FNAS

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.

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:04:38 +0000

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/27/2025 - 08:04

Phenyo Mokgothu and Keaoleboga Motshabi

“I built this department from the ground up – and now I return to see the seeds have grown into a forest.” These were the heartfelt words of Prof Jamshid Moori as the North-West University (NWU) celebrated his legacy and his 80th birthday during a special mathematics conference held in his honour at the Mahikeng Campus.

The event on 24 May brought together mathematicians, students and former colleagues to reflect on the remarkable contributions of Prof Moori, an international expert in finite group theory and the founding head of the Mathematics Department at the then University of Bophuthatswana – now the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus.

With more than 150 published academic papers and decades of mentorship under his belt, Prof Moori has shaped the field of algebra in South Africa. He has supervised 25 postgraduate students and nine postdoctoral researchers, and played a crucial role in developing the department that continues to thrive today.

According to Prof Thekiso Seretlo, deputy chair of the subject group Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, the timing of the conference was no coincidence. “This was not just about honouring his academic contributions – we also wanted to celebrate his 80th birthday.”

Prof Moori came to South Africa in 1983 to help establish the maths department at the then University of Bophuthatswana. “After he retired from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, I spoke to Prof Dan Kgwadi (late vice-chancellor of the NWU) and asked him to bring Prof Moori back to Mahikeng. We held a celebration for his birthday in 2015, and now, even though he resides in England, we felt it was important to recognise his legacy again.”

The return to Mahikeng was deeply emotional for Prof Moori. “It is very important for me, especially as this conference is in Mahikeng. I was the first head of department. I built the maths department when late Bophuthatswana President Lucas Mangope was here. I produced a lot of students here – even the late vice-chancellor Prof Dan Kgwadi. It brings back a lot of good memories and I’m really proud that I contributed to algebra in South Africa.”

Now living in England with his family, Prof Moori’s influence continues to resonate in academic institutions. The conference served not only as a tribute to his mathematical legacy, but also as a celebration of a life dedicated to knowledge, mentorship and building academic excellence from the ground up.

Attendees of the Mathematics conference in honour of Prof Jamshid Moori.

NWU and University of Lincoln bring game-based learning to life with Arcademia

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 26 May 2025 13:27:31 +0000

NWU and University of Lincoln bring game-based learning to life with Arcademia

by Angeline Marokoane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/26/2025 - 15:27

In an exciting move that promises to reshape how we think about education, the North-West University (NWU) has joined hands with the University of Lincoln in the UK to bring Arcademia, a dynamic, game-based learning initiative, to South Africa.

This collaboration stems from a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two institutions in November 2023. At the heart of this partnership lies a shared belief: that learning can be innovative, hands-on and even ... fun.

Born at the University of Lincoln in 2018 as the Research Arcade, Arcademia began as a simple idea to let students create digital games and share them with others. But it quickly became something more. Today, it is a fully fledged platform where students and staff co-design original games, showcased on custom-built arcade machines across the Lincoln campus.

“By 2025, Arcademia has evolved into a vibrant digital ecosystem with multiple arcade cabinets, a desktop launcher and a growing library of student-made games built on platforms ranging from WebGL to native desktop frameworks. It is playful, yes – but it is also powerful. A tool for engagement, creativity, and real-world learning,” says Dr Lance Bunt, senior lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Information Systems at the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Now, the NWU is gearing up to bring Arcademia to life on South African soil. Plans are in motion to install arcade cabinets across all three NWU campuses, creating exciting new spaces where students can learn, interact and experiment across disciplines.

Professor Estelle Taylor, director of the School of Computer Science and Information Systems (SCSIS) explains, “Arcademia at the NWU is about more than just games. It is about access, opportunity and using technology to break down barriers. Inspired by the success of a similar initiative in Lincoln, the NWU aims to use these installations to foster local game development, host game jams, and create opportunities for underprivileged young people to engage with digital technologies in a fun and meaningful way.”

At its core, this collaboration is a celebration of what happens when education, creativity, and technology come together. Arcademia is not just a project – it is a shared commitment between the NWU and the University of Lincoln to rethink what learning can be.

“It also aligns perfectly with the NWU’s broader goals of promoting student mobility, academic exchange and innovation in sustainable, tech-driven education,” says Dr William van Blerk, senior lecturer and subject chair at the School of Computer Science and Information Systems on the Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Through Arcademia, the two institutions are quite literally building a bridge – between campuses, countries, and communities. As the NWU prepares to launch its first Arcademia

cabinets, excitement is building. Students and staff alike are looking forward to a new kind of learning space – one where curiosity, collaboration and creativity take centre stage.

With this partnership, the NWU and the University of Lincoln are not just reimagining education. They are making it more inclusive, more engaging, and a whole lot more interactive.

This initiative would not have been possible without the support of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) funded International Hybrid Teaching Mobility project, which is dedicated to provide a platform for academics as university teachers to create international teaching partnerships for teaching development. Dr Marieta Jansen van Vuuren, Project Leader for the International Hybrid Teaching Mobility collaborations, explains: “The CTL supports and facilitates internationalisation activities through a professional development strategy with a focus on internationalisation that can create global opportunities to develop a future-ready university teacher who can guide and facilitate learning to prepare future-ready graduates. Collaborations such as Arcademia create an atmosphere of intellectual excitement, through the promotion of scholarly work on teaching and learning to capture and foster reflective practice and innovation that shapes global awareness and intercultural collaboration for both university teachers and students alike.”

Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 22 May 2025 08:36:02 +0000

Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/22/2025 - 10:36

By Gofaone Motsamai

The unusual presence of green stinkbugs in offices, homes and public buildings is no cause for concern, according to Professor Johnnie van den Berg from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU).

“There have been surges in the numbers of many pest and non-pest insects over the last two to three months. This is ascribed to the good rains that were experienced over most of the region,” says Prof van den Berg. He explains that when rainfall is abundant, the host plants of herbivorous insects become more widespread, increasing their chances of survival into adulthood.

Stinkbugs, including the Nezara viridula species, commonly known as the southern green stinkbug, feed on a wide variety of plants. This, together with the lush environments found after good rains, boosts their ability to reproduce and survive. While their sudden appearance indoors may be unsettling, Prof van den Berg says they pose no direct or indirect health risks to humans.

“It is only when you aggravate them or touch them that they may emit a bad odour, which is aimed at scaring off predators. The incidence of humans showing allergic reactions to such emitted chemicals is believed to be extremely low,” he says.

Prof van den Berg adds that although stinkbugs can affect crops such as soybeans and vegetables, their presence in residential or commercial buildings is mostly harmless. As winter temperatures begin to set in, these bugs are expected to disappear naturally.

“It is relatively common for certain insects like Nezara viridula to start aggregating during the colder months of the year. Ladybirds are also known to do this. These bugs move to more favourable environments, such as homes, where it is warmer and there is no frost.”

No insecticide application is necessary, as these aggregations are temporary and unlikely to lead to reinfestation. “The best thing to do is to sweep them up or off the roof, or out of the corners, and throw them outside,” advises Prof van den Berg

Professor Johnnie van den Berg

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 21 May 2025 09:35:48 +0000

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/21/2025 - 11:35

Unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures are threatening crop production across Southern Africa. A groundbreaking discovery by a North-West University (NWU) researcher could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress.

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo, who recently earned her PhD in biology, led the study which identified a unique plant protein that boosts stress resistance and helps plants maintain vital internal balance during extreme conditions.

Her research focused on molecules that help plants manage water, nutrients and stress signals. "We are looking at how plants communicate internally to survive under stress. Understanding these signals means we can potentially enhance their natural defences," Dr Tsholofelo says.

The research zeroed in on a protein called AtHNOX, found in Arabidopsis thaliana (mouse-eared cress), a widely studied plant species known for its genetic simplicity. Dr Tsholofelo demonstrated that this protein could produce two critical molecules, cAMP and cGMP, that are essential for helping plants cope with environmental challenges. These molecules function as messengers that regulate various processes, including water uptake, nutrient transport and stress response.

"For the first time, we have identified a plant protein that can generate both of these molecules. This dual function opens up new possibilities for crop improvement," she explains.

Specifically, AtHNOX contains two enzymes, adenylate cyclase (AC) and guanylate cyclase (GC), that give it the unique capability to enhance how plants manage stress, particularly under conditions such as drought or soil salinity.

She also tested the protein's ability to protect against salt and oxidative stress in prokaryotic expression system. The results suggest that AtHNOX could provide similar protective benefits in plants, making it a promising target for agricultural innovations aimed at climate resilience. The protective AtHNOX benefits indicated are stress responses such as drought and oxidative stress tolerance

Looking ahead, Dr Tsholofelo believes this discovery could inform new agricultural strategies to protect crops against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. "We now have a molecular blueprint that could help plants survive environmental shocks. This is just the beginning.”

About the researcher

Dr Moichwanetse Tsholofelo was born in Borakalalo village in the North West Province and completed her schooling in Mahikeng. She holds a BSc degree in biology and chemistry and an MSc and PhD in biology from the NWU. Her research focuses on plant biochemistry and molecular biology, with a particular interest in enhancing crop resilience to climate stress.

Recent PhD graduate Dr Tsholofelo Moichwanetse’s discovery could pave the way for stronger, more resilient crops capable of withstanding harsh weather and environmental stress

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 19 May 2025 06:55:21 +0000

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/19/2025 - 08:55

Dr Elvis Moyo has fought his way to victory on the mats – and now he's done the same in the classroom. The South African Jiu-Jitsu champion has earned a PhD in applied radiation sciences from North-West University (NWU).

Dr Moyo received his doctorate during a graduation ceremony at the NWU's Mahikeng Campus on 9 May 2025.

His immersion in martial arts began at the age of five and grew after reading about Moses Radebe, a South African champion and NWU alumnus who competed in World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Brazil. "After I read an article about Moses Radebe, I wanted to learn more about the sport," says Dr Moyo.

His dedication paid off, earning him a place in the national team after winning a gold medal at the South African National Championships in 2018. The following year he secured two gold medals at the 2019 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in South Africa, where he was named the best fighter.

In 2023, he represented South Africa and the NWU at the Morganti Jiu-Jitsu World Championships in Recife, Brazil, where he took home a bronze medal in the stand-up fighting category. He narrowly missed a podium finish in the grappling category, placing fourth.

Dr Moyo’s academic ethos displays the same level of discipline and attention to detail as he shows in sport. His PhD research focused on analysing uranium ore samples from South African mines using advanced techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

This work identified the unique chemical signatures of uranium ores, contributing to nuclear forensics and security.

Reflecting on his life experiences, Dr Moyo says that Jiu-Jitsu not only shaped his competitive spirit but also taught him resilience. "Jiu-Jitsu boosts your self-confidence and teaches you self-defence techniques, something everyone can benefit from."

With his PhD and continued success in Jiu-Jitsu, he is demonstrating that there are no limits to excellence. Sport and science go well together.

South African Jiu-Jitsu champion Dr Elvis Moyo recently earned a PhD in applied radiation sciences from the NWU.

How Africa should adapt to climate change

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 14 May 2025 12:13:09 +0000

How Africa should adapt to climate change

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/14/2025 - 14:13

Africa is getting the short end of the stick as climate change is tightening its grip on the continent, although it has only contributed about 3% (at most) of global carbon emissions since the Industrial Revolution.Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the effects of climate change, with droughts, floods, extreme heatwaves, and shrinking forests and vegetation causing widespread devastation.

Irregular weather patterns mean that predicting storms and other weather-related phenomena is becoming increasingly difficult. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the planet’s global average temperature exceeded the 1.6-degree Celsius warming threshold above pre-industrial levels in 2024, which is higher than the target set out in the Paris Agreement.

For Africa, this could be disastrous. It is estimated that climate change could force 5% of Africa’s population, or 113 million people – more than the populations of Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and South Africa – to leave their homes by 2050. Furthermore, adapting to climate change is expected to cost between 30 and 50 billion US dollars a year over the next decade, equating to 2-3% of Africa’s GDP.

On Monday 12 April, the World Meteorological Organisation published its State of the Climate in Africa 2024 report, stating that: “Extreme weather and climate change impacts are hitting every single aspect of socio-economic development in Africa and exacerbating hunger, insecurity and displacement.”

Recent severe floods in South Sudan, which destroyed both livestock and livelihoods, are testament to this.

The report also states that this has been Africa’s warmest decade on record, that sea surface temperatures have reached record highs, and that droughts and floods will continue to wreak havoc on lives and livelihoods. It concludes that early warnings and climate adaptation must be scaled up.

Dr Henno Havenga, of the Climatology Research Group at the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, agrees.

“My advice to policymakers on the continent is to invest in early warning systems and technologies, because climate change will continue to manifest itself in extreme weather events. While Africa is generally addressing the climate change dilemma with enough urgency at a policy level, this is not the case at a practical level. Early warning systems provide more than a tenfold return on investment. Just 24 hours’ notice of an impending hazardous event can reduce the ensuing damage by 30 percent. According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, investing 800 million US dollars in such systems in developing countries could prevent losses totalling between 3 and 16 billion US dollars each year,” he explains.

Although the forecast is bleak, Havenga warns against getting ahead of ourselves.

“We should be careful with our predictions, as they don’t take into account human intuition and other technological developments. The only thing we can control is the here and now, so our focus should be on early warning systems such as weather stations, radar and short-term forecasts.”

While Africa should increase its fiscal efforts to adapt to climate change, Havenga notes that human ingenuity provides a silver lining to this very dark cloud.

Dr Henno Havenga

Shaping the future of sustainable agriculture

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 14 May 2025 06:46:40 +0000

Shaping the future of sustainable agriculture

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/14/2025 - 08:46

The School of Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus is preparing a new generation of agricultural professionals through a combination of academic training, practical experience and sector-focused initiatives.

Comprising four core disciplines, namely agricultural economics and extension, animal health, animal sciences, and crop sciences, the school offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aimed at meeting industry needs.

Students gain practical exposure at the school’s teaching and research farm which has beef and dairy cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, arable land and greenhouses supported by irrigation systems.

The school also houses the Centre for Animal Health Studies which trains animal health technicians and supports research through laboratories equipped for a range of projects.

As part of its forward planning, the school recently held a strategic retreat to define its direction for the next five years. The resulting plan outlines key goals focused on research, academic delivery, operational stability and engagement with stakeholders.

“We are aligning our work with national developmental goals and sector expectations. Our focus is to train graduates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to agricultural production and food systems,” says Prof Simon Letsoalo, director of the School of Agricultural Sciences.

The school also runs two major initiatives aimed at supporting farmers. The Agri Hub assists with breed improvement, goat farming and crop production. Alongside it is the Nguni Cattle Project, a joint venture with government that loans cattle to qualifying farmers. These farmers return calves after a set period, allowing the programme to support others entering the field.

Integration of the project into the Agri Hub is under consideration to streamline its management.

The school will be holding an Agriculture Day at the Molelwane Farm in Mahikeng on 30 June 2025 to showcase the work they do to industry and the community, and to demonstrate how students gain exposure to the realities of the sector.

The school is encouraging learners interested in agriculture to explore its programmes and participate in its efforts to contribute to local and global food systems. “For us, it all starts here,” says Prof Letsoalo

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 12 May 2025 12:33:09 +0000

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/12/2025 - 14:33

They might be small and largely inconspicuous, but ants are becoming big business for a growing market of enthusiasts. In April, Kenyan authorities intercepted two Belgian teenagers, a Vietnamese national, and a local accomplice as they attempted to smuggle 5 400 live queen ants out of the country.

Their illicit cargo, consisting mainly of the Messor cephalotes species, was carefully packed into over 2 200 modified test tubes and syringes, all designed to keep the ants alive during their journey to European terrariums. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) estimated the collection’s local value at approximately 1.2 million Kenyan shillings, though European collectors might have paid as much as one million US dollars for the entire haul – a clear indication that the ant trade is becoming a lucrative target for smugglers.

This marks another troubling shift in the world of wildlife crime. According to Prof Henk Bouwman from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, such trafficking poses a significant threat to local ecosystems unprepared for the arrival of foreign species.

“The smuggling of ants, it is not a good thing. The smuggling of any animal to places where they don’t occur naturally is quite troublesome. Ants are a fantastic group of animals to study and to look at. There are 12 000 to 15 000 known species, and we estimate that there might be more than double that. They're really, really incredible. They occur in almost any habitat, from deep underground to right at the top of trees in rainforest. Those in rainforest, for instance, are so well adapted that if they fall out of the tree, they can actually steer themselves back towards a trunk of the tree and don't fall all the way down to the ground, so they don't have to climb back up. So, this illustrates the adaptability of ants to different conditions. When they end up in places where there's no resistance from plants or animals to these ants - which is not their fault, of course - then it can have tremendous consequences for the ecology and even economy of that region. And it is really, really bad to have people doing this kind of thing,” he explains.

As traditional smuggling targets like elephants and rhinos come under increased protection, traffickers are turning their attention to smaller, less conspicuous species. For conservationists, this is a stark reminder that preserving Africa’s natural heritage must include not only its largest residents but also its smallest.

Click here to listen to Prof Bouwman discussing ant trafficking.

Prof Henk Bouwman

Learners enjoy hands-on robotics and coding experience

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 05 May 2025 09:57:30 +0000

Learners enjoy hands-on robotics and coding experience

by Oscar Mosiane

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 05/05/2025 - 11:57

Whatever shape the future takes, robotics and coding are likely to be part of it. Fifty primary school learners from the Mahikeng area had the opportunity to learn basic coding and robotic skills during a training programme at the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus from 22 to 24 April.

The group of Grade 6 and 7 learners and two educators from DP Kgotlheng Primary School spent three days at the Science Centre of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

They explored robotics principles, programming languages, and software management systems, and were exposed to artificial intelligence (AI) applications such as drones and virtual reality technologies.

The participants also learned about problem-solving, teamwork and creativity by building functional robots. The final day’s competition was a highlight, with the winning teams awarded prizes and certificates.

Olebogeng Matsheka, the Science Centre’s project coordinator, says coding is becoming more accessible to future innovators living in under-resourced communities near the university. “We appreciate how fascinated with robotics and coding, and how willing they are to learn.”

Lerato Molebatsi, centre manager, highlighted how this initiative supports the integration into schools of techno-blended education models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to foster sustainable development. “These skills will assist learners to consider STEM careers and increase their interest about further learning in technology.”

The programme concluded with a guided tour around the Science Centre, stopping at various science departments to motivate and inspire learners to pursue science and technology fields.

The centre regularly hosts groups of primary school learners hungry for knowledge and eager to learn what the future holds for them.

Learners from DP Kgotlheng Primary School explore robotics software.

FNAS

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

Celebrating a legacy in numbers: Honouring Prof Jamshid Moori

NWU and University of Lincoln bring game-based learning to life with Arcademia

Uninvited winter guests: why green stinkbugs are taking over your home

New discovery could help crops survive harsh climates

Jiu-Jitsu champion bags PhD

How Africa should adapt to climate change

Shaping the future of sustainable agriculture

Of ants and men: Africa’s new trafficking problem

Learners enjoy hands-on robotics and coding experience