In three recent papers, South African biologists and environmentalists have listed pertinent research priorities for the next decade. These could help steer the protection of the country's plant and animal wealth, and that of the Cape Floristic Region in particular. The authors believe that the priorities set out could go a long way in addressing key threats raised in the … [Read more...]
Renewable energy: are we industry leaders or followers?
The keynote speakers at the Renewable Energy Postgraduate Symposium (REPS) held at Stellenbosch University on 17 and 18 July emphasized the need for relevant, perhaps even bankable research. “Academic research needs to come out of the lab and onto commercial spaces,” said Mr. Cebo Silinga as he presented instruments from the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) designed to … [Read more...]
Water expert talks drought lessons at Mensa
In South Africa 98% of all potential raw water sources are already allocated for use. Increasing urbanisation and demand for safe sanitation place heavy demands on our water resources. The Department of Water & Sanitation estimates that R7-billion in potable water is lost annually. That amounts to 36% of the clean drinking water supply! Dr Jo Barnes, epidemiologist and … [Read more...]
First students receive new MSc degree in Sustainable Agriculture
Stellenbosch University postgraduates Busi Mahlobo, Sakeus Kafula, Tshepo Morokong and Zander Venter are all breaking new ground as being among the first students in South Africa to write the degree MSc Sustainable Agriculture behind their names. They received their degrees on Monday 14 March during Stellenbosch University’s March graduation ceremony. In December 2015, Tawanda … [Read more...]
Drug waste in SA’s drinking water raises health concerns
Traces of antiretrovirals, anti-epileptic drugs, antibiotics and antidepressants are allegedly lingering in South African tap water. Compounds of these drugs have been found in several studies on water sources around South Africa between 2013 and June 2015. Professor Hugh Patterton, chief researcher at Stellenbosch University, said the compounds and concentration levels … [Read more...]
Confessions of communicating scientist Prof Nox Makunga
Plant biotechnology expert Prof Nox Makunga spoke to a group of 60+ scientists and science communicators at Stellenbosch University last month. She presented her talk on ‘how public engagement is shaping my research career’ as part of a “Science Fridays @Stellenbosch” series on science communication, hosted at CREST (Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and … [Read more...]
Defy the rules and change the world
“Don’t accept no for an answer. Defy the rules! It’s the only way we’re going to make the change.” This was the opening statement by Prof Gunter Pauli, Blue Economy entrepreneur from Belgium, who was the keynote speaker at the international Student Environmental Network summit hosted by the Stellenbosch University. He has written 20 books, published in 34 languages, … [Read more...]
‘Botanical gold mine’ could help boost development
We are blessed with a rich variety of indigenous plants which should be used to drive socio-economic development, said Dr Nox Makunga of the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University (SU) on Monday (2 June 2014). She was the speaker at the fourth Stellenbosch Forum Lecture of 2014. The Stellenbosch Forum lecture series provides regular opportunities to … [Read more...]
A change of heart for water & sanitation
What do we use drinking water for in this country? “To flush our toilets, to bath or shower, to wash our hands and cars and to irrigate our gardens. How much of this drinking water is actually used for drinking?” asked Councillor David Botha (pictured, right) from the Stellenbosch municipality during the university’s World Walk for Water and Sanitation this week. The event … [Read more...]
Improving food security in KZN
Agricultural economists from Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Ghent teamed up to study the varied impact of a government food security programme in KwaZulu-Natal. The study, published in the journal Development Southern Africa, contributes to the on-going debate on rural food insecurity in South Africa, and forms part of the Stellenbosch University Food … [Read more...]
Disciplines work together to tackle major challenges
“Disciplines have to work together in future to inform lawmakers and policymakers to craft laws that will lead to more safety, security and peace and more co-operation around the world.” These were the words of Prof Oliver Ruppel, Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law at SU and co-editor of the two-volume publication Climate Change: International Law and Global Governance – … [Read more...]
Cape Flats home to 22 million birds
The Cape Flats, covered by about 2.7 million hectares of invasive species, including Australian acacias, is also home to about 22 million birds, an MSc student from Stellenbosch University found recently. Andrew Rogers, a postgraduate student in the Department of Botany and Zoology at SU, endured six months of fieldwork (often starting at sunrise) and a case of tick bite … [Read more...]
Stellenbosch rivers still in dire straits
The levels of human excrement and disease-causing pathogens in rivers around Stellenbosch are unacceptable and unsanitary. The water of the Eerste and Plankenbrug Rivers regularly do not meet international or national standards for the safe irrigation of fresh produce. People who use the rivers for sport and recreation stand a chance of contracting diseases such as diarrhoea, … [Read more...]
