Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Academic and student named finalists for the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 12:11:06 +0000

Academic and student named finalists for the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 07/24/2024 - 14:11

North-West University (NWU) academic Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola and student Sinenhlanhla Mthembu have been named finalists for the 2024 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA).

These awards recognise outstanding contributions by women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Prof Babalola and Sinenhlanhla will join other distinguished women at the awards ceremony on 15 August in Mbombela.

The event is hosted by the Department of Science and Innovation, and this year’s theme is "Transition towards an innovation economy: The role of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics".

Prof Babalola is the director of the NWU’s Food Security and Safety research niche area and leads the Microbial Biotechnology subject group. She is also the vice-president of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), which oversees operations spanning 46 African countries.

Prof Babalola is widely recognised for her groundbreaking research on plant-microbe interactions, which has far-reaching implications for sustainable agriculture and food security. Her innovative approaches have paved the way for enhanced crop productivity and resilience, particularly in the context of climate change.

In response to the announcement, she expressed her gratitude and emphasised the importance of supporting women in science.

"Being recognised as a finalist is a tremendous honour. It underscores the critical role that women play in advancing science and addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. I hope this recognition inspires more young women to pursue careers in science and contribute to our collective understanding and betterment of the world," she said.

Sinenhlanhla is a PhD student in biochemistry and collaborates with the South African Medical Research Council. She obtained her BSc in biochemistry and microbiology in 2017, her BScHons in microbiology in 2018, and her MSc in biochemistry in 2020 at the University of Zululand.

She is currently involved in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular research, investigating the implications of dyslipidemia and statin-associated dysregulations on CoQ biosynthesis. Beyond this, she is also investigating the potential therapeutic properties of dietary compounds like aspalathin and sulforaphane on their cardioprotective properties.

She said she is incredibly grateful for this recognition.

“This award represents more than just personal achievement; it signifies opportunities for my career as a young female scientist. I believe it will open doors for collaboration as I strive to establish myself in the field. Moreover, I hope it serves as an inspiration to other young researchers who look up to me, showing them that hard work pays off, no matter where you come from. Lastly, I am profoundly grateful to my supervisors for their support and guidance,” said Sinenhlanhla.

Prof Olubukola Oluranti Babalola.

Sinenhlanhla Mthembu.

Animal health is a science of care at the North-West University

BELINDA BANTHAM — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:17:34 +0000

Animal health is a science of care at the North-West University

by Bertie Jacobs

BELINDA BANTHAM Fri, 07/12/2024 - 11:17

The relationship started 10 000 years ago and continues to shape our world to this very day. As human societies transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled farming communities, they recognised the benefits of taming and breeding animals for a variety of needs. Not only did this domestication revolutionise agriculture by enhancing food security, it also allowed the development of complex societies. It was a pivotal period in the history of our species, and now the subject group Animal Health at the Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Sciences of the North-West University (NWU) is ensuring that this relationship continues to thrive for the benefit of South Africa.

According to Prof Mulunda Mwanza from the subject group, it is a field where opportunities thrive. “Animal Health at the NWU is so unique because it provides so many opportunities and so much exposure to students. From their first year, students are exposed to a working environment and all that entails. In addition to the veterinary possibilities, the programme offers students a wide variety of employment opportunities that include meat inspection, employment at animal feed companies, animal breeding stations and agricultural firms, and in biosecurity, for example for border control, and they are given training to be self-employed through entrepreneurship programmes.”

The subject group has numerous focuses that include animal health, veterinary microbiology, biosecurity, food safety, community engagement, production, primary animal healthcare, companion animal healthcare, wildlife and research.

Prof Mwanza says that there are numerous reasons why he would encourage prospective students to study in the field of animal health at the NWU.

“The programme is so well structured. Students are trained in small groups, and the training is done to ensure that students gain as much experience as possible. They are taught to think outside the box and to be independent thinkers as well as entrepreneurs who can significantly contribute to South Africa’s economic growth. The programme offers both undergraduate and postgraduate training.”

For students, this programme holds several benefits, but that is not the full extent of the picture.

“In this important field, students form part of a bigger picture, namely to protect the country against animal diseases through prevention, treatment, research and innovation with regard to diseases. Successful graduates also participate in the growth of agriculture, thus benefiting the country’s economy.”

Animal Health at the NWU also has a strong community engagement component.

“For four days a week, students engage with emerging farmers to help them with primary animal healthcare and to give them advice on diseases. This engagement has seen a drop in the disease burden in the area surrounding the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus, where the programme is hosted,” explains Prof Mwanza.

The subject group also boasts state-of-the-art facilities that include a veterinary laboratory, which is approved by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). It also has a fully equipped animal health hospital, which provides surgery, dentistry, orthopaedic, radiology, endoscopy and sonar services.

This, coupled with the NWU’s dedicated researchers, makes Animal Health an indispensable tool in the fight against a number of attacks on animal health.

“We are doing some very exciting and impactful research on emerging animal diseases and others like mastitis, rabies, campylobacter resistance, antibiotic residues, lumpy skin disease and foot-and-mouth disease, and we are developing new technologies for environment control. An example of this is the development of biological control of odours on farms and at abattoirs. Regarding food safety, we are doing innovative research on residues, mycotoxins and toxicology. We are also invested in ethnoveterinary research to help farmers reduce the use of drugs and other harmful chemicals.”

Through innovation and dedication the NWU is ensuring that the next steps of our 10 000-year journey with our animals will be more beneficial than ever before.

Ensuring a future for migratory fish species

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 06:32:59 +0000

Ensuring a future for migratory fish species

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 06/19/2024 - 08:32

The Water Research Group (WRG) from the School of Biological Sciences and the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University (NWU) collaborated with Nature-I-Am to celebrate World Fish Migration Day. Children between the ages of 4 and 13 from twenty different schools across Potchefstroom, Stilfontein and Fochville participated in the celebration, which took place at the appealing Lekwena Wildlife Estate on Saturday, 25 May.

The primary goal of the celebration was to raise awareness on the importance of fish migration and healthy, free-flowing rivers. The children enjoyed face painting, engaged in lessons and activities and received goodie bags.

Migration plays an important role in the life cycles of many fish species. These migrations include both short- and long-distance movements of the fish for the purposes of breeding, feeding and avoiding unfavourable environmental conditions.

Prof Nico Smit, a professor of Aquatic Ecology and Wildlife Parasitology at the NWU’s School of Biological Sciences, said it is pivotal to protect our rivers and ensure a healthy ecosystem from which humans can also benefit. Prof Smit also said the best place to start awareness on the protection of our water and rivers is among young children, as they are the leaders of the future.

“If we promote healthy, free-flowing rivers where fish can migrate effectively, and if we educate the young children on this kind of topic, they will be able to make good decisions for our environment in the future,” Prof Smit added.

The educational activities that promoted the awareness of fish migration consisted of ten different stations and included an overview of fish, information on the fish food chain, and a collection of aquatic invertebrates. Fish collection, fish behaviour, predator-prey interactions, threats to fish, ish feeding, fish migration, fish parasites and fish habitats were among the additional concepts explained to the children. The eleventh station was a photo booth, where the children enjoyed taking photos while being dressing up as fish scientists.

“The children showed their excitement through their facial expressions as they arrived at a new station. One other advantage I noticed was that parents were present, and they too gained a great deal of knowledge from this awareness initiative,” said Prof Smit.

While Dr Mariliese Truter, a postdoctoral fellow at the WRG, loved interacting with the children, she acknowledged that it was sometimes difficult to explain complicated concepts to them.

Tshenolo Masilo, a master’s-degree student who is currently conducting research at the WRG on largescale yellow fish, parasite communities and historical ecology, was responsible for explaining the fish food web to the children. One of her memorable moments was receiving a chocolate from one of the children.

Towards rivers that are healthy and free flowing.

Annual BMI Prestige Award Ceremony honours outstanding achievements

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 29 May 2024 07:53:09 +0000

Annual BMI Prestige Award Ceremony honours outstanding achievements

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 05/29/2024 - 09:53

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (BMI) held its annual Prestige Awards Ceremony on 26 April 2024, celebrating the exceptional achievements of its students across various categories.

The NWU BMI Prestige Awards do not only celebrate academic excellence, but also highlights the university's commitment to fostering industry-relevant research and innovation. The accomplishments of these students reflect the NWU’s dedication to cultivating leaders and innovators in the fields of business mathematics and informatics.

This year’s ceremony featured a distinguished lineup of awardees, including:

· Chinedu Okechukwu: Best First-year Project

· Marco Boshoff: Best Third-year BMI Student at the Vanderbijlpark Campus

· Leasha Louwrens: Best Third-year BMI Student at the Potchefstroom Campus

· Johann Adam Rossouw: Best BMI Honours Business Analytics Student

· Nica Pretorius and Kemedi Boikanyo Matotoka: Best BMI Honours Quantitative Risk Management Students

· Maroché Viljoen: Best BMI Honours Actuarial Student

Significant contributions in industry-directed research were also spotlighted, with Nichole Gouws and Roland Dirk Breedt both receiving awards for the Best Industry-directed Research Project. Nichole Gouws also walked away with the award for Best MSc BMI Student.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me,” says Chinedu Okechukwu. “It is a validation of my hard work and passion, inspiring me to strive for excellence and reminding me that dedication and creativity can lead to amazing results.”

The achievements of these students demonstrate remarkable dedication and ingenuity, showcasing the high standards of education and research at the NWU.

The NWU’s Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics celebrated the exceptional achievements of its students during its annual Prestige Awards Ceremony. Here are staff members, ABSA and SAS sponsors, and the trophy winners.

DJ and statistics wiz earns a PhD

BELINDA BANTHAM — Thu, 23 May 2024 12:46:47 +0000

DJ and statistics wiz earns a PhD

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Thu, 05/23/2024 - 14:46

Moses Phiri, widely known as DJ 10111, graduated with a PhD in statistics from the North-West University (NWU) on 22 May 2024.

He is the second DJ to achieve this academic milestone at the NWU, following DJ HK who earned a PhD in geography in 2022.

Born and raised in Mahikeng, he completed his bachelor’s degree in statistics in 2009 and his honours degree (cum laude) in 2010. His pursuit of education continued at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, where he completed a postgraduate diploma in general management in 2018 and an MBA in strategic leadership in 2020.

He then returned to the NWU to pursue an MSc in business statistics, graduating with distinction. His PhD thesis focused on the "Robustness of Machine Learning in Dealing with Outliers and Missing Values”. Both his master’s and PhD degree were supervised by Prof Dan Metsileng.

During his academic journey at the Mahikeng Campus Moses was an active student leader, serving as chairperson of the Commerce and Administration Council (CSRC) and showing a strong commitment to student welfare.

As DJ 10111, he was a prominent figure in the campus music scene, serving as the resident DJ. He co-founded the NWU DJ Society with fellow DJs, including DJ Redds and DJ Bobzen. His talent and passion for music led him to share the stage with renowned DJs such as Black Coffee, Zakes Bantwini, DJ Dimples, Ralf Gum, Sir LSG, Positive K, Christos and Vinny Da Vinci.

His career path is equally impressive. After obtaining his honours degree, he joined Statistics South Africa. In 2012 he joined GfK – a German market research company – and then moved to Nielsen Marketing as a data science manager in 2016.

Currently residing in Australia, Moses is the data science director at NielsenIQ – a consumer intelligence company – supporting operations in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Reflecting on his journey, Moses says: "Balancing my passion for music and academic pursuits has been challenging but rewarding. I'm grateful for the support from the NWU and the opportunities that have come my way."

His achievements underscore the possibility of excelling in both creative and academic fields, inspiring many to follow in his footsteps.

Dr Moses Phiri (right) with his supervisor, Prof Dan Metsileng.

Former world and national Morganti Ju-Jitsu champion bags a PhD

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 21 May 2024 07:11:45 +0000

Former world and national Morganti Ju-Jitsu champion bags a PhD

by Phenyo Mokgothu

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:11

Moses Radebe, a two-time world Morganti Ju-Jitsu and a five-time national Ju-Jitsu champion, graduated with a PhD in radiation science at the North-West University (NWU) on 20 May 2024.

Moses also holds a BSc in computer science and physics, and a BScHons and MSc in applied radiation science.

His PhD thesis was on “The design, construction, and validation of a radon chamber for the calibration of radon monitors at the North-West University, South Africa”.

Besides participating in Morganti Ju-Jitsu, Moses served in both academic and support structures during his time at the NWU. He served as an assistant lab technician, temporary lecturer for nuclear physics, and student assistant in the subject group Physics.

His leadership roles in sports include being deputy chairperson and equipment manager of the All Sports Chapter and vice-primarius and affairs officer at the Biko Residence. He was also NWU Sportsman of the Year for 2016 and 2017.

Moses says his fascination with radiation science was sparked when he realised what an impact naturally occurring radioactive material can have on the environment and human life, as well as the technologies that detect radiation exposure and possible treatments.

“I am also interested in ways to strengthen nuclear security, especially in South Africa,” he says.

When asked how he managed to balance sport and academics, he says time management is very important.

“Students who want to succeed in sports and also do well academically should push themselves and never settle for second best,” says Moses.

Moses Radebe recently graduated with a PhD in nuclear science from the NWU.

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

by Willie du Plessis

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.