| Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11259 | | Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Alec Basson] | <p>In 2023, malaria caused 597 000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with most occurring in Africa, where the deadliest malaria parasite, <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em>, is most prevalent. Once inside the body of an infected person, the parasite relies on a process called glycolysis—breaking down glucose (a sugar)—to produce energy and stay alive.<br></p><p>A new study at Stellenbosch University (SU) found that blocking the enzymes involved in this process could cut off the parasite's primary energy source and kill it. Some of these enzymes could also be good targets for new malaria drugs.<br></p><p>“Plasmodium falciparum relies heavily on free energy produced during glycolysis for its survival, growth and replication. It consumes vast amounts of glucose from the host's red blood cells to survive. If we can block the breaking down of sugar, it will be harder for the parasite to mutate or evade suppression without suffering severe consequences," says Dr Tagwin Frantz who recently obtained her PhD in biochemistry at SU.<img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/TFrantz.png" alt="TFrantz.png" class="ms-rtePosition-2" style="margin:5px;width:348px;height:469px;" /><br></p><p>As part of her study, Frantz tested three chemicals to determine how they affect the parasite's glucose metabolism, growth and use of available energy utilising experimental and modelling approaches to identify potential drug targets. Each chemical blocked a different enzyme (hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) involved in breaking down sugar, securing a continuous energy supply, maintaining the parasite's redox balance (how it manages chemical reactions to produce energy and protect itself from harmful molecules) and helping it to survive. <br></p><p>Frantz says that two of these chemicals are known to inhibit the parasite's ability to extract nutrients from its host, converts them into energy, and adapts its biochemical processes for survival and reproduction. The chemicals—one being Spinosad, an insecticide derived from the bacteria <em>Saccharopolyspora spinosa</em> and used against pests like mosquitoes—have shown the ability to fight the parasite though the exact mechanism of action is unknown. These chemicals were tested on the isolated parasite, red blood cells (both infected and uninfected), and a type of bacteria used in biotechnology and medicine.</p><p>“Our results show that by inhibiting these enzymes, glucose cannot enter glycolysis, cutting off the parasite's primary energy source. Additionally, glycolysis could also be halted entirely, leading to a rapid energy crisis in the parasite, starving the parasite of energy, likely disrupting its redox balance and leading to its death.<br></p><p>“It is crucial to prevent glycolysis during the blood stage, i.e. the phase where the parasite, after entering the bloodstream from the liver, replicates within red blood cells, causing the clinical symptoms of malaria. Preventing glycolysis to kill the parasite is especially effective in infected individuals, where a fever that causes the body to work harder and use up more energy also makes the parasite more vulnerable. However, it can be challenging since both human cells and parasites undergo glycolysis.<br></p><p>“Beyond the blood stage, inhibiting glycolysis could also indirectly reduce the transmission of the parasite to the mosquito."</p><p>Targeting how the organism extracts nutrients from its host and converts them into energy metabolism (rather than traditional drug targets) offers a new way to kill resistant parasites, according to Frantz.<br></p><p>She points out that Spinosad directly inhibits the parasite's metabolism without damaging red blood cells.<br></p><p>“Since two of the three enzymes (hexokinase and phosphofructokinase) are essential and structurally distinct from human enzymes, selective inhibitors can be designed to minimise side effects. Combining either one of these enzyme inhibitors with current standard treatment for <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> malaria (artemisinin-based therapies) could further reduce risks, making them valuable targets for new malaria drugs."</p><p>Frantz mentions that testing the effectiveness of chemicals against the parasite – and finding a dose that kills the parasite without harming red blood cells or other host tissues – was challenging. Another hurdle was ensuring that the parasite wouldn't quickly develop resistance to these compounds. To tackle these issues, she tested the long-term effects of the inhibitors over multiple parasite life cycles.<br></p><p>Frantz says that although her research is still in its early stages, it could be a building block for developing new malaria drugs. <br></p><p>“This study advances malaria research by pinpointing critical points where drugs can effectively target the parasite and predicting the most vulnerable parts of its energy-producing processes. These insights could help to develop next-generation malaria medicine that combat resistance, target multiple parasite lifecycles, and are safer for humans – supporting global efforts to eradicate the disease.<br></p><p>“With rising drug resistance, finding new drug targets is crucial to prevent treatment failure and protect millions at risk. Continuous innovation is key to eliminating malaria and staying ahead of the parasite's adaptation. Additionally, contributing to the broader understanding of how metabolic interventions (adjusting how the body uses energy and nutrients) can be leveraged to combat parasitic diseases.<br></p><p>“Future success will depend on the design of precision drugs, the use of combination therapies, and targeted delivery to kill the parasite while sparing human cells," adds Frantz. <br></p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University's Botanical Garden, bucking the global trend | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11260 | | Stellenbosch University's Botanical Garden, bucking the global trend | Wiida Fourie-Basson and Jeraldene Menon | <p>As Autumn approaches, the
<em>Haemanthus pumilio</em>, a critically endangered species and one of the “paintbrush lilies", will flower in the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG).</p><p>It is one of several vulnerable plant species maintained at the SUBG, one of only two<strong> </strong>botanical gardens in a global survey of living plant collections that have continued to actively increase wild and conservation-grade plant collections in recent years.</p><p>Carefully documented,
<em>ex-situ </em>collections from known wild localities are crucial for conservation, species and ecosystems restoration, and nearly all scientific research, notes Dr Donovan Kirkwood, curator of SUBG. Maintaining such collections over time requires intensive labour, institutional resources, and space. The challenges of maintaining these collections are profound. Even the best institutions lose plants and collections over time, and the inevitable attrition of collections must be offset by new collections or the establishment of resilient shared collections across institutions. </p><p>The survey, published in
<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-024-02633-z">Nature Ecology and Evolution</a> recently, analysed a century of data comprising 2.2 million records from 50 institutions, representing over 500 000 separate accessions, i.e. separate sub-collections of a species from a particular place or time. The survey is thought to represent over 40 per cent of global diversity held in institutional living collections. These are also called ex-situ collections to indicate these are captive, not wild plants. All in all, 50 botanical gardens from 19 countries and 5 continents participated in the survey, including Africa (1 collection), Australasia (6 collections), Eurasia (27 collections), North America (13 collections) and South America (3 collections).</p><div><p>The findings of the survey are disconcerting. On a global scale, the meta-collection seems to have reached carrying capacity in both the number of accessions and botanical diversity. While newer collections are being established, especially in the global south, collections in the global north have mostly plateaued or are decreasing in size. Collectively, the overarching trends point towards capacity constraints, underscoring a critical need for strategic prioritisation.</p><p>
<strong>Bucking the global trend</strong></p><p>Kirkwood, who co-authored the article, says globally, at least 750 000 threatened plants should be supported by
<em>ex-situ</em> conservation. In contrast, South Africa's
<em>ex-situ</em> conservation target is equivalent to more than 3 000 plant species: “We suspect South African
<em>ex-situ</em> progress across all institutions is fewer than 500 threatened species. The species that require urgent support are even more poorly represented, and institutional capacity is already under pressure."<br></p><p></p><figure style="float:right;"><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/Donovan%20Kirkwood.jpg" alt="Donovan-Kirkwood" style="width:300px;height:449px;" /><figcaption>Donovan Kirkwoord, Curator of the Stellenbosch <br>University Botanical Garden. </figcaption> </figure>
<br>
<p></p><p>He says one of this survey's most important take-home messages is that capacity limits are real: “We have to be as strategic as possible in curating collections that meet conservation, research and education goals," he warns.</p><p>“Here in the Western Cape, biological diversity is characterised by many species occurring only in very localised areas – many of our plants have global ranges of only tens of kilometres or less. Even a relatively small habitat loss to farming, urban expansion or invasive plants can result in a major reduction or loss of entire species populations. On our doorstep, in the Cape Peninsula, one can find 158 plant species and 3 subspecies only in special habitats between Cape Point and Green Point," he says.</p><p>Our huge biodiversity and localised distributions, with modern habitat loss and other major extinction drivers, mean that the Cape is among the world's worst hotspots of plant threat and extinction. Of the 10,744 plants in just the Western Cape Province, for example, nearly 40 per cent are in one of the Red List categories of concern. Red List status is assessed partly by recent reductions in population, and even species listed as Vulnerable or naturally Critically Rare may only have a few hundred plants in total. So, even for less threatened species, any further loss might be catastrophic.</p><p>“There is a massive need for capacity to do
<em>ex-situ</em> conservation and species recovery. The global targets provide for living collections of 60 per cent of threatened species. Even a far more focused target is challenging. In wild sampling for conservation in extremely threatened species, seeds or cuttings of nearly every remaining plant may need to be sampled and propagated over multiple years in remote or hard-to-access sites. Maintaining viable captive populations for reintroduction to the wild means that source diversity must be maintained, and ideally, each captive population of a species should consist of at least hundreds to thousands of plants," he warns.<br></p><p>Globally, one of the main challenges for botanical gardens is the limitation imposed by the
<a href="https://www.cbd.int/">Convention on Global Biodiversity</a> (the CBD), which regulates the acquisition of wild-origin specimens and the international exchange of plant material. The global survey has, for the first time, provided empirical evidence of a drastic decline in both activities after the CBD came into effect in 1993, 44 per cent in the case of wild-origin collections and 38 per cent in international exchanges.</p><p>This emphasises the need for increased collaboration and legal material sharing across the network of botanical gardens around the globe that act as custodians of biodiversity. Such an approach will fundamentally reshape the future regional composition of botanical collections and partition diversity across the global network.</p><p>This approach makes sense for Kirkwood: “Living collections in the global south are close to biodiversity hot spots, and we can continue strategic collection without contravening the CBD and the
<a href="https://www.cbd.int/abs">Nagoya Protocol</a>."</p><p>
<strong>The SUBG: a regional custodian of biodiversity</strong></p><p>Since Kirkwood was appointed curator at SUBG, the garden has contributed significantly to the
<a href="/english/entities/botanical-garden/our-work/conservation">conservation of multiple critically endangered Cape species</a> by propagating and growing living collections and seedbanking. Some stars of the collection include
<em>Haemanthus pumilio</em>,
<em>Ixia versicolor</em>,
<em>Oxalis fragilis</em>,
<em>Pelargonium </em>
<em>fergusoniae</em>,
<em>Marasmodes undulata</em>,
<em>Polhilia groenewaldii</em>,
<em>Gibbaeum esterhuyseniae</em>,
<em>Gladiolus recurvus</em>, and
<em>Ixia leipoldtii</em>.
<br>
<br>In the case of
<a href="/english/entities/botanical-garden/our-work/conservation">
<em>Marasmodes undulata</em></a>, the species was completely extinct in the wild by 2020 and SUBG managed to grow four of the only five living plants from banked seed. Since then, the SUBG has propagated nearly a hundred individuals of this species from seed and cuttings. Working with the national Threatened Species Programme of SANBI, including the
<a href="https://www.sanbi.org/biodiversity/building-knowledge/biodiversity-monitoring-assessment/custodians-of-rare-and-endangered-wildflowers-crew-programme/">Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers</a> (CREW), the long process of reintroducing plants back into their habitat has started.</p><p>SUBG is also trialling strategies to overcome the capacity plateau problem experienced by botanical gardens globally. Kirkwood notes: “While some of our ability to grow our wild and threatened collections recently is a result of starting from a low base, we aim to continue being a positive outlier. One new approach is to hold satellite conservation collections outside formal botanical gardens in non-traditional spaces. One major project was recently started in a corporate head office, providing innovative biophilic plantings and conservation partnership, with all wild material fully owned and managed as part of the permanent SUBG collection and collection database."</p></div><div><p>Since 2018, Kirkwood has supported other projects to find extra space and capacity to conserve threatened species, including lending institutional and database support to private partners undertaking valuable habitat and species recovery such as the Avondale Open Garden in Durbanville.</p><p>SUBG's strategy focuses on building a collaborative approach among botanical gardens, private sector conservation, and the scientific community to innovate, adapt and overcome capacity constraints.</p><p>And even though what they can achieve might seem like a drop in the ocean in the context of climate change and the biodiversity crisis, Kirkwood is unequivocal about one thing: the SUBG's “drop" matters a lot.</p><p>
<br>
</p><p>Caption: The Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden (SUBG) is home to the world's largest
<a href="/english/entities/botanical-garden/garden/collections">living collection of Cape Oxalis species</a>, built up by collaborator and taxon expert Prof Leanne Dreyer and representing some threatened species. In the image above, Prof Dreyer inspects the collection with assistant curator Annerie Senekal. </p><p>Photo by Stefan Els<br></p><p><br></p></div> |
| Prof Bertie Fielding’s research supports development of treatments for viral, bacterial infections | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11255 | | Prof Bertie Fielding’s research supports development of treatments for viral, bacterial infections | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p>Prof Bertie Fielding, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University, delivered his inaugural lecture on Tuesday 22 April 2025. The title of his lecture was 'From pandemic to pandemic, and everything in between'.<br></p><p>Fielding spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about how his research improves our understanding of the way viruses interact with the body and supports the development of treatments for viral and bacterial infections.<br></p><p><strong>Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.</strong><br></p><p>I am a molecular biologist, mainly focused on studying human coronaviruses. My interest in this field began during my time as a research fellow in the Collaborative Antiviral Research Group at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Singapore (2003–2006), where I studied the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV virus that caused the outbreak of SARS. My lab also investigates the molecular basis of the medicinal properties of a South African plant called geelbos. Interestingly, these fields have now moved to a nexus where we are looking at medicinal plants to treat the coronavirus infections using nanoparticles. <br></p><p><strong>How would you describe the relevance of your work?</strong><br></p><p>My research focuses on the molecular biology of human coronaviruses, which is important for public health — especially with the rise of new viral infections. It helps us better understand how viruses interact with the body and supports the development of treatments. I also study the medicinal plant geelbos, looking at its potential to treat major diseases like cancer and bacterial infections. Our work aims to understand what gives this plant its health benefits.<br></p><p><strong>Looking back on the Covid-19 pandemic, what have been the most rewarding aspects of your research on human coronaviruses?</strong></p><p>I believe my work — especially on previous SARS-CoV viruses — contributed to areas like diagnostics and surveillance. But what I found most rewarding was engaging with the public through various platforms to share current relevant scientific information during the pandemic. This helped counter the widespread misinformation, or what the World Health Organization called the 'infodemic'.<br></p><p><strong>You're also exploring the use of nanoparticles to treat infections. What exciting developments do you see on the horizon?</strong></p><p>I've collaborated on projects using nanoparticles to enhance immune responses against infections. These interdisciplinary efforts focus on developing new treatments by using nanotechnology to target pathogens and cancer more effectively. I'm especially interested in using nanotechnology to improve the effects of compounds we've identified from <em>geelbos</em>. However, our first step is to test the effectiveness of these antiviral and antibacterial compounds. If successful, this could lead to a broad-spectrum treatment for current and future coronaviruses.</p><p><strong>Universities are sometimes seen as 'ivory towers'. Why is it important for them to engage with the public through research?</strong></p><p>Public distrust in academic institutions — particularly in research — was already high a year or two before the pandemic. The mixed and often confusing messages from researchers during the pandemic likely made this worse. This has been further complicated by the easy access to information online, much of which is inaccurate. I believe researchers have a responsibility to communicate their work in ways that are accessible and understandable to the general public. It's also important to explain that science – especially in fields like medicine – is not always exact. What we share is based on the best available knowledge at the time and may change as new research emerges.<br></p><p><strong>Being the dean of a faculty can be challenging at the best of times. What keeps you going when things get tough?</strong></p><p>Engaging with staff and students to support them and to see people flourish and grow. This is also the reason I completed an MPhil in Management Coaching at Stellenbosch Business School. Listening to people and working with them to become their selves is rewarding.<br></p><p><strong>How do you juggle your responsibilities as Dean with doing research?</strong></p><p>I think most academics would agree that they are constantly busy. For me, careful planning is essential to make time for the things that matter and to maintain a sense of balance. I also try to remind myself that not everything requires an immediate response – some issues can wait, and it's important to prioritise thoughtfully.<br></p><p><strong>What aspects of your work do you enjoy the most?</strong></p><p>Impacting people and improving their wellbeing, be it through my research or leadership roles.<br></p><p><strong>Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.</strong></p><p>I love cooking. Similar to science, it's as simple as following a protocol.<br></p><p><strong>How do you spend your free time?</strong></p><p>I compete in road races, not well, but I try. And maybe <em>compete</em> is not the correct word; I complete road races and receive participation medals. <br></p><p><br></p> |
| Passing of renowned herpetologist met with shock and sadness | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11258 | | Passing of renowned herpetologist met with shock and sadness | Faculty of Science (media & communication) | <p>The Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB) and the Department of Botany and Zoology at Stellenbosch University (SU) were shocked to learn of the passing of <a href="http://john.measey.com/">Dr John Measey</a> (57) following a mountain bike accident in China on 19 April 2025.</p><p>At the time of his death, Dr Measey was an Extraordinary Professor in the Department of Botany and Zoology and a member of the Centre for Invasion Biology's (CIB) core team.</p><p>According to Prof. Dave Richardson, former director of the CIB and a close colleague, said John Measey was a permanent employee of Stellenbosch University between 2014 and 2022 during which time he was a highly valued member of the CIB's's core team and supervised 41 post-graduate students.</p><p>“Dr Measey was a globally respected herpetologist who made crucial contributions to the knowledge of the ecology and conservation status of amphibians and reptiles, especially in South Africa but also in many other parts of the world. He was the world expert on the African clawed frog or platanna (<em>Xenopus laevis</em>), a native African amphibian which is invasive in several parts of the world. </p><p>“Dr Measey also made major contributions to invasion ecology (the study of introduced and invasive species) more generally and was co-editor of the encyclopaedic book <em>Biological invasions in South Africa</em> that was published in 2020," Prof. Richardson added.</p><p>Since 2022, Dr Measey had been dividing his time between China, where he had a part-time appointment at Yunnan University in Kunming province, and Stellenbosch University. He served as Editor-in-Chief for the <em>African Journal of Herpetology</em> (2009-2017) and was an Associate Editor for <em>Herpetological Conservation and Biology</em>. He attended annual Herpetological Association of Africa (HAA) conferences as a well-known and respected expert. At an international level, he served as a Professor at Yunnan University, China, and was an Honorary Attaché of the Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France. </p><p>In a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BFoyPYCP5/?mibextid=wwXIfr">Facebook post</a>, the invasive species community of South Africa expressed their profound sadness at hearing the news of his passing. Describing him as an “international rock star" in the world of herpetology, they remember him as someone “who was always happy to give advice, guidance, asking questions and to fight for his students to be represented". </p><p>According to Prof. Richardson, Dr Measey was “a superb researcher, an excellent lecturer, supervisor and mentor. He was a crucial cog in the wheel of the invasion ecology in South Africa and his contributions will be sorely missed".<br></p><p><br></p> |
| AI’s impact under the spotlight on World Creativity and Innovation Day | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11252 | | AI’s impact under the spotlight on World Creativity and Innovation Day | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p><a href="https://www.un.org/en/observances/creativity-and-innovation-day"><strong class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">World Creativity and Innovation Day</strong></a> was celebrated on 21 April. In opinion pieces for the media, experts at Stellenbosch University focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our lives and also emphasised the importance of building innovative systems to address inequality and creating a more inclusive future. Click on the links below to read the articles as published.</p><ul><li>Dr Lize Barclay (<a href="https://iolnewsletters.co.za/weekend-argus/opinion/opinion-is-ai-the-end-of-human-creativity-or-a-new-beginning-58965816-278d-4719-ade4-7287861e823a"><strong class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">Weekend Argus</strong></a>)</li><li>Prof Willem Fourie (<a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/opinions/columnists/guestcolumn/willem-fourie-artificial-general-intelligence-is-coming-should-we-be-afraid-20250421"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0"><strong>News24</strong></span></a>)</li><li>Prof Sara Grobbelaar (<a href="https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/2025-04-21-south-africa-needs-innovation-by-design-to-fix-fragile-failing-systems/"><strong class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">Mail & Guardian</strong></a>)<br></li></ul><p><br></p> |
| SU lecturer’s WOOP25 campaign close to R100 000 fundraising target | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11241 | | SU lecturer’s WOOP25 campaign close to R100 000 fundraising target | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Anel Lewis] | <p>With their 600 km cycle challenge completed, Stellenbosch University (SU) lecturer Dr Marietjie Lutz and her team of cyclists have their eyes trained on the ultimate finish line – raising at least R100 000 for science students in need.</p><p>They have already raised R92 000 with their Wheels of Opportunity (WOOP25) campaign, surpassing the R75 000 raised last year. “This campaign has not only raised awareness about the financial challenges many of our students face but has also become a powerful investment in the future of hardworking and deserving individuals. We plan to keep the GivenGain platform open until the end of April."</p><p>Their bodies may still be recovering from the gruelling cycle, but Lutz says the team never faltered in their dedication to the cause. Her four children completed the full distance with her over six days – even the youngest, Daniël, 14, who is in Grade 8 at Paul Roos Gymnasium. “He was unsure (at the start) of what distance he would be able to cover, and he ended up doing the whole thing." She said everyone involved in the cycle kept their focus on the goal. “No one ever asked 'why are we doing this?', we all just kept moving forward."</p><p>Lutz says the experience was about so much more than just pushing limits and completing a challenge. “For each of the riders, it was a journey of personal growth. It was about paying it forward for someone else." The objective to raise funds for talented but underprivileged students resonated particularly with her two eldest sons, Ben and Jan, who are both studying at SU. </p><p>As in 2024, the cycle was not without its challenges. Long distances took their toll and on Day 2, the group cycled a demanding 125 kms, spending over seven hours in the saddle. “We were all exhausted," recalls Lutz. The curious kudu from last year made a repeat appearance, says Lutz, and this time the group was joined for a short distance by an energetic eland. Fortunately, her torn hip labrum did not play up. “Amazingly, I had no issues. I think because I was better prepared physically than before." She adds that better planning made it possible to expand the group to include her whole family and four additional cyclists. Fuelled by salted potatoes and diluted Coca-Cola, they pushed through the heat and hills to complete the distance. </p><p>The support – both financial and motivational – was overwhelming, she says. Lutz initially wanted to cap the fundraising goal at R75 000 again. But, encouraged by her husband to aim higher, she set a target of R100 000. The donations that started even before the first kilometre was cycled made her realise that “if we decide the outcome at the beginning, we limit ourselves and then how will the impossible come true?". Ultimately, adds Lutz, she decided, “If we want to do good, we should not limit ourselves. And this applies to anything in life – a student studying for a degree, for example. We should not limit the outcome of any such dream."</p><p>Lutz carried the dreams of many students with her throughout the six days, and a miniature version of SU's mascot Pokkel was attached to her handlebars as a reminder of the campaign's goal. “When things got tough mentally and physically, I looked down at Pokkel and was reminded of the reason why we did this."</p><ul><li>To contribute, visit: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.givengain.com/project/marietjie-raising-funds-for-stellenbosch-university-south-africa-99058&data=05%7c02%7c%7cbc9dcff75da44afd6ac508dd678cd78c%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638780576796449226%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=aAaiJFZ1X8YY9HL2Mucrk7Es8sbVjArxWqSqZjSsCEw%3D&reserved=0">https://www.givengain.com/project/marietjie-raising-funds-for-stellenbosch-university-south-africa-99058</a><br><br></li></ul><p><strong>Captions:</strong></p><p>The Lutz family, of which all four children completed the full 600km challenge.</p><p>Exhaustion after the second day's 125km stretch.</p><p>Beautiful scenery on the WOOP25 campaign cycle.</p><p>SU's Pokkel provided motivation when things got tough. <br></p><p><br></p> |
| Science faculty welcomes newly designated director | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11238 | | Science faculty welcomes newly designated director | Faculty of Science (media and communication) | <p>The Faculty of Science takes pleasure in welcoming Mr Mbuso Dludlu as its new director of faculty management from 1 April 2025.<br></p><p>He will be taking over the reins from Ms Mariétta van den Worm who has held the position for the past 25 years, and who will retire at the end of 2025.</p><p>With over 16 years of experience in the higher education sector, the last six years as departmental manager of SU's Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Mbuso says he is looking forward to combining his passion for science with management and leadership in his new position as faculty director. </p><p>Mbuso was born in Piet Retief in Mpumalanga, but raised by his late grandmother, Mrs Teressa Mazibuko, in a village called Makhosini outside the small town of Nhlangano in Eswatini. He completed a BSc in Chemical Technology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2008, followed by a Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Technology in 2014 and a Masters in Polymer Technology in 2016 from Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). At the time, he was working as senior laboratory manager in TUT's Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology. It was during this time that he also lost both of his parents, Sizakele and Comfort Dludlu.</p><p>Currently pursuing a PhD in Polymer Science at SU, Mbuso says he will always be indebted to his grandmother for seeing to it that he got an education from selling handcrafts in the streets of Soweto and Johannesburg: “She wasn't educated, but she valued the importance of education. Today I am passionate about education, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning. I think it is for this reason that I have a teachable spirit, which is key for leadership."</p><p>For the past 25 years, he has been providing career guidance to learners through the not-for-profit organisation “Brighten-up your Future" which he established in 2007. He is also mentoring 12 university students at eight South African higher education institutions, pursuing studies in different fields – from the Sciences and Engineering to the Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences and Arts.</p><p>For his PhD, Mbuso is investigating the prevalence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals" because of their persistence in the environment, at wastewater treatment plants and rivers and dams in the Western Cape. The objective is to develop a polymeric membrane with nanoparticles for enhanced removals of these persistent chemicals. His research is funded by the Water Research Commission and has been presented at two international conferences and to a panel of 30 City of Cape Town managers.</p><p>Mbuso, who joined SU in 2018 shortly after completing his MBA at Regent Business School, says he is deeply indebted to all his colleagues in the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, and specifically Prof. Peter Mallon, former executive head of department, who initially introduced him to the systems and processes at SU: “Coming in here, I was only armed with my knowledge and skills, while Prof. Mallon had the experience and understanding. Over the next five years, we became a formidable management team, working together to put the department on a sustainable footing."</p><p>For now, he is excited about his new role as director of faculty management: “I am grateful to be taking over from the current director, who is a wealth of experience and institutional memory. I would like to build on the foundation and legacy she has laid for the faculty and university over the past 25 years."</p><p>He is looking forward to working with and supporting the Dean of Science, Prof. Burtram Fielding, and the management team: “To me, leadership and management are all about serving people to the best of your ability in order to create trust. Trust is a very special human experience. And we can only trust others when we know they are actively and consciously concerned about us," he adds.</p><p>For Mbuso, the values of compassion, empathy and respect are at the core of his concept of servant leadership. These values also happen to form part of SU's ECARE values of Excellence, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Equity: “I will be taking these values with me in my new role, in service to my colleagues and contributing thus to the growth and success of the Faculty of Science."</p><p>Lastly, he honours his family and wife of 14 years, Mrs Lydia Dludlu, and his children Lwandzile (13) and Kagiso (9). The family loves hiking in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, travelling or inviting friends and family over for a braai. And, of course, nothing beats a refreshing beach walk, finished off with ice cream.</p><p>“My life is grounded in reading the Word and in prayer, which is one of the key underlying principles in my life and in raising my children," he concludes.<br></p><p>Photo: Stefan Els<br></p> |
| Some insects are declining, but what’s happening to the other 99%? | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11224 | | Some insects are declining, but what’s happening to the other 99%? | Faculty of Science (media and communication) | <p></p><p>A team of scientists from South Africa and the United Kingdom have developed a synthesis framework, integrating multiple evidence streams, that will allow for the rapid assessment of changes in insect biodiversity.</p><p>“We know that insect biodiversity is changing, and that there have been many declines in parts of the world. However, we do not know how severe or pervasive the problem is. More critically, we lack a clear understanding of why insect biodiversity is changing," they write in a major review article published in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adq2110"><em>Science</em></a> recently.</p><p><a href="https://math.sun.ac.za/hui/">Prof. Cang Hui</a>, a biomathematician from Stellenbosch University's Department of Mathematical Sciences and one of the co-authors, says the aim of the synthesis framework is to provide a roadmap towards an evidence-based synthesis of changes in insect biodiversity on which conservation policies can be built.</p><p>“We cannot wait decades for comprehensive monitoring data. The <a href="https://www.cbd.int/gbf">Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework</a> set an ambitious goal to restore biodiversity by 2050: to achieve this we need to understand what scale of actions will be required to reverse historical declines," he explains.</p><p><strong>Modelling global insect biodiversity change through integration of evidence </strong></p><p>Prof. Hui is part of the team of scientists working on the <a href="https://glitrs.ceh.ac.uk/">Global Insect Threat-Response Synthesis</a> (GLiTRS) project, funded by the National Environmental Research Council Highlight Topics program. It is a consortium of six institutions in the UK and South Africa.</p><p>Their objective is to build a global threat-response model, integrating many lines of existing evidence. In other words, instead of waiting for more high-quality data before acting, as is commonly argued, they have taken a different approach: “We argue that the urgency of the situation demands that we make better use of the data that is available now, however limited," they write in the review paper. </p><p>Four lines of evidence are synthesised and integrated in the GLiTRS project to address this challenge - time series, spatial comparisons, experiments, and expert opinion. Mathematical ecology and modelling help identify trends from the first two sources. Hui explains: “Insect time series exhibit intermittent fluctuations, yet they are both temporally autocorrelated and spatially synchronised. If we can determine the correct spatial and temporals scales, we may be able to extrapolate these trends to unsampled areas and future time periods."</p><p>Dr Rob Cooke, an ecological modeller at the United Kingdom Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and joint lead author of the study, concurs: “We need to find out whether insect declines are widespread and what's causing them. The challenge is like a giant jigsaw puzzle where there are thousands of missing pieces, but we do not have decades to wait to fill these gaps and then act."</p><p>Dr Charlotte Outhwaite of the Zoological Society of London's (ZSL) Institute of Zoology, joint lead author of the study, concludes: “Insects are an incredibly important part of our ecosystems, pollinating around 80% of flowering plant species and vital for 35% of global food production, yet they are undervalued and understudied." </p><p>Did you know?</p><ul><li>Insects are the dominant form of animal life on our planet (equal weight to all humans and livestock combined, about 1 billion tons).</li><li>Insects are threatened by a combination of 52 human-made threats, including land-use change, climate change, agricultural intensification, pollution, pesticides, and introduced species.</li><li>Currently only about 1.2% of insect species out of about 1 million described species have undergone the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessments necessary to calculate extinction risk, of which 1/4 were evaluated as Data Deficient.</li><li>Insects comprise up to 90% of all multicellular animal species, with the majority still undescribed (an estimated total of 5.5 million insect species).<br></li></ul><div><br></div><p>Ecological modelling and mathematical ecology are fast-growing fields with high demand for skilled graduates. Experts work with global agencies, research institutes, NGOs, and industry to tackle urgent ecosystem challenges. Various international grants and initiatives offer aspiring scholars opportunities to advance their careers through postgraduate studies in biomathematics. Click here to explore the opportunities – <a href="https://math.sun.ac.za/hui/">SARChI team</a></p><p>The article titled “Integrating multiple evidence streams to understand insect biodiversity change" was published in Science this week. It is available online at <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adq2110">https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adq2110</a></p><p><strong>On the photo above: </strong>There is a lot of interest in monitoring charismatic species such as bees and butterflies, but few people care about the supposedly unpleasant insects, even though they too provide benefits for us. For example, earwigs (left) feed on aphids and other garden pests while cockroaches (right) eat decaying material and keep soil healthy. Pictured here is the endemic earwig, <em>Proforficula peringueyi</em>, and a Cape Zebra Cockroach from Table Mountain National Park in the Western Cape. Images: Hamish Robertson & Gigi Laidler, iNaturalist, CC-BY-NC, <a href="https://inaturalist.nz/photos/70132865">https://inaturalist.nz/photos/70132865</a> and <a href="https://inaturalist.nz/photos/15270643">https://inaturalist.nz/photos/15270643</a><br></p> |
| SU bestows honorary doctorate on advocate for science | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11190 | | SU bestows honorary doctorate on advocate for science | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) awarded an honorary doctorate to the former director-general of the national Department of Science and Innovation Dr Philemon Mphathi Mjwara on Tuesday (25 March 2025) at its March graduation. Mjwara received the degree Doctor of Science (DSc), <em>honoris caus</em>a, at a graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Science.</p><p>Mjwara was honoured for his outstanding achievements as science policymaker and advocate, and his exceptional leadership contribution to the strengthening and advancement of science at the national and international level. </p><p>In his acceptance speech, Mjwara said we live in a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is going to have a huge impact on our lives. He added that we will have to deal with the challenges of AI. </p><p>“These challenges will require the skills and solutions that higher education institutions and the scientific community can provide.</p><p>“I, therefore, wish to pledge my support as a newly appointed permanent representative of South Africa to Unesco (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) to continue to work with the science, innovation and technology community to ensure that what we have learned in South Africa about using knowledge for development and science for solving the problems I have referred to is important."</p><p>Mjwara concluded his speech by thanking SU, the science community and his family for their support.</p><p>The Dean of the Faculty of Science, Prof Burtram Fielding, congratulated Mjwara and said: “Dr Phil Mjwara is a visionary leader known for his significant contributions to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation within South Africa, the broader region and on an international scale. We celebrate and honour his dedication to fostering the development of science across southern Africa."</p><p><strong>More about Mjwara</strong></p><p>Over the past three decades, Dr Philemon (Phil) Mphathi Mjwara has contributed significantly to the development of South Africa's system of science, technology and innovation. As the former director-general of the national Department of Science and Innovation, he ensured that science was used to improve all South Africans' lives. In recognition of his efforts in this role, he received the 2020 Batho Pele Excellence Award for Director-General of the Year. </p><p>As part of his many contributions to the country's science, technology and innovation landscape, Mjwara led the team who conducted the first South Africa Foresight Exercise for Science, Technology and Innovation (SAForSTI). </p><p>Mjwara holds a BScHons (1984) and an MSc (1987) degree from the University of Fort Hare, as well as a PhD (1995) from the University of the Witwatersrand. His academic career included serving as professor of Science and Technology Policy at the University of Pretoria, and teaching Physics at the universities of the Witwatersrand, South Africa and Fort Hare. He has published and presented numerous papers on physics, technology analysis and technology foresight processes. </p><p>Mjwara serves on a number of advisory councils and review boards and was recently appointed as South Africa's permanent representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco). In his various positions and – perhaps most significantly – as the country's longest-serving director-general, Mjwara has made a major contribution to science policies geared towards supporting researchers and moving South African society forward. </p><ul><li><strong>Photo</strong>: Dr Philemon Mphathi Mjwara at the graduation ceremony. <strong>Photographer</strong>: Stefan Els</li></ul><p> </p><p><br></p> |
| New director for Stellenbosch University Water Institute | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11184 | | New director for Stellenbosch University Water Institute | Faculty of Science (media and communication) | <p><a href="/english/faculty/science/microbiology/research/w-khan" style="text-align:justify;">Prof. Wesaal Khan</a><span style="text-align:justify;"> h</span><span style="text-align:justify;">as been appointed as the new director of the Stellenbosch University Water Institute (SUWI) from January 2025.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Prof. Khan is an established researcher in SU's Department of Microbiology, leading a multidisciplinary research program focused on advancing sustainable water treatment technologies and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Her team's work spans four interconnected domains: biocontrol strategies for pathogen elimination, solar-driven water disinfection innovations, AMR pathogen dynamics, and molecular monitoring advancements, enabling more accurate quantitative microbial risk assessments. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">She follows in the footsteps of the inaugural director, <a href="/english/faculty/science/microbiology/research/g-wolfaardt">Prof. Gideon Wolfaardt</a>, who managed SUWI since 2014. SUWI was established in 2010 to undertake multi-disciplinary research in response to South Africa's water-related challenges.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Prof. Khan says SUWI will continue to fulfill its mandate to undertake fundamental and goal-directed multidisciplinary research, in collaboration with other tertiary institutions, industry and government, to solve water-related challenges, and to provide technology transfer and develop human capital resources in the water industry.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Prof. Bertie Fielding, Dean of the Faculty of Science, says the appointment of Prof. Khan is a significant achievement for SUWI: “With her academic standing in the water sector both in South Africa and abroad, she will not only ensure continuity in SUWI's partnerships but also elevate its national and global standing and relevance."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Over the years SUWI <a href="/english/entities/SUWI/completed-projects">completed several projects</a> related to water treatment technologies for safe water supply in rural areas in Africa, developing an early warning system for public and environmental health, as well as developing a wastewater-based tool to monitor community-wide substance abuse.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a href="/english/entities/SUWI/current-projects">Ongoing projects</a> are focused on building water governance capacity in southern Africa, promoting water, energy and food security, developing innovative technologies to monitor groundwater contamination and contaminants of emerging concern in the effluent of wastewater treatment plants.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In this regard, SUWI's researchers and staff work with national and international partners such as, amongst others, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany, the Gates Foundation, the European Union, Rand Water, and AgriColleges International.<br></p> |
