Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Impressive images as NWU’s solar telescope captures source of May auroras

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 17 May 2024 07:25:31 +0000

Impressive images as NWU’s solar telescope captures source of May auroras

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:25

The spectacular aurora also known as the Southern Lights, caused by a solar storm that impacted the Earth on 10 and 11 May, was seen and captured across the southern hemisphere, including in southern Africa in places such as Gansbaai and in Namibia.

A team of researchers from the North-West University (NWU) captured this rare and historic event through the university’s solar telescope observatory on the Potchefstroom Campus.

This observatory daily records solar activity, and on the NWU's Open Day on 4 May, two researchers and a student from the Centre for Space Research at the NWU noticed a particularly active region when they did their observations.

Dr Ruhann Steyn and master’s degree student Calmay Lee decided to focus the telescopes on where the activity was as part of a demonstration to prospective students and their parents.

At that stage they were unaware that they were recording one of the largest active regions in recent history. During the next week, the team focused their attention on the active region (AR 3664, shown in the image) while it produced several large solar flares that caused the aurora.

Calmay recorded a large solar flare produced by AR 3664 in real time at 09:00 on 11 May – an extraordinary event to capture on the NWU solar telescope.

“Although AR 3664 has now moved out of sight, it is still producing large solar flares,” says Dr Steyn.

He says while a repeat of the auroras seen in South Africa is not expected, the team will continue observing active regions in the hope of learning more about the Sun, and the as yet little understood processes that generate such beautiful phenomena here on Earth.

Largest solar storm in more than two decades

During the evening of 10 May and the early morning of 11 May, people in many parts of the world were treated to a sight rarely seen outside the polar regions.

The aurora is a result of a solar flare transporting solar energetic particles from the Sun to the Earth along the Sun’s magnetic field. Some of the particles interact with the Earth’smagnetic field and are then carried to the South and North Pole.

“The particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, emitting light with a particular colour, depending on whether it collided with either an oxygen or a nitrogen atom,” explains Dr Steyn.

He says the majority of aurora sightings in South Africa were red, which means that these collisions were mostly with oxygen atoms at an altitude between 240 and 450 km above the surface of the Earth.

On 10 May, AR 3664 spanned over 200 000 km across the solar disk. “To give an idea of the magnitude of this region: it is the equivalent of more than 15 times the diameter of the Earth.”

Prof Eugene Engelbrecht from the from the NWU’s Centre for Space Research says the presence of solar flares is not unusual, as solar activity has increased over the past five years, with the Sun approaching the peak of its usual 11-year solar cycle.

“What was different this time was the magnitude of this particular flare, along with the sheer size of the active region it came from,” he concludes.

To listen to Dr Steyn explain this rare and historic event click here

The left image shows a partial solar disk with AR 3664 (located inside the box). White prominences are visible around the edge of the Sun. The right image zooms in on AR 3664. On the image, various phenomena can easily be seen with the NWU solar telescope. Some of these are the sunspots, which are regions occurring where the Sun’s magnetic field is very strong – they appear to be darker due to cooler temperatures. You can also see the complex structures around each sunspot.

Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management welcomes Fulbright specialist

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 02 May 2024 06:58:36 +0000

Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management welcomes Fulbright specialist

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/02/2024 - 08:58

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM) proudly announces the arrival of Prof Nishanta Rajakaruna, a Fulbright specialist and extraordinary professor within the unit.

The Fulbright Specialist Programme is a unique opportunity for academics and established professionals from the United States to engage in project-based exchanges of two to six weeks at host institutions across the globe. This programme annually selects approximately 400 US citizens, renowned for their expertise, to collaborate with institutions worldwide. The recipients are chosen based on their potential to facilitate enduring cooperation between the US and international entities.

During this visit, Prof Rajakaruna will carry out collaborative research with Prof Stefan Siebert, a geo-ecologist at the UESM.

Prof Rajakaruna's tenure at the NWU involves spearheading a project aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and forging partnerships that benefit participants, institutions and communities – both locally and abroad – and particularly in the field of environmental science. Through a diverse array of educational and training initiatives, he will leverage his expertise to enrich the academic landscape at the NWU and beyond.

Prof Rajakaruna's appointment as a Fulbright specialist underscores his academic and professional accomplishments and demonstrated leadership in the realm of environmental science.

More about the Fullbright Specialist Programme

The Fulbright Specialist Programme, a cornerstone of international educational exchange sponsored by the US government, aims to cultivate enduring connections between American and global communities.

This initiative, funded through congressional appropriations to the US Department of State, garners support from participating governments, host institutions, corporations and foundations worldwide. Operating in more than 160 countries, the programme has facilitated transformative experiences for more than 400 000 scholars, students, artists, and scientists since its inception in 1946.

Fulbright alumni, distinguished for their contributions across diverse disciplines, have made indelible marks on the global stage. Notably, 60 alumni have received Nobel Prizes, 88 have been honoured with Pulitzer Prizes, and 39 have served as heads of state or government. These accomplishments underscore the Fulbright Programme's pivotal role in addressing pressing global challenges while fostering enduring relationships, knowledge exchange and leadership development, all in service of advancing the long-term interests of the United States and the international community.

Prof Nishanta Rajakaruna

Children leap for joy on Frog Day

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:47:57 +0000

Children leap for joy on Frog Day

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 04/29/2024 - 10:47

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) African Amphibian Conservation Research Group in the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management celebrated annual Frog Day with a vibrant and educational event on 6 April 2024.

The team invited 70 children to be immersed in the fascinating world of frogs, guided by experts passionate about amphibian conservation.

The main objective of Frog Day was to ignite a sense of appreciation and responsibility towards frogs among children. Prof Louis Du Preez from the subject group Zoology, led the initiative and was assisted by his team of postgraduate students.

“Frogs play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, and we have to make sure that we take the necessary proactive steps for their protection,” says Prof Du Preez.

To achieve this goal, the event featured interactive learning stations tailored to capture children's imaginations. The participants were divided into groups and guided through seven stations. Each station delved into a specific aspect of frog biology and behaviour, ranging from structure to lifecycle stages, highlighting their significance in the ecosystem.

Prof Du Preez noted the enthusiasm and eagerness of the young participants as they explored topics such as the body of a frog, the eye, calling, frog jumping, how frogs eat, and their role in the environment.

To further enrich the experience, each child received a special bag containing a book on frogs, a water bottle, and promotional items from the NWU. These thoughtful gifts not only served as mementoes, but also reinforced the importance of conservation efforts in their daily lives.

Frog Day is not just a celebration, but also a crucial step towards fostering a generation of environmentally mindful individuals by instilling knowledge and empathy at a young age.

“Through events like Frog Day, the journey towards a sustainable future for frogs and their habitats continues one small leap at a time,” adds Prof Du Plessis.

Frog Day sparks curiosity and compassion for amphibians among young minds.

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:27:00 +0000

NWU rakes in eight nominations for ‘Science Oscars’

by Willie du Plessis

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:27

The North-West University (NWU) has received eight nominations for this year’s prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. It is another feather in the University’s cap in its pursuit of excellence without boundaries.

The NSTF-South 32 Awards, also known as the ‘Science Oscars’, is the largest, most comprehensive and one of the most coveted national awards. It recognises outstanding contributions in science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by individuals, teams and organisations.

The NWU is proud of this year’s nominees, who include:

Dr Fortunate Phaka was nominated in two categories: the TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers and the Communication category. Dr Phaka is a senior postdoctoral research fellow and research associate at both the Hasselt University and the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity.

Prof Linda Godfrey, an extraordinary professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, was nominated for the Green Economy Award, sponsored by the Technology Innovation Agency. Prof Godfrey is the Manager of Circular Innovation South Africa and the principal scientist for Circular Economy at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research.

Prof Rose Hayeshi, Director at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform was nominated for the Management Award.

Dr Mathew Moyo, Chief Director for Library and Information Services, is in the running for the Data for Research Award.

Prof Marius Smuts, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, was nominated for the Lifetime Award.

Jonker Sailplanes (PTY) LTD, with Prof Attie Jonker of the School of Mechanical Engineering as a co-founder, shareholder and director, is up for the Innovation Award for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise.

The innovateHER initiative, represented by Prof Leenta Grobler, was nominated for the Non-Governmental Organisation Award.

The winners will be announced at a planned hybrid event and live broadcast from Johannesburg and Cape Town on 11 July. This will be the 26th awards ceremony and the theme for this year’s event is the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa.

Research looks at natural solutions for exposure to health-harming toxins

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:37:18 +0000

Research looks at natural solutions for exposure to health-harming toxins

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:37

Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje from the North-West University (NWU) recently returned from a sabbatical in Ancona, Italy, where she conducted groundbreaking research in toxicology.

Over seven months, Prof Mazibuko-Mbeje delved into a crucial yet often overlooked area of study: the impact of toxins on human health, particularly in the development of diseases like cancer and obesity.

Her research focused on T2 toxin, a prevalent toxin, a mould byproduct in our environment with significant health implications. Using in-vitro models, Prof Mazibuko-Mbeje demonstrated the detection of toxins in human anatomy, revealing their detrimental effects on health. Specifically, she found that T2 toxin exposure induces oxidative stress and inflammation in skin cells. These toxins are found in wheat, barley, rye, oats, and maize.

However, treatment with natural products such as the moringa oleifera plant, either alone or in combination with the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), mitigated these effects.
She emphasised the potential of combining moringa oleifera and CoQ10 in the development of nutraceuticals to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of developing various non-communicable diseases, including diabetes. However, she noted the need for further studies involving animal and human subjects to validate these findings.

This collaborative research with Prof Luca Tiano's lab in Italy highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the study and its potential for future applications in healthcare. It is interdisciplinary as in the future people who stays in farm and are in high risk of exposure will be tested for the amount of toxin as this penetrate through skins, and this study will focus on preventative measured either by food or topical cream. Her innovative approach to toxicological research offers promising avenues for developing preventive and therapeutic interventions for chronic diseases.

Beyond her recent accomplishments, Prof Mazibuko-Mbeje’s career includes being promoted to full professor in January 2024 and assuming the role of head of the Biochemistry subject group on the Mahikeng Campus. She received the Highly Promising Next Generation Researcher award from the NWU in 2023.

One notable collaboration has been with one of her students, Khanyisani Ziqubu, whose research focuses on brown and beige adipose tissues. These thermoregulatory organs have implications for obesity and type 2 diabetes, offering potential insights into their pathophysiology and biomarkers.

Prof Sithandiwe Mazibuko-Mbeje is an expert in toxicology.

Researcher uses artificial mussels to monitor water pollution

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:48:28 +0000

Researcher uses artificial mussels to monitor water pollution

by Steve Maphakathe

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/19/2024 - 10:48

Water pollution is a significant environmental issue with far-reaching impacts on society. It is not confined to local or regional boundaries and is exacerbated by climate change, leading to human health risks.

In dealing with such unprecedented risks to our water resources, what is needed is innovation – the kind of innovation embodied by the Water Research Group of the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University (NWU).

Prof Victor Wepener, an expert in ecological risk assessment, has taken up the challenge to find effective ways for biological monitoring – using artificial mussels.

“Artificial mussels are devices that can take up pollutants and give an indication of the levels of environmental exposure to these pollutants. We have adapted the mussels to be used in different South African aquatic environments and have placed them in major harbours across the country and in Namibia.”

Laboratory gives birth to artificial mussels

The artificial mussels are constructed in a laboratory and consist of a plastic tube that contains small glass beads and a jelly-like substance. “The gel is permeable, which makes it easy for metal pollutants to move through it and bind to the glass beads,” he says.

According to Prof Wepener, the research team has validated the artificial mussels for use in freshwater environments, focusing on specific problematic metals such platinum. A major project was completed in the Rustenburg area, where the artificial mussels were used to gauge the exposure of the aquatic environment to platinum.

Mussels point out problematic metals

“The manufactured mussel devices are placed in containers. These are put at a site about one metre below the water surface for a period of four to six weeks. They are then retrieved and taken back to the laboratory,” Prof Wepener says.

In the laboratory, researchers analyse the glass beads for different problematic metals such as cadmium and mercury, as well as for metals that occur naturally in marine environments, such as arsenic and manganese.

It took the team three to four months to complete this project, from the manufacturing of the mussels to their deployment at the sites, the exposure period and laboratory analysis.

Towards a sustainable future

Prof Wepener says it is imperative to raise awareness about the value of maintaining clean water sources, especially in Africa, where water pollution is fuelled by various challenges such as industrialisation, agricultural practices and the limited enforcement of environmental regulations.

The NWU’s Water Research Group is contributing to better water management through its research. Its work with artificial mussels provides researchers and resource managers with a monitoring tool that is relatively inexpensive and reduces the use of animals as biological indicators of metal pollution exposure.

The research also addresses at least four of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals: good health and well-being (Goal 3), clean water and sanitation (Goal 6), life below water (Goal 14) and climate action (Goal 13).

Prof Victor Wepener shows where the artificial mussels are stored in the laboratory. He explains that his biological biomonitoring research approach helps him to determine whether the pollutants have influenced or will influence the environment.

Dr Fortunate wants to eliminate malaria

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:11:54 +0000

Dr Fortunate wants to eliminate malaria

by Bertie Jacobs

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 04/19/2024 - 10:11

Dr Fortunate Mokoena has a vision. This senior lecturer in biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the North-West University (NWU) wants to make the continent she calls home a better, safer place for its citizens.

She hopes to do this by helping to eliminate malaria.

“Many of us born on the African continent grew up wanting to make a lasting contribution to Africa's economic emancipation, growth and development. I have focused on studying diseases that plague Africa the most, hoping to contribute to drug discovery to eradicate tropical diseases that disproportionately affect the continent. I believe that the reduction and eventual eradication of malaria on the continent, which requires drug discovery, is essential to the continent's success,” she explains.

In 2021, there were 609 000 deaths from malaria, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa, where tropical climates facilitate the spread of mosquito vectors, severely impacting pregnant women and young children.

Drug resistance poses a significant challenge in combatting malaria. On the other hand, the recent development of an effective vaccine offers hope for reducing transmission, particularly in vulnerable regions.

These anomalies underscore the need for ongoing research into novel treatments, while also integrating vaccines, insecticides and drugs so that they work together to beat the disease.

Dr Mokoena says she and her team, which consists of four MSc students, Tlhalefo Ntseane, Thato Matlhodi, Ofentse Mafethe and Lisema Makatsela, aims to find new drugs for treating malaria by studying a specific protein essential for the malaria parasite's survival, called PfHsp90.

“We use computer simulations and lab experiments to identify and optimise potential drug compounds. These compounds are tested on PfHsp90 in the lab, and their effects are also evaluated on both malaria parasites and human cells. By combining results from different tests, we determine if the compounds have the potential to be effective antimalarial drugs.”

This collaborative project has identified some hit compounds* targeting or inhibiting, PfHsp90, with potent activity against the P.falciparum asexual stage parasite. The hit compounds have also been demonstrated to inhibit and bind the target protein, without impacting the human counterpart of the protein.

“The targeting of PfHsp90 can slow down or reduce the likelihood of drug resistance. The detrimental effect of PfHsp90 on parasite survival was demonstrated using known inhibitors developed as anti-cancer agents. Our study used computer-aided drug discovery technology to identify new compounds that are toxic to the parasite and are capable of inhibiting PfHsp90.”

Most of these compounds had low to no cytotoxicity to human cells, making them promising starting points for drug discovery. “Improved potency and affinity towards PfHsp90 could result in the compound providing a promising lead for antimalarial drug discovery.”

Putting an end to malaria in Africa will save lives, enhance public health, reduce poverty, improve economic stability and relieve the burden on healthcare systems. Thanks to people like Dr Mokoena and her team, the research being done could lead to greater social and developmental progress across the continent.

* A hit compound is a molecule that shows the desired type of activity in a screening assay. In the drug discovery process, a hit is a compound that displays desired biological activity towards a drug target and reproduces this activity when retested.

Dr Fortunate Mokoena.

Plastic pollution is the downside to celebrations

MARELIZE SANTANA — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:38:16 +0000

Plastic pollution is the downside to celebrations

by Zenoyise John

MARELIZE SANTANA Tue, 04/09/2024 - 09:38

Ten million tiny pieces of plastic are estimated to be lying on the lawn in front of the North-West University (NWU) Law Faculty in Potchefstroom, and the soil in the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds also has high levels of plastic pollution. This is the downside of the celebrations that are often held in these spaces, where glitter poppers and fireworks leave a lasting legacy – unpleasantly so.

In preparation for World Environment Day on 24 June, a team from the Research Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management conducted a study at three different sites to identify and quantify plastic particles and other pyrotechnics used in celebrations. The findings confirm the necessity for the NWU to reduce plastic pollution on its grounds and to respond in all earnest to the call made last year by Prof Bismark Tyobeka, vice-chancellor, to combat plastic pollution and minimise the use of plastic.

The research team comprised three students, Raeesa Bhikhoo, Lohan Bredenhann and Francois Bothma, and supervisors Prof Henk Bouwman and Prof Carlos Bezuidenhout. They set out to obtain soil samples from sites where poppers are frequently used, to identify and quantify plastic particles in the soil, evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning up the plastic poppers, and identify and communicate possible interventions to reduce plastic pollution on the NWU grounds.

Prof Bouwman says inadequate waste management practices in natural environments have caused plastic to become a frequent sight in cities. "Plastic is widely used for packaging and clothing, as well as for decorative purposes like confetti and glitter in ceremonial confetti poppers, and reflective plastic strips used in fireworks during sports events."

Owing to the durability of plastic, it remains in the environment for a long time, negatively affecting the environment and the residing organisms – and potentially damaging human health.

"Contact with and/or ingestion of plastic can cause a false sense of satiation, intestinal blockages, reproductive impairment and death in organisms,” Prof Bouwman says. “Both confetti/glitter poppers and fireworks are based on pyrotechnics, which also carries inherent health risks, such as eye damage, skin damage, and hearing damage.”

What the study showed

Sampling was conducted at three different sites on the Potchefstroom Campus at the NWU.

"Two of the locations were chosen based on the usage of glitter poppers and fireworks during ceremonies and sporting events, with the third site in the NWU Botanical Gardens, a control site where poppers and fireworks are not used,” says Prof Bouwman.

Six soil samples were taken per site using a core sampler. The soil samples were sifted using two layers of sieves, with the top mesh sieve size being 1,25 mm and the second mesh sieve size being 500 µm. Larger pieces of plastic were hand-picked from the soil.

“The sifted soil from the steel 500 µm sieve was then separated using a density-separation technique, as plastic is normally lighter than water and floats. The pieces can then be collected and counted,” he says.

Density separation entails adding iodine salt to water. Iodine salt is heavy and makes the density of the solution heavier than that of water or most plastics. The soil is then stirred into the solution and left for the soil particles to settle out for 24 hours. The plastic floats to the top layer. The top layer containing the plastic particles is then filtered through steel sieves of 25 µm mesh.

The particles were then counted under a microscope, enabling the students to estimate that the lawn in front of the Law Faculty contained approximately 10 million small pieces of plastic. Plastic particles were also present on the sports grounds, as well as in run-off areas, from where they will enter streams, rivers, stormwater pipes and groundwater. The soil from the Botanical Garden contained far fewer plastic particles.

The study showed the presence of enormous amounts of plastic in the soil, providing a baseline for future research and interventions to reduce plastic pollution on the NWU grounds. The use of confetti poppers and fireworks in celebrations has been normalised, but it is still a form of littering. Other bio-friendly alternatives are possible, such as dried flower petals, paper confetti, or digital effects, although these also have their own problems.

The study recommends interventions to reduce plastic pollution on the NWU grounds, such as promoting the use of bio-friendly alternatives, implementing proper waste management practices, and raising awareness among students and staff.

Students Lohan Bredenhann, Raeesa Bhikhoo, and Francois Bothma was part of the research team.

Looking to sustainable agriculture

MARELIZE SANTANA — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:19:46 +0000

Looking to sustainable agriculture

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Mon, 04/08/2024 - 13:19

Poultry manure could revolutionise farming practices in South Africa, particularly among subsistence farmers in rural areas. This is one of the research findings of Mandisa Mazibuko, a researcher from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Her research delves into the effects of poultry manure on selected maize cultivars and soil minerals with a focus on promoting sustainable agriculture.

She applies recommended rates to determine the rate that produces a high yield and enhances soil mineral content. Consequently, the research also investigates the optimal poultry manure rate and the most suitable maize cultivar for both rain-fed and irrigated field conditions. The application of manure is done according to recommended rates to assess the impact of different poultry manure rates on maize yield and soil mineral improvement.

In South Africa, where resources are scarce and access to financial credit is limited for many farmers, Mandisa has recognised the importance of sustainable farming practices. Conventional farming methods are reliant on pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and herbicides which pose health risks to consumers and put a strain on the environment. Sustainable agriculture, on the other hand, advocates for organic manuring, reduced use of synthetics and recycling of crop residues, offering a more financially viable and environmentally friendly alternative.

“Central to my approach is the use of poultry manure as a natural fertilizer. Unlike synthetic alternatives, poultry manure enriches the soil with organic matter, promotes microbial activity and provides essential nutrients for plant growth,” she says.

The implications of her research extend beyond academic curiosity. By promoting sustainable farming methods, she aims to empower commercial and subsistence farmers, particularly those in rural communities. These communities often lack the resources and knowledge necessary to adopt sustainable practices, making her research invaluable in addressing food security concerns and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, Mandisa advocates for integrated weed management strategies, emphasising manual weed removal over chemical herbicides. This approach not only reduces costs for farmers but also minimises risks to beneficial organisms and human health, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

To assess the long-term impact of her research, Mandisa employs soil analysis before and after manure application and multiple planting seasons to track its effectiveness over time. By measuring changes in soil minerals and plant growth, she aims to provide concrete evidence of the benefits of sustainable farming practices.

“Beyond immediate environmental and agricultural benefits, my research underscores the broader socio-economic advantages of sustainable agriculture. By increasing food production while reducing input costs, sustainable farming can contribute to rural development and economic growth, ultimately improving the overall well-being of communities.”

Mandisa Mazibuko's journey towards sustainability.

IKS Centre signs cooperation agreement with three communities to protect indigenous knowledge

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 09:14:32 +0000

IKS Centre signs cooperation agreement with three communities to protect indigenous knowledge

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 04/08/2024 - 11:14

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Centre has recently sealed a significant cooperation pact with three communities in the North West province.

This agreement aims to safeguard South African indigenous knowledge by ensuring it is managed and utilised for the benefit of the communities and rights holders from which it originates.

The communities involved in this initiative are Batlharo booMasibi, Batloung ba ga Shole, and Barolong booMotshegare.

According to Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, director of the IKS Centre, the journey toward this collaboration began in May 2021 when the NWU submitted a proposal to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). This proposal aimed to establish an Indigenous Knowledge Systems Documentation Centre (IKSDC), which forms a vital component of the DSI National Recordal System (NRS).

"The DSI subsequently entered into a funding agreement with the NWU to document and record indigenous knowledge in the North West province," explains Dr Koitsiwe.

"The recording may ultimately lead to the archiving of these knowledge claims to be accessed under the appropriate legal frameworks by the broader public."

Under the terms of the agreement, the NWU will host the North-West IKSDC, ensuring the protection, management and utilisation of South African indigenous knowledge for the direct and indirect benefit of the concerned communities and rights holders.

The primary function of the three communities is to assume responsibility for community aspects related to indigenous knowledge documentation associated with the NRS project. This includes identifying indigenous knowledge holders in the community for interviews and verifying the list of holders whose knowledge is to be catalogued and recorded.

This cooperation agreement marks a significant step forward in the protection and preservation of South Africa's rich indigenous knowledge, fostering collaboration between academic institutions and local communities for mutual benefit.

Kgosi Phenyo Motshegare from the Barolong booMotshegare community and Dr Motheo Koitsiwe, director of the NWU IKS Centre.