed, compared to the national average of 64%.

A total of 42 African, coloured and Indian candidates from the NWU passed the SAICA exam, 10 of whom are part of the SAICA Thuthuka programme. This is the highest number in the history of the university.

Prof Janse van Vuuren attributes these outstanding results to the support the faculty and its flagship programmes receive from the university’s management. “We celebrate our contribution to the transformation of the accounting profession, this year and over many years,” she says.

The January 2025 IAC exams were the first held under SAICA’s new Chartered Accountant of the Future Competency Framework. This updated framework reflects global trends in digital transformation and integrated thinking, focusing not only on financial but also on non-financial performance, ensuring a future-ready profession.

SAICA has applauded all the high performers and notes that the overall pass rate of 70% marks an improvement from the previous year’s overall pass rate of 67%, reflecting the effectiveness of SAICA’s initiatives aimed at supporting candidates.

First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:14:24 +0000

First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 03/28/2025 - 09:14

The North-West University (NWU) has achieved a milestone with its first-ever publication in the journal Nature with Prof Thembinkosi Malevu of the subject group Physics sharing possible solutions to the risks posed by space junk.

Co-authored with Prof Richard Ocaya from the University of the Free State, the research focuses on the risks posed by space debris, pieces of old satellites and rockets, falling back to Earth.

The study highlights incidents where large metal fragments have crashed in places like Kenya and Uganda. As more satellites are launched into space, the chance of debris falling into populated areas increases, creating risks for people, buildings, land and air traffic.

The study explains that many space agencies and companies do not have clear plans for removing old satellites from orbit. Most of these satellites fall back to Earth, making it difficult to predict where they will land.

The research also discusses international agreements that hold countries responsible for damage caused by falling space debris, but these agreements were created before modern satellite technology and do not fully address today’s challenges.

The researchers warn about a possible chain reaction in space where pieces of debris collide with working satellites, creating more debris that could make space travel and communication systems unsafe. They point out that many small fragments are too tiny to track, making it difficult to prevent accidents.

The study calls for better monitoring systems and stronger rules to manage space traffic and prevent dangerous collisions.

To reduce the risks, the study suggests solutions such as better satellite designs that ensure old equipment burns up safely in the atmosphere. It also explores possible cleanup methods, including robotic arms, nets and lasers that could remove large pieces of debris from orbit.

The NWU’s first publication in Nature is an important step in addressing global challenges related to space safety. The study contributes to discussions on policies, environmental impact and the future of space exploration.

*The journal Nature, established in 1869, is a multidisciplinary science journal that has a 90.0 CiteScore, according to Scopus, a SCImago journal rank of 18.509 and a Source Normalised Impact per Paper (SNIP) rating of 10.010. Nature is not to be confused with journals in the Nature Portfolio.

Prof Thembinkosi Malevu

First-of-its-kind hunting study sheds light on hunters’ perspective

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:32:25 +0000

First-of-its-kind hunting study sheds light on hunters’ perspective

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 03/17/2025 - 08:32

• Hunters, especially international hunters, believe that they benefit local communities.

• International hunters spend up to four times more per visit than local hunters.

• International hunters perceive their impact to be greater than local hunters.

• The perspective of the local community is still missing.

The target is in his sights. In his mind, the buck’s meat is already processed. He pulls the trigger gently and the shot rings loudly, echoing across the South African bush. For the hunter, it was an exhilarating experience, one he shares with thousands of hunters every year. But what does hunting tourism really mean for the local communities that live alongside it?

A recent study by North-West University’s (NWU) Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society (TREES) research unit examines this controversial and often misunderstood industry from an unusual angle: through the eyes of the hunters themselves. This first-of-its-kind study was conducted by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Elmarie Slabbert and published in the journal Development Southern Africa under the title The (ir)relevance of hunting tourism to rural communities: A hunter’s perspective.

The findings are provocative: hunters believe they are not just participating in a recreational activity, but actively shaping the economies, infrastructures, and social dynamics of South Africa’s rural communities. Whether or not local communities share this perception remains an open question.

Hunting tourism is big business in South Africa. Each year, thousands of international and local hunters descend on game farms and reserves, spending large sums of money on guides, lodging and permits. International hunters visiting South Africa’s shores are mainly from the United States and stay an average of ten nights per trip, compared to just three or four nights for their South African counterparts.

The difference in spending is stark, with foreign hunters investing up to four times more per visit. Their financial footprint extends beyond the confines of hunting lodges, spilling over into local communities in the form of employment, service contracts and donations. According to the study, nearly a third of international hunters donate meat from their kills to local communities, and a quarter contribute to schools and public projects.

But is this enough to call it a lifeline for rural South Africa?

The study’s authors argue that hunting tourism does not exist in a vacuum, but sits at the intersection of economic survival, conservation policy and cultural preservation. More than 30% of South Africa’s population lives in rural areas, where unemployment and poverty are widespread. Here, hunting tourism is a rare source of formal employment. Game farms and lodges create jobs for trackers, lodge staff, cooks, and artisans, providing opportunities where few alternatives exist.

Hunters see themselves as the driving force behind this development. Their presence, they argue, leads to improvements in infrastructure, better maintained roads and increased security in the areas where they hunt. They claim that crime decreases in hunting zones and that local pride in traditional cultural practices – such as sustainable wildlife management – flourishes under the influx of revenue. However, these claims remain largely untested from the perspective of the communities themselves.

For all its perceived benefits, hunting tourism is a polarising issue. Its critics argue that it prioritises short-term economic gain over long-term sustainability. Research outside South Africa, notably in Namibia and Botswana, has found that banning hunting tourism can lead to job losses and increased poaching as communities lose a legal means of profiting from wildlife. The South African study echoes these concerns: hunters overwhelmingly see themselves as allies in conservation, directly funding anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife management efforts. Yet conservationists remain divided over whether hunting and biodiversity conservation can truly coexist in the long run.

The NWU study categorised the impact of hunting tourism into three main factors: prosperity, empowerment and revitalisation. Economic benefits ranked highest, with hunters citing job creation, income generation and improved living standards as their top contributions. “Revitalisation”– the idea that hunting tourism physically transforms rural areas through development – came last. Even among the hunters surveyed, expectations of direct infrastructure improvements remained modest.

There was, however, a clear divide between foreign and domestic hunters. International visitors were far more likely to see themselves as key players in community development. They highlighted their financial contributions, their role in maintaining game farms and their support for local projects. South African hunters, while recognising the economic benefits, were less inclined to see their role as transformative. This may be because they are local hunters and do not fully recognise their contribution. It's similar to people living by the coast not appreciating the ocean as much as people who visit the coast on holiday.

There is a simple reason for this. One of the findings of the study is that, although hunters are viewed as a collective, international hunters and local hunters have different perspectives on some of the impacts. The study showed that international hunting tourists perceive their impacts to be more significant than their domestic counterparts. Their spending may also influence their perceptions, as they spend three to four times more per hunt than domestic hunters. However, there are fewer international hunting tourists than local hunting tourists in South Africa; the impact of local hunting tourists is more important because they are more numerous. Local hunters should therefore be made more aware of their impact on communities. In simple terms, local hunters hunt more, which dilutes their own perceptions of their impact on local communities. They think less about the impact of their contributions.

The study suggests that South Africa’s hunting tourism model offers a potential blueprint for balancing conservation and rural development, but it also underscores how little is known about the actual on-the-ground effects. The voices missing from the conversation are those of local communities themselves. Do they see the same economic and social benefits as hunters? Are they benefiting equitably, or are the gains concentrated among landowners and tourism operators?

The study calls for further research, particularly from the perspective of those most affected. Until then, the debate about the place of hunting tourism in rural South Africa remains unresolved. But one thing is clear: for the hunters who return year after year, their impact is measured not just in the animals they hunt, but in the communities they believe they are uplifting.

Press Release

Groundbreaking study gives frogs and reptiles indigenous names

Researchers have created a comprehensive list of indigenous names for frogs and reptiles in order to promote inclusive conservation

People are far more likely to protect what they can name

South Africa’s indigenous languages have long been marginalised in science

The inclusion of indigenous names in biodiversity literature is not only good science, but also democratic

Student’s body found in pond on campus

Student passed away after injury during rugby match

Weevils alone will not permanently eradicate Hartbeespoort Dam’s hyacinth problem

North-West University medical school named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

Outcome of the investigation: Apparent cultural ritual disturbance at Eikenhof residence

Concern/complaint: alleged unwelcome religious practice in the residence

2025 SAICA and ICAN results reaffirm NWU as a leader in accounting education in South Africa

First-ever publication in Nature highlights space debris threat

First-of-its-kind hunting study sheds light on hunters’ perspective