Cutting-Edge Study Zooms in on Nutrition in HIV-Positive Kidney Donors and Recipients
Dr Claire Martin who received a PhD in Dietetics.A ground-breaking national study on the nutritional status and quality of life of HIV-positive transplant recipients who received, or were candidates to receive, kidneys from HIV-positive donors earned Dr Claire Martin her PhD in Dietetics.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) among the HIV positive population, arising largely from HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa. With South Africa’s limited public dialysis resources, many HIV-positive patients need to be candidates for a kidney transplant to gain access to dialysis. While an HIV-positive status previously precluded patients from receiving kidney transplants, advances in recent years have demonstrated that they can successfully undergo kidney transplants. In these cases, only HIV-negative donors were used.
South Africa was the site of the first renal transplant involving an HIV-positive donor and recipient, widening the pool of available donors to offer recipient patients an increased chance of survival.
Martin explained that, in the general population, while transplantation extends survival, nutritional problems in both pre- and post-transplant patients present a threat to patient and graft survival as well as a patient’s quality of life. These health and nutritional risks are multiplied in the case of HIV-positive patients.
‘Nutrition has always formed an important part of patient care in both transplant patients and those with HIV,’ said Martin. ‘Nutrition therapy aims to minimise the effects of the disease, its complications, and the side effects of medication and optimise quality of life. Both dialysis and transplants are associated with nutritional concerns that carry morbidity and mortality risks.
‘Since nutritional health is a modifiable factor, improving nutritional status can positively influence graft and patient outcomes. However, to date, nutritional aspects in this group have remained unexplored,’ said Martin.
Against this backdrop, Martin assessed the nutritional status of kidney transplant candidates and recipients. She followed 76 participants in six provinces over a six-month period, conducting a series of body measurements, blood tests and questionnaires. Martin included health-related quality of life measures, gaining the patients’ perspectives on other aspects of health such as social, mental and psychological well-being.
This research contributes to current understanding of the physical and metabolic changes that may occur in pre- and post-kidney transplanted, HIV-positive patients and influence their nutritional health and quality of life. It also points to dietary and lifestyle factors that will optimise post-transplant nutritional status, assist in sustaining graft function, and delay the development of co-morbidities.
The study recommends that patients identified as at risk of clinical complications seek appropriate help based on the outcome of the assessments, in order to improve their health and quality of life. The results also provide a reference point to monitor future dietary interventions or conduct follow-up research.
Martin’s interest in HIV medicine and nutrition was sparked during her work as a dietitian at Northdale Hospital’s HIV outpatient clinic, and reports of kidney transplants at Groote Schuur Hospital that involved HIV-positive donors and recipients, pioneered by Dr Elmi Muller. She completed her BSc and Post-graduate Diploma in Dietetics at UKZN, before completing a masters at Stellenbosch University.
She said that, while undertaking a PhD was challenging, she believes the experience has improved all aspects of her life.
Martin described her PhD as a family affair, and thanked her family and children, Joshua and Cairenn, for their understanding. She acknowledged Muller and her transplant team at Groote Schuur for allowing her access to their “positive to positive” programme and making her research possible.
Martin also thanked her supervisor Dr Suna Kassier for her expertise, encouragement and academic and emotional support, as well as Professors Frederick Veldman and Demetre Labadarios for their mentorship. She acknowledged the National Research Foundation, Sugar Association of South Africa and the Halley Stott grant for making this national project possible.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .PhD Study Tackles Sanitation Issues
Dr Surabhi Srivastava with her husband Professor Viranjay Srivastava and children Vivan and Rayan. Dr Surabhi Srivastava’s study on the management of scum in wastewater pump stations in the eThekwini Municipality earned her a PhD in Civil Engineering.
Srivastava was born in Gorakhpur, India, a city close to the border with Nepal. She moved to Durban in 2013 when her husband, Professor Viranjay Srivastava, took up an academic post at UKZN’s School of Engineering.
Srivastava completed her Science honour’s degree in 2005 and her Masters in Environmental Science and Masters in Environmental Engineering in 2007 and 2009 at Gorakhpur University and Madan Mohan Malaviya Engineering College, Uttar Pradesh, India. From 2010, she was employed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering in Bahra University, India. She embarked on a PhD at UKZN in 2014.
Srivastava’s thesis was titled, Management of Scum (Fat, Oil and Grease) in Wastewater Pump Stations: A Case Study of the eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. She was supervised by Professors Cristina Trois and Chris Buckley. She partnered with the Pollution Research Group and eThekwini Municipality to analyse the severity of this problem in the sewer catchments of Durban. Her analysis of the scum on Wastewater Pump Stations (WWPSs) found that it is comprised of fat, oil and grease (FOG), which is drained from sinks.
‘Over time it accumulates in the sewer lines and blocks the drainage pipes, wastewater pump stations and wastewater treatment plants,’ said Srivastava. ‘I used GIS software and my laboratory data and located all the current and future hotspots of blockages in Durban and then proposed a model named DRAIN to the eThekwini Water and Sanitation department. This model is a unique decision-making tool for the municipality to locate the areas with blockages in the sanitation system that are prone to sanitary sewer overflows.’
Srivastava described her PhD journey as challenging but worthwhile. She has presented her research at various conferences and has published in Department of Higher Education and Training-accredited journals. ‘My supervisors were very supportive,’ she said.
As the mother of bouncing baby boys aged five years and 17 months, Srivastava had to strike a balance between her research studies and her family responsibilities, but her husband’s support helped her through the darkest times.
‘It was a challenge as the project was with eThekwini Municipality and I needed to visit the WWPSs all around Durban. The municipality provided me with staff and a vehicle to analyse the problem. I worked with Mr Roshen Mohanlal, Manager of WWPSs in eThekwini Water and Sanitation. He was supported by his team in sampling scum from WWPSs. I was in a new country, but people were kind, supportive and friendly to me and I never felt that I was not a citizen of South Africa,’ said Srivastava.
Srivastava thanked UKZN staff member Ms Ausie Luthuli from the College Office for encouraging her, as well as staff in the Pollution Research Group, Ms Kerry Philip and Mrs Merlien Reddy for showing her love and support.
‘They were all always kind and supportive like a family, so that I never realised I was so far from my own family’, said Srivastava.
Luthuli said: ‘I have known Surabhi since 2015. She was a very humble student. I would always encourage her to finish her PhD. It wasn’t an easy journey for her putting in those sleepless nights and also being a wife and a mother. It is through her determination that she achieved her PhD. The day she submitted it, I was so happy for her. Well done and all the best!’
Srivastava is currently contributing her research skills at the SARChI (South African Research Chair) in Waste and Climate Change group at UKZN. She hopes to develop environmental awareness among Civil Engineers, as their designs have an impact on the natural environment.
Words: Zolile Duma
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .PhD Investigates the Science of Suntan Lotion
Dr Buhari Magaji received a PhD in Chemistry.Dr Buhari Magaji graduated with a PhD in Chemistry for his study on the science of ultraviolet (UV) filters.
After completing his BSc and BSc Honours degrees at Gombe State University and MSc at the University of IIorin in Nigeria, Magaji chose UKZN for his doctoral studies, as the University offers an environment that is ‘intellectually challenging and creative’.
His study examined the characterisation, photostability and antimicrobial activity of symmetrical a, ß-unsaturated ketones as potential UV-filters. The laboratory findings were supported by computational modelling of the compounds.
Magaji’s research was motivated by the hazards of exposure to UV radiation and its role in the development of skin cancer, which has prompted extensive public awareness campaigns promoting the use of sunscreens.
The findings will assist in the development of new UV absorbers to minimise the hazards of exposure to UV radiation including erythema, photo-aging and the development of skin cancer.
Magaji said he was privileged to work with outstanding academics in the School of Chemistry and Physics, including his supervisors Professor Bice Martincigh and Dr Parvesh Singh and external supervisor, Dr Adam Skelton.
‘I found Magaji to be an extremely talented, sincere and hard-working student who was always ready to learn new research techniques focused on solving intricate problems,’ said Singh. ‘He has used a multi-disciplinary approach involving the utilisation of computational, synthetic and analytical techniques to discover novel heterocyclic compounds with the potential to be developed further in sunscreen research. He is a well-deserved candidate for the award of a doctoral degree and I wish him good luck with his future endeavours.’
Magaji described his PhD studies as, ‘a stressful, interesting and educative experience’, but still found time to enjoy his hobbies of reading, jogging and travelling.
He is currently lecturing at Gombe State University, in Nigeria.
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Antibacterial Resistance Under the Spotlight
Dr Lamla Thungatha was awarded a PhD in Chemistry.Dr Lamla Thungatha was awarded a PhD in Chemistry for his study on Synthesis, Characterisation and Antibacterial Activity of Quinoline Chalcone Derivatives.
After matriculating at Welsh Senior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape, Thungatha received his BSc, BSc honours and MSc degrees from Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha.
During his postgraduate studies, he developed an interest in physical and organic chemistry. His honours research focused on the synthesis of bromonitrostyrenes, which enabled him to work confidently in a wet chemistry laboratory and use specialised analytical instrumentation.
For his master’s research, Thungatha was exposed to industrial based research, mostly physical chemistry that involved determining the impact of small explosives buried in soil with varying moisture content.
Whilst lecturing at Walter Sisulu University, Thungatha was recruited by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to embark on a PhD programme. It was due to this initiative that he registered for doctoral studies at UKZN.
Thungatha’s PhD research was based on organic chemistry and involved the design, synthesis and bioassaying of new drug candidates to address the problem of antibacterial resistance, a growing health concern worldwide. He was able to manufacture several novel molecules or drugs, which were then tested and found to be active as antibacterial molecules and considered to be hit compounds for pharmaceutical development.
His supervisor, Professor Neil Koorbanally from the School of Chemistry and Physics said: ‘Lamla grew tremendously during the time he spent in my laboratory. His research skills are exceptional, leading him to produce world-class research. He was also able to teach himself several new techniques in computation chemistry. He is now a confident scientist.’
‘As a chemist, I am excited to be part of this research which involves developing drugs that impact the health of humanity. It also enabled me to grow and gain more insight into the area of drug development,’ said Thungatha.
Thungatha relaxes by visiting parks, watching the news and Sci-Fi based TV series. He is also fascinated by technology and in his spare time, he is involved in app and web development.
Currently Thungatha is employed by the CSIR-LS as a researcher for energetic materials, which involves both physical and organic chemistry. ‘My current short term plans are to grow as a researcher and as a hands-on chemist,’ he said.
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Breeding Tougher Wheat for South Africa’s Changing Climate
Crop Scientist, Ms Maureen Nkhathutsheleni Tshikunde.Ms Maureen Nkhathutsheleni Tshikunde graduated with a Master of Science in Agriculture in Crop Science after evaluating elite heat and drought tolerant wheat genotypes based on drought tolerance and water-use efficiency parameters.
Tshikunde, who completed her undergraduate and honours degrees at the University of Venda, chose to study at UKZN because of its sterling reputation and its excellent research outputs. Her love for crops led her to a masters where she investigated an important staple crop, wheat.
‘With the recent recurring drought in South Africa, it is important to identify and evaluate new wheat cultivars that are adapted to the current drought conditions to improve wheat production,’ said Tshikunde. In her study, she noted that the use of drought adapted genetic resources is regarded as the most economic and environmentally friendly approach to mitigate the adverse effects of heat and drought stress.
Tshikunde investigated the drought tolerance of dryland wheat genotypes based on leaf gas exchange and water-use efficiency in order to identify promising genotypes for drought tolerance breeding. She also examined the associations between the morphological and physiological traits of selected wheat genotypes under drought stress in order to identify unique traits that could be used as direct or indirect selection criteria for improving water-use efficiency and drought tolerance in wheat.
‘Climate change is real, and I believe that the findings of this study will not only contribute to science, but will also lead to improved wheat yields, which ultimately lead to a better economy for South Africa,’ she said.
Studying towards her masters boosted her self-confidence and developed her skills. The pressure of meeting deadlines while juggling data collection and a literature review was a steep learning curve, as was completing her final write-up while holding down a full-time job at Potatoes South Africa, but Tshikunde persevered.
‘My whole perspective of science has improved,’ she said.
Tshikunde has published an article in the Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Journal’s Section B Soil and Plant Science on the topic of leaf gas exchange and water-use efficiency of dry-land wheat genotypes under water stressed and non-stressed conditions. Another article on the morpho-physiological traits associated with water-use efficiency in selected dry land wheat genotypes has been accepted for publication in the South African Journal of Plant and Soil.
Tshikunde hopes to enrol in PhD studies in the same field where she can pursue her passion for science. She quoted Sir Francis Bacon as a source of inspiration: ‘Science is but an image of the truth’.
She expressed her sincere gratitude to her supervisors, Professor Hussein Shimelis and Dr Alfred Odindo, as well as Dr Jacob Mashilo, for their belief in her and for making her masters possible. She also thanked UKZN for providing research facilities for her study, and the National Research Foundation for financial assistance.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .MSc Assesses Groundnut Potential
Ms Olivia Chipeta received an MSc degree in Plant Breeding.Ms Olivia Chipeta’s research for her Masters in Plant Breeding assessed the level of morphological and genetic diversity of groundnuts in order to select the best genotypes for consequent breeding of desired traits that include yield and reduction of the carcinogen aflatoxin.
Chipeta set out to contribute to the groundnut sector in her home country, Malawi after learning how big a problem the presence of aflatoxin in groundnuts poses. The poisonous carcinogens are produced by certain moulds found in soil, decaying vegetation, hay, and grains, and are regularly found in staple commodities like groundnut that are not correctly stored.
‘Plant breeding is based on widening the pool of parents to ensure maximum diversification and genetic gains,’ explained Chipeta, who described the discipline as an art as well as a science.
The study aimed to identify the best genotypes to be used in the groundnut breeding programme of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). The research was conducted in Malawi and South Africa; work in the latter involved the use of simple sequence repeats, or SSR markers, to select diverse potential parents for the Agricultural Research Council Grain Crops Division’s groundnut breeding programme.
Chipeta completed her Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture at the former Bunda College of Agriculture that formed part of the University of Malawi, now known as Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). She joined UKZN to pursue her masters thanks to a scholarship through the Improved Masters in Cultivar Development for Africa (IMCDA) programme, funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
‘It was a very exciting but challenging experience because I was shifting from Horticulture to Plant Breeding. However, the learning environment at UKZN was wonderful; we were well taken care of by the Project Manager, Dr Julia Sibiya, and staff,’ said Chipeta.
‘I am indebted to God, my husband Griffin, my parents and siblings, my supervisor and mentor Dr Julia Sibiya, Drs Sam Njoroge, Alina Mofokeng, and Cousin Musvovi, classmates in the 2016 and 2017 IMCDA cohorts and many more people too numerous to mention, for their roles during my studies,’ said Chipeta.
Chipeta thanked funders AGRA for their investment in education.
With her masters in hand, Chipeta plans to gain experience through working in agriculture and research, where she said she knows she will be challenged to make significant achievements within a short period of time.
Chipeta currently works as an agronomist at the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC) in Malawi. She said that, through this work, she is seeing meaningful change in the lives of farmers. She plans to use her experience and knowledge in pursuit of a PhD one day, as she is passionate about research and capacity building.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Aspirant Academic Graduates with MSc in Electronic Engineering
MSc in Electronic Engineering graduate and Senior Academic Development Officer, Mr Rogerant Tshibangu.Senior Academic Development Officer in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, Mr Rogerant Tshibangu was awarded an MSc in Electronic Engineering for his study on, Evaluation Criteria for Handover in Radio Over Fiber Systems.
‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution is upon us and fiber optics is becoming a major part of telecommunication,’ said Tshibangu. His study investigated users’ experiences in a building that is covered by fiber optics. This includes the experience of moving from one base station to another given that there are multiple antennas in a Radio over fiber Network.
Tshibangu holds a National Senior Certificate in Electrical Technology from the Technical Institute Salama (Don Bosco) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a BSc in Electronic Engineering from UKZN.
The study’s findings will promote a more efficient distribution bandwidth within a Radio over fiber Network while maximising coverage and preventing waste in dormant areas. ‘The arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution was a major reason for choosing this area of study,’ he said.
‘Doing my MSc was a very challenging experience with plenty of obstacles, but my resilience and strong-headed personality saw me through,’ said Tshibangu. ‘We are solely responsible for our future, no one can stop you from achieving your goals if you have the determination and heart for it.’
Acting Academic Services Manager in the College, Mrs Denise O’Reilly said: ‘When Rogerant transitioned into masters and then became a member of staff as an Academic Development Officer, this did not stop him from being involved in activities in the School of Engineering, He was also a permanent feature in the Engineering Winter School programme and I am certain that many students chose to come to UKZN because of him. He completed his masters, while having a full time job, but he did not give up. We are proud of his many achievements and I am sure that there are more to come.’
Tshibangu acknowledged the unwavering support and understanding of his wife and two sons, who understood when family time was sacrificed in favour of his studies.
In addition to his duties as a Senior Academic Development Officer, Tshibangu teaches a module in the Augmented Engineering stream and hopes to become a lecturer in the near future.
Words: Christian Ishimwe
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .MSc Highlights the Role of Ants in Reforested Landfill
Mr Sbongiseni Xolo was awarded an MSc in Entomology.Mr Sbongiseni Xolo was awarded a Master’s in Entomology for his investigation of biodiversity recovery in a reforestation project. The study used ants as a monitoring model to evaluate the extent to which reforestation for carbon sequestration can have co-benefits for biodiversity. It was conducted in the reforested landscape of the Buffelsdraai Landfill Conservancy.
In the context of climate change and massive biodiversity loss around the world, eThekwini Municipality initiated a reforestation project in 2008 at the Buffelsdraai Landfill Conservancy, deforested land previously used for sugarcane farming that was reclaimed by the municipality. The aim was to employ reforestation as a method to mitigate climate change, offset carbon emissions over a 20-year period and increase climate change adaptation through biodiversity and ecosystem services restoration.
The project, which was also established as a strategy to offset the event-related greenhouse gas emissions linked to the 2010 FIFA™ World Cup and enhance the capacity of people and biodiversity to adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change, eventually grew to incorporate biodiversity recovery.
‘Even though the reforestation project was initiated for carbon sequestration, I found that it is also successfully restoring biodiversity lost through land use change, and showed that open woodlands are ideal habitats for maximising species diversity as they provide a complex habitat for many species,’ said Xolo, who recommended that the municipality maintain these sites as open woodlands.
Xolo was always intrigued by the sciences, specifically those that involved fieldwork, and thus enrolled at UKZN for a BSc in Environmental Sciences, followed by an honours project in Biological Sciences that involved an inventory of epigeal ants at the Ukulinga Research Farm. This work encouraged him to further his studies and helped him hone his research, laboratory and teamwork skills, also teaching him new methods and protocols for handling terrestrial fauna.
Seeing how successful invertebrates are in terrestrial ecosystems, Xolo elected to further his knowledge in this arena. The conservation status and value of invertebrates, particularly ants, are poorly known, and in South Africa only a limited number of studies have contributed to the conservation of ants.
‘This project provides an ant inventory covering the ant diversity of the restored Buffelsdraai Landfill Conservancy; this knowledge could result in a great deal of information that will be useful for conservation planning in South Africa, especially for open woodland habitats that are threatened by land transformation to support agrarian activities,’ he said.
Xolo, who currently works as a research assistant in the Entomology lab, has presented his research at 14 local and international conferences, including the International Congress for Conservation in Kuala Lumpur, the Entomological Society of Southern Africa Conference and the National Conference on Global Change. He plans to enrol for his PhD in 2020.
He thanked his supervisor, Dr Caswell Munyai, for his consistent support and for encouraging him to pursue postgraduate studies. He also thanked his family and friends for their support and acknowledged the special person in his life, Ms Mbali Mbonambi, saying, ‘home is where the heart is, and she’s my home.’
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan and Supplied
author : .author email : .Engineering Masters Fine Tunes Power Line Robots
Mr Shaun Barnett studied power line robots to earn his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.‘Focus on the steps that you take on your journey, rather than what looms ahead,’ shared Mr Shaun Barnett who received his MSc degree in Electrical Engineering cum laude. His study was titled, Electromagnetic Interference Mitigation in a High Voltage Power Line Inspection Robot.
‘High voltage engineering and robotics are both exciting and interesting topics and I jumped at the opportunity presented by an overlap between them,’ said Barnett. ‘I wanted to study Electrical Engineering at an internationally accredited university, and UKZN’s School of Engineering continues to maintain a top 200 ranking worldwide.’
Inspection of high voltage power lines is an expensive and dangerous undertaking. Automating the task through the use of robotics addresses these issues while creating opportunities for improved accuracy and more comprehensive inspection.
‘Shaun was an independent worker and managed to complete a topic that included aspects of high voltage and electronic engineering,’ said his supervisor, Dr Andrew Swanson.
Swanson said that Barnett’s work had resulted in a meaningful output that will be important to the further development of the power line inspection robot.
Barnett is currently presenting a paper at the International Symposium on High Voltage Engineering in Budapest, Hungary. This symposium is a forum for global engineers, researchers and scientists to present their research and share ideas, knowledge and expertise on high voltage engineering.
‘During my research I got to meet some great minds that showed me that in order to better oneself, one should strive never to be the smartest person in the room. It also showed me that opportunity is everywhere, we just need to learn to recognise it. During the course of my studies, I was certified as a professional energy manager, did numerous other educational courses, moved twice and got married. It was quite a ride,’ said Barnett.
Asked about his recipe for success, Barnett said: ‘I do not think that these things are a matter of “can” or “cannot”, but rather a matter of weighing why it must be done against what needs to be sacrificed in order to do it.’
Words: Christian Ishimwe
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Calculating Optimum Sugarcane Harvest Age
Mr Sibusiso Lucky Zulu who graduated with an MSc in Crop Science.Mr Sibusiso Lucky Zulu earned his Master’s in Crop Science for calculating the best age at which to harvest sugarcane, an important management factor that determines the economic returns for cane growers.
While sugarcane production is widespread in South Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, there is still uncertainty about and limited information available on the optimal harvest ages across different production regions.
Zulu, who is passionate about agriculture, was driven to make a meaningful contribution to this sector. He hopes that the results will provide guidance to sugarcane growers on the most appropriate harvest ages for different regions, thereby maximising profits.
Zulu undertook his research at the South African Sugarcane Research Institute (SASRI), an opportunity that he said enhanced his skills in using field trials, data mining on already existing trials, and using models like Canesim.
‘One of the skills I’ve learned in this marathon is to maintain a positive attitude in any situation,’ he said.
Zulu is currently looking for entry-level opportunities in the agricultural industry where he can apply his knowledge and hopes one day to further his skills through a PhD. He completed all his degrees at UKZN, choosing the Institution because of its high rating in agricultural research.
He thanked God for the opportunity to pursue his studies, and said he was grateful to his grandmother, MaZungu, and to his friends at the Pietermaritzburg Student Christian Fellowship for their prayers. He also expressed gratitude to his supervisor, Dr Sanesh Ramburan, and to Dr Sumita Ramgareeb and Ms Thobile Nxumalo, all at SASRI, for their guidance, encouragement and support. He thanked SASRI for funding his research, and his supervisor Professor Hussein Shimelis for believing in him and offering encouragement.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .MSc Focuses on Genetics of Southern African Jackal Buzzard
Ms Sophia Bam studied the genetics of the Southern African Jackal Buzzard.For Ms Sophia Bam, the importance of education has always been the key to her determination to succeed.
Her focus and drive are rooted in her grandparents who worked as farmers in the Eastern Cape and whose legacy ensured that their children and grandchildren were able to receive a good education. Her master’s study investigated the genetics that govern colourful plumage in the Southern African Jackal Buzzard.
Bam, who hails from Pietermaritzburg, chose to pursue her undergraduate (Microbiology and Genetics) and postgraduate (Genetics) studies at UKZN owing to the University’s commitment to transformation and excellence. She said that she wanted to ‘pursue a career in a field in which there were not too many people who looked like me.’
While the numerous challenges she confronted during her studies caused her sometimes to question this choice, Bam persevered. She compares herself to the genes that she studies, as she has developed considerable resilience and adaptability.
Her dissertation focused on the genetic basis of adaptation that results from the gene mutation involved in melanin production and how evolutionary processes have driven colour variation in birds. Its findings are likely to improve efforts to conserve the Jackal Buzzard, which is endemic to southern Africa.
Bam is currently employed as a Department of Science and Technology - National Research Foundation research intern at the University of Cape Town and hopes to pursue a PhD focusing on the genetics of a neurodevelopmental disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, specifically in African populations.
‘I want to be at the helm when we bring scientific breakthroughs and development to aid Africa and her people,’ she said.
Words: Pumla Dlamini
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan and Supplied
author : .author email : .Adversity Spurs Graduate to Obtain her PhD in Physics
Dr Tamara Govindasamy graduated with a PhD in Physics.Dr Tamara Govindasamy describes graduation as, ‘a ceremony of recognition for those who have set out to empower themselves through knowledge.’ This could not be truer for Govindasamy herself, who graduated with a PhD in Physics. She completed her PhD while working full-time and managed to complete an online course in computer coding at the same time.
Having initially enrolled at the University of the Witwatersrand, Govindasamy moved back to Pietermaritzburg to look after her younger brother when their parents and grandmother passed away. She enrolled for a BSc with majors in Physics, Applied Maths and Statistics at UKZN. Having found her passion in Physics, she completed an honours degree, followed by a masters and PhD in Atmospheric Physics.
Govindasamy’s PhD focused on the development of a computational model that accurately determines the global solar radiation received at any location in South Africa. Her research allowed for efficient and inexpensive identification of optimal solar capture sites and she hopes the findings will create awareness of alternative renewable energy sources and decrease demand for coal power, thus reducing the cost of electricity as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Govindasamy’s research was supervised by Professor Naven Chetty, whose constant support and assistance helped her throughout the process. ‘Prof Chetty always encouraged me to expand my thinking,’ said Govindasamy. ‘His guidance has been instrumental in the completion of my studies. He has empowered me with the skills and knowledge I require to move forward in my career and academic path, for which I will always be grateful.’
Govindasamy is currently working at Allan Gray as a communications specialist and is in the process of transitioning into the role of a resource analyst. She describes her time at UKZN as a fundamental part of her life and hopes to continue her work in Atmospheric Physics to promote the development of concentrated solar power.
Chetty’s advice will stand her in good stead: ‘Nothing is impossible. Always go after your goals.’
Words: Pumla Dlamini
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Improving Maize Yield Through Genetic Diversity
Plant breeder and MSc graduate, Mr Zawadi Mwaikonyole. Mr Zawadi Angomwile Mwaikonyole, a crop production officer in Tanzania’s Mafia District Council, graduated with his Master’s degree in Plant Breeding through the Improved Masters in Cultivar Development for Africa (IMCDA) programme at UKZN. His research focused on the genetic diversity of maize inbred lines and evaluated early maturing hybrids under low and optimum nitrogen.
Using molecular markers, estimating variance components, correlation and the path coefficients of yield and related traits, and determining genotype by the environment interaction effects and stability of grain yield in early maturing maize hybrids under optimum and low nitrogen environments, Mwaikonyole set out to determine genetic diversity in maize inbred lines.
The cultivar superiority method enabled the identification of four superior hybrids across environments. Mwaikonyole said that these genotypes can be considered for further evaluation and release. Two environments were found to be the most discriminatory and high yielding, and these would be best suited to evaluate genotypes that are proposed for release to farmers.
He said he was interested in pursuing this research because of the wide gap between potential and actual yields of maize, owing to climate change and insufficient information regarding the genetic diversity of the inbred lines used to produce hybrids.
Understanding that there is a need for new improved, high yielding and stable cultivars that tolerate low nitrogen stress, Mwaikonyole evaluated early maturing maize hybrids for grain yield under optimum and low nitrogen stress conditions and analysed the genetic distances among maize inbred lines.
He said that he acquired many new skills in the process, including plant breeding techniques such as germplasm handling and management, field design and management, and analysis and interpretation of plant breeding data and results.
Mwaikonyole, who completed his previous degrees at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania, hopes to be awarded a scholarship to continue to PhD studies, where he aims to cross distantly related inbred genetic lines and identify whether the hybrids generated are well adapted and high yielding to different test environments. He would like to pursue this research at UKZN, his Institution of choice because of its aim to “inspire greatness”, the quality of education offered, and the dedication of qualified lecturers who devote themselves to their students.
Mwaikonyole acknowledged the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) for making his studies possible. He thanked his supervisor Dr Julia Sibiya, as well as Drs Kingstone Mashingaidze, Cousin Musvosvi and Amelework Beyene Assefa for their contributions to his study. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Jackline Ndelwa, his pastor Joshua Mosha, his daughters Faith and Eliana, and his church elders Ilumbi and Shekifu for their prayers and support.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan and Supplied
author : .author email : .PhD Harnesses the Dynamics of Information in Quantum Technology
Dr Michael Mwalaba graduated with a PhD in Physics.A study of the Markovian and Non-Markovian dynamics in a simple mesoscopic system earned Zambian national Dr Michael Mwalaba a PhD in Physics.
‘I did my MSc degree at UKZN and really enjoyed the depth of the research undertaken with my supervisors, Professor Francesco Petruccione and Dr Ilya Sinayskiy,’ said Mwalaba. ‘At first, I wanted to move on to another university overseas, but in the course of the programme, I realised that my supervisors were talented, world-renowned experts in the field and that I would learn a great deal working with them further in my PhD.’
Mwalaba’s doctoral research involved understanding and harnessing the dynamics of information at the microscopic scale in quantum technologies – future technologies that out-perform modern-day technologies.
‘Michael studied the dissipative dynamics of the fermionic systems in star configurations,’ explained Petruccione. ‘Examples of such systems are ultracold spinless fermionic atoms in optical lattices or quantum dots. He derived and solved analytically corresponding Quantum Master equations using Kraus representation and an algebraic approach. These solutions allowed for the study of the transitions between Markovian and non-Markovian regimes of the dissipative dynamics as well as thermodynamical properties of the system.’
From childhood Mwalaba nursed a burning curiosity to understand how technologies worked. ‘For example, from before I was nine years old,’ he said, ‘I really wanted to know exactly how information is transferred from a person speaking into the microphone at a radio station to my father’s radio in our house.
‘My current research in the field of quantum technology is key to understanding modern technologies and will play a significant role in the invention of future technologies. I plan? to be part of the research community that works on improving modern quantum technologies and invents new ones.’
Mwalaba is currently based in the solar energy laboratory at the University of Zambia. He credits the PhD research work undertaken at UKZN’s Quantum Research Group for helping him understand the “microscopic details” of how sunlight is captured by solar cells and converted into solar energy. ‘This puts me in a better position to think about improvements that can be made to current solar cells,’ he said.
Mwalaba paid tribute to his parents and teachers who taught him the importance of education, and ‘the Lord Almighty Jesus Christ who opened up opportunities and ensured that I completed my education.’
In his spare time, Mwalaba enjoys engaging in church activities, spending time with his family? and game viewing.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .MSc Study Harnesses Statistics to Understand Child Mortality
MSc graduate, Mr Mbuyiseni Kubheka. MSc graduate, Mr Mbuyiseni Kubheka employed statistical models to investigate the factors that contributed to infant mortality among Zambian children under the age of five in 2013 and 2014.
‘Infant and child mortality rates are important measures of living and socio-economic conditions and the overall health status of a nation. Addressing the issues contributing to under-five mortality is very important since children are the future leaders of the world,’ explained Kubheka. His findings revealed that demographic characteristics of the parents such as their level of education and income and the region in which the mother resided, were significant determinants of under-five mortality rates.
Kubheka said that he is committed to helping to address the social issues facing society. He believes his findings will be useful to the Zambian government and other stakeholders in the health sector in addressing the mortality rate among young children.
Kubheka lives by these words: ‘Anticipate change, adapt to change quickly, enjoy change and be ready to change quickly, again and again.’ Acceptance of change and prayer helped him to cope with the rigour of a Master’s study. ‘My mother, Ms Sibongile Khumalo, also helped me to pray for my dream to be fulfilled. We had to fast and pray ehlane (in the wilderness),’ he said.
Besides his passion for solving societal issues, Kubheka loves mathematics and statistics and is currently studying towards his PhD through UKZN while working as a Statistics lecturer at the University of Zululand. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and meditating.
Words: Sabeliwe Langa
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Agronomic Potential of Maize for KZN Smallholders Focus of PhD Research
Dr Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma earned his PhD in Crop Science.Dr Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma received a PhD in Crop Science for his research on farmer perceptions and the agronomic potential of Provitamin A-biofortified maize (PVABM) for smallholder farming systems in KwaZulu-Natal.
Zuma explored the potential of PVABM for smallholder farming systems, looking specifically at smallholder farmers’ perceptions of maize production and the factors that might have positive or negative impacts on the acceptability of PVABM. He also explored the agronomic potential of PVABM, from seed quality to yield potential of the orange-yellow maize. Finally, he assessed the acceptability of and willingness to adopt PVABM for household consumption through sensory evaluation.
Zuma said that the study was motivated by the poor food security status of low-income communities in South Africa, with women and children particularly vulnerable.
‘I was concerned that, while smallholder farmers produce various crops, maize being one of them, the main challenge was people’s consumption of white maize and the use of yellow maize for animal feed,’ he said. ‘Looking at the nutritional content of yellow maize, it has a better carotenoid content compared to white maize, and could therefore be used as an alternative supply of vitamin A, which would benefit children in these communities at risk of vitamin A deficiency.’
Zuma, who completed his Bachelor of Agriculture with Honours and his Master of Agriculture degrees at UKZN, said he chose to study at the Institution because of its strength in agriculture, and its offerings in terms of capacity building, especially for students from disadvantaged areas.
Zuma is now the operations manager for uMkhuzane Projects, based in Richmond. He hopes to enrol in a post-doctoral programme to enhance his research skills and competencies.
Zuma acknowledged the smallholder farmers of Bulwer and KwaDlangezwa who contributed to his research, and thanked his supervisors, Professors Albert Modi and Unathi Kolanisi, for dedicating their time to guide and improve his research. He also thanked his family, friends and his partner for their support.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .“Obstacles Grow You” Says Cum Laude Graduate
Ms Nomfundo Gabuza who graduated with an MSc in Applied Mathematics cum laude.Ms Nomfundo Gabuza graduated cum laude with her MSc degree in Applied Mathematics despite confronting numerous obstacles.
Gabuza matriculated at Wembezi Secondary School near Escourt, a disadvantaged school with a low pass rate. During her matric year she was accused of cheating as she achieved excellent results in Mathematics whilst her classmates did not. After further investigation, Gabuza was cleared and her results were released with her earning a B symbol. It was, however, too late to register at any university, which led her to take a gap year.
Initially, Gabuza enrolled at UKZN to study Applied Chemistry as her experiences deterred her from pursuing Mathematics. After a year, however, she realised that her passion still lay with Mathematics, prompting her to change to Applied Mathematics.
After completing her undergraduate studies Gabuza registered for an honours degree, but illness caused her to withdraw. Spurred on by her siblings’ belief in her, she returned the following year and completed the degree. Gabuza lost her parents at a very young age and depended on her siblings for emotional support. She realised very early that there was no room for failure.
During her honours studies, Gabuza was inspired by Professor Sudan Hansraj to investigate the area of General Relativity. While her family expected that she would start working, she registered for an MSc.
Her research study investigated exact solutions to the odd and even dimensional pure Lovelock field equations in order to generate astrophysical models. It analysed models of perfect fluids that arise in the modified Lovelock theory of gravity. Lovelock theory generalises General Relativity and opens the door to answer important phenomenological questions including the late time accelerated expansion of the universe through geometry.
‘Very few women pursue research in General Relativity but my supervisor, Professor Sudan Hansraj believed that I could achieve the MSc degree, which truly motivated me,’ said Gabuza.
Hansraj said: ‘Nomfundo has applied herself diligently and has produced an excellent piece of work that is publishable in high end international calibre scientific journals. She succeeded in generating viable models of relativistic stars in the higher curvature gravity theory. As she comes from a humble background she had to undertake tutorial work in order to maintain herself during the master’s degree. Despite this she showed determination and was able to complete the work in very good time. I congratulate her on her success and wish her well in her future endeavours to realise her dream of completing a doctoral degree in Applied Mathematics.’
Gabuza relaxes by watching and playing sport and is a former member of the UKZN ladies’ soccer team.
Her advice to other students is: ‘Do not be afraid to pursue your dreams irrespective of your background and experience. Black women can succeed in Applied Mathematics.’
Sisters Nomonde and Nokwanda Gabuza said they are proud of their sibling: ‘We have faith that our sister will continue to rise despite all the hardships and will one day be in a position to take care of our family. Thank you, UKZN, for helping our Nomfundo to reach for her dreams.’
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .“Poster Boy for Good Results” Graduates with Flying Colours
MSc cum laude graduate Mr Lindokuhle Ntombela.‘Lindokuhle Ntombela is a poster boy for good results,’ said his supervisor, Professor Naven Chetty.
‘He graduated with a BSc Honours degree summa cum laude and has now completed his MSc in Physics in 18 months and it is cum laude. He is an example of how hard work, commitment and tenacity breed success.’
Ntombela’s thesis – from which two manuscripts have already been submitted for publication – was titled, Fabrication of Tissue-like Phantoms for the Use in Biomedical Imaging. This involved studying laser light penetration and its probable effects through different biological tissues simulated using tissue-like materials.
‘Increasing diagnostic and therapeutic applications of laser light have necessitated the development and creation of phantom tissue better to understand its propagation and the response of different tissues to the incident laser beams, and to provide a better understanding of the laser choice for a specific application,’ said Ntombela.
‘This research was strategically planned to investigate and develop a cost-effective method to study laser propagation in the human brain, bladder and lung tissues at a certain wavelength.’
Ntombela explained the significance of his research: ‘The effect of exposure to ultraviolet radiation of certain biological tissues is a relatively unexplored area. It is only recently that researchers have begun to document the harm caused. The interaction of laser light with various biological tissues at classi?ed wavelength needs to be further explored, and this study was designed to address this issue.
‘The first goal was to develop and create phantom tissues with properties related to the human brain, bladder and lung tissue. The use of phantoms in place of biological material is an effective alternative in initial tests of imaging device and procedure since it is independent of the variables introduced by real subjects.
‘The second goal was to understand the laser light penetration and interaction as a function of optical properties such as index of refraction, scattering, absorption and anisotropic factor. These optical properties determine the mechanism of laser tissue interaction in that special case, enabling the development of new biomedical diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.’
‘I was happy to finish my masters cum laude in 18 months,’ said Ntombela. He is currently registered for a PhD under the supervision of Chetty and Dr Oluwabamise Adeleye.
‘Academically, Professor Chetty and Dr Adeleye have been of immense guidance. In addition, the role of my family through their prayers, motivation and general support cannot be overemphasised. UKZN is the best in research with many interesting areas of research.’
In his spare time, Ntombela enjoys running, soccer matches and house jams.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Mopani Worms Subject of MSc Research
Mrs Adelaide Kumirai received an MSc in Agricultural Engineering.Mrs Adelaide Kumirai nee Mhlanga received her MSc degree in Agricultural Engineering at UKZN’s Spring Graduation ceremony for the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.
Kumirai hails from Macheke, a small farming community some 100km from the capital of Zimbabwe, Harare. She attended Macheke Government Primary School and Murewa High School and completed a postgraduate degree in Agricultural Engineering at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in 2013 before embarking on her master’s studies at UKZN in 2016.
‘I came to UKZN as I knew it is one of the few universities (if not the only one) in South Africa offering Agricultural Engineering at postgraduate level and also that it has the best academics to supervise postdoc studies,’ said Kumirai.
She added that the two major projects she undertook at CUT influenced her academic and career paths. With the help of the Institute of Agricultural Engineering (IAE) in Zimbabwe, Kumirai designed a solar power drip irrigation system as well as a sunflower decorticator.
‘When I was called by the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) for an interview for a master’s student to research the drying kinetics of mopani worms, I saw it as a huge opportunity to continue to fulfil my desire to empower small to medium scale farmers and entrepreneurs. The study’s findings would later feed into the design of a small-scale mopani worm solar dryer,’ said Kumirai.
Her study, Convective Hot Air Drying Kinetics of Mopani Worms, focused on the effects of temperature, relative humidity and pre-treatments on the drying kinetics of mopani worms as well as on the worms’ quality parameters.
The low levels of female representation in the agricultural engineering sector and the need to address the marginalisation of small to medium farmers and entrepreneurs in agriculture motivated Kumirai to pursue her master’s degree in this field.
‘My research feeds into some of the information required to design a mopani worm solar dryer for small to medium harvesters and entrepreneurs. This will help to ensure hygienic drying, shortened drying periods, and improved quality of dried mopani worms, therefore, alleviating the problems harvesters have been experiencing while using open sun drying methods,’ she explained.
Kumirai faced many obstacles on her journey to success, but overcame them by gaining new skills such as time management, how to take criticism well and learning how to be independent and take direction from her supervisor, while also defending her own ideas.
‘I am so grateful to the many people who believed in me during my studies including my husband, Mr Tichaona Kumirai, my mother Mrs Savie Mhlanga, my supervisors Professor Seyoum Workneh and Dr Moses Marenya, my mentors Drs Russel Mhundwa and Sipho Sibanda, and my friends and colleagues,’ she said.
‘I would like to express my great appreciation for financial support from the ARC, the European Union through the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) and UKZN. Your support was instrumental in my success today.’
Kumirai is currently impacting the lives of young people as a lecturer at a FET college in Pretoria where she teaches courses such as Engineering Drawing, Engineering Science, Power Machines, Strength of Materials and Communication for Engineers.
‘My future plans are to pursue my studies and do a PhD as well as to continue bringing solutions to the marginalised in the agricultural sector,’ said Kumirai. ‘I also see myself working hand-in-hand with both research institutions and universities and imparting the knowledge I have acquired and will acquire in the future for a better nation and nations at large.’
Words: Zolile Duma
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Recognition of Human Hand Gestures Explored in Virtual Reality World
Mr Andrew Clark was awarded a Master’s degree in Computer Science.Students are often told to stop playing games and focus on their studies, but master’s student Mr Andrew Clark found a way to make virtual reality his research focus. ‘I’m a big fan of virtual reality and gaming, and I had a strong interest in making virtual reality feel more intuitive and natural to users,’ said Clark.
Clark is full of praise for UKZN. ‘The University is the best in KwaZulu-Natal and one of the top universities in the country. The lecturers and course work are world class and I am proud to have graduated from such an institution,’ he said.
After completing his undergraduate and honours degrees in Computer Science, Clark stumbled upon gesture recognition, and getting users to use their hands to interact with the world in virtual reality. ‘My degrees thus far and the knowledge I gained, have assisted greatly in my current career path,’ he said.
Clark’s master’s study explored the recognition of human hand gestures and poses in virtual reality. He said that its findings point to the viability of hand gesture recognition for virtual reality, and open up possibilities for future research.
Clark believes that we are not far off from creating the technologies portrayed in the Avengers films. ‘The idea is that in the future we will be able to control our environment with a wave of the hand, instead of using remote controls. So we’ll all be able to wave our hands over a futuristic table and arrange holograms, like Tony Stark,’ he explained.
His master’s experience was marked by both highs and lows. ‘Completing my masters was exciting yet exhausting and eye-opening yet mind-boggling. I’m glad to finally have it behind me, yet at the same time I’m sad to see it go.’
Clark thanked his supervisor, Mr Anban Pillay in the Computer Science Department who, ‘fuelled my drive and gave me a clear focus. I couldn’t have done it without him.’
He said that he thoroughly enjoyed lecturing in the third-year 3D computer graphics module at UKZN. ‘It was an exciting experience to expose the students to modern day 3D simulation tools. They were really enthusiastic.’
He is currently employed at ThoroughTec Technologies, where he is involved in crafting the future of 3D mining and military simulations using cutting-edge technology and workflows, and hopes to fulfil his childhood dream of starting his own video game company in the future.
Words: Sashlin Girraj
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .From Humble Beginnings to Formidable Geneticist
Cum laude Master of Science in Genetics graduate, Ms Bongekile Ngobese.Ms Bongekile Ngobese, who was awarded her Master of Science in Genetics cum laude, grew up in the small village of Nqutu in northern KwaZulu-Natal, where she completed her matric at Ekucabangeni Secondary School.
Hard work was part of Ngobese’s everyday life.
‘I had to walk more than 20 km each day to get to school. After school, I had to take a 20 litre bucket down to the river to fetch water and then make a fire so we could cook. There was no electricity,’ she recalls.
Her Physical Science teacher, Mr Mthethwa, encouraged her to enrol at UKZN and she completed her BSc in Biochemistry and Genetics in 2016 and her BSc Honours in Medical Biochemistry in 2017.
Ngobese was actively involved in student life at the University. She was the only female representative on the Student Representative Council on the Westville campus and served as a Supplemental Instructor for the School of Life Sciences and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.
Her Master’s study analysed the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence genes in the two most common Campylobacter species, namely C. jejuni and C. coli, which are known to cause infection in humans.
This pathogen is transmitted through contaminated or undercooked meat and causes Campylobacteriosis (infection by the Campylobacter bacterium) in humans. Ngobese’s research isolated the pathogen from livestock faecal samples (such as chickens, cattle, goat, pigs and sheep), as these animals cause human infections.
Most laboratories shy away from investigating this pathogen, because it is challenging to isolate. Furthermore, there is a paucity of published information on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in foodborne pathogens related to livestock in South Africa.
Ngobese’s research findings are very significant as Campylobacteriosis is a leading bacterial cause of foodborne infections and is one of the main public health problems in countries that are producers of livestock.
She hopes to design strategies to minimise, control and prevent infections caused by this pathogen in both humans and animals using the global One Health concept. One Health is an approach to designing and implementing programmes, policies, legislation and research in which multiple sectors communicate and work together to achieve improved public health outcomes.
Ngobese chose to purse her masters for her own personal development and the chance to work with talented researchers. ‘Through my masters, I have developed professional skills (like independence, and time management) and have been surrounded by colleagues who are highly motivated to achieve their goals,’ she said.
She is grateful to a number of people. ‘I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr Oliver Zishiri and one of his PhD students, Miss Samantha Reddy, for their support. I would also like to thank my brothers Mncedisi Kumalo, Thabo Wonder Mthali and Siyabonga Ngobese. My friends, Nomakhwezi Ntsele, Sunshine Myende, Phumla Hlengwa, Zamile Mbhele, Christian Ishimwe and Ntombi Benede have also been very supportive.’
Ngobese is currently working as a laboratory technologist at the UKZN HIV Pathogenesis Programme at the Medical School. Next year she hopes to purse PhD studies in HIV/ AIDS and TB.
Words: Sashlin Girraj
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .PhD Thesis Examines Enhanced Integrated Coastal Management Decision Making
Dr Bronwyn Goble (right) with her supervisor Professor Trevor Hill.Senior scientist at the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), Dr Bronwyn Goble graduated with her PhD in Environmental Science for her study on alternative approaches to knowledge sharing and information storage for integrated coastal management (ICM) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Goble has spent the past 10 years working closely with the coastal management authorities through her work at ORI, where she manages the Coastal Zone portfolio. While working to provide information to support decision-making and assisting in capacity building, Goble realised that there was a significant gap in institutional knowledge. She began to consider the alternative methods that could be employed to develop a knowledge bank of accessible, reliable data to inform decision-making when it comes to the management of coastal zones.
Goble’s examination of KZN-specific barriers to ICM implementation found that these were in part linked to knowledge acquisition and retention, access to information for informed decision-making, and understanding of coastal issues and pressures. Some of her PhD research overlapped with her responsibilities at ORI.
She investigated the development of an information decision support portal, with in-built coastal data tools to bridge this gap. The resulting website provides the authorities with access to spatial and non-spatial data to inform decision-making, something she believes will make a significant contribution to coastal management within KZN.
‘The system offers easy access to information in a user-friendly format, on an open web-based platform and improves users’ capacity and understanding of coastal socio-ecology through the provision of spatial tools to support decision-making and management processes,’ explained Goble, who added that the platform also acts as an ‘institutional knowledge bank’ for KZN ICM.
Goble pointed out that alongside this portal, traditional capacity building or training sessions will continue to play an important role; she believes these complementary approaches will assist ICM implementation and knowledge in KZN.
Goble enrolled at UKZN, where one of her masters (and later PhD) supervisors Professor Trevor Hill is based, after completing her undergraduate, honours and master’s degrees at Rhodes University and beginning work at ORI. She said that her PhD experience enhanced her research and scientific writing skills, complementing the applied management activities she spends most of her daily work engaging in.
Goble thanked her supervisors, Hill and Professor Mike Phillips from the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, for their support, saying that she could not have reached this milestone without them. She acknowledged ORI for financial support and ongoing encouragement and her friend and mentor Fiona Mackay for being a constant source of inspiration.
‘Most importantly, thank you to my husband, Geoff, for everything he does, and my two beautiful daughters, Charlotte and Emma who make my life complete,’ she said.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Ntokozo Dladla
author : .author email : .Contributing Resilient Maize Hybrids for Plant Breeding Success
Mr Chimwemwe Josia received an MSc degree in Plant Breeding.Mr Chimwemwe Josia, a Technology Transfer Specialist at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Malawi, graduated with his Masters in Plant Breeding through the Improved Masters in Cultivar Development for Africa (IMCDA) programme at UKZN.
Josia evaluated maize hybrids for low-nitrogen tolerance, yield stability and genetic purity. He tested the yield performance and stability of single cross maize hybrids under low Nitrogen (N) stress, and conducted molecular marker-based genetic purity analyses on the maize parental lines and the resultant hybrids to test their quality. Using hybrids from three locations, Potchefstroom, Vaalharts and Cedara, Josia identified 13 single cross maize hybrids that are genetically pure, tolerant to low N, high yielding and stable across locations.
‘These are potential candidates for further evaluation and release as low N tolerant hybrids in South Africa, and information generated from genetic purity analysis will strengthen the maize breeding programme implemented by the Agricultural Research Council-Grain Crops Institute (ARC-GCI) in South Africa,’ said Josia.
Josia was inspired to pursue this research as production of maize, which remains the principal source of food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, faces challenges owing to abiotic stresses such as low Nitrogen. He hoped to offer a sustainable solution for farmers to achieve resilience as soil fertility declines in Africa.
He joined the IMCDA programme, funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), in order to prepare himself to become a scientist working in plant breeding and seed systems who could address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The programme’s unique blend of coursework with a yearlong internship in research institutes in Africa, such as the ARC-GCI where Josia was based, contributed to preparing him for industry.
He selected UKZN owing to its high ranking and reputation for distinguished research, knowing that guidance from its researchers would enable him to make an original contribution to his field. He said that he appreciated the University’s rich cultural diversity and the opportunities it afforded for academic networking.
Prior to joining UKZN, Josia studied Agronomy at the former Bunda College of Agriculture at the University of Malawi, now the Lilongwe University of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
Having completed his masters in this multidisciplinary field, several career opportunities arose. At IITA, he conducts research into cowpea and soybean seed production, and works in technology transfer. Following graduation, Josia will join SeedCo, where he will be involved in commercial maize hybrid and legume seed production, as well as related seed production research. He plans to continue with this work while exploring PhD scholarship opportunities.
Josia extended special thanks to his supervisor, IMCDA project manager, Dr Julia Sibiya, for her support. He also thanked Drs Cousin Musvosvi and Amelework Beyene Assefa for their contributions during his studies. He acknowledged his co-supervisor and research mentor Dr Kingstone Mashingaidze at the ARC-GCI, as well as the ARC-GCI maize breeding team, thanking them for their support and for providing the planting materials and facilities used in his study. He also thanked AGRA for making his studies possible.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Desire to Assist the Disadvantaged Leads to MSc in Sanitation
Chemical Engineering Master’s graduate Ms Dayna Hamilton with her mother Charmaine and brother Travis.Ms Dayna Hamilton was delighted to graduate with a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
Hamilton completed her matric at Westville Girls’ High School in 2009, and obtained a BSc in Pure and Applied Mathematics and Chemistry and a BSc Honours degree in Chemistry from Rhodes University in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
She then joined the MV Logos Hope – a ship operated by a German Christian charitable organisation that features a mobile bookstore – as a volunteer crew member for two years, during which she was exposed to the poverty in and around Asia, and East and West Africa.
Hamilton enrolled at UKZN in 2017. ‘When I met Professor Chris Buckley and heard about the sanitation-based research he was doing as head of the Pollution Research Group (PRG), I decided to pursue a master’s degree at UKZN,’ she said. ‘The PRG is focused on developing sustainable sanitation systems for the developing world, and I wanted to contribute to this effort.
‘My exposure to the immense need in the world whilst on the MV Logos Hope led me to choose a Master’s project that would use my chemistry and mathematics skills to assist the disadvantaged,’ said Hamilton. ‘Sanitation is a key area since it is foundational to the health and wellbeing of communities. I chose a Master’s project that contributed to innovative sanitation strategies.’
Hamilton’s study was titled, Near Infrared Spectroscopy for on-site Quality Analysis of the Proximate Components of Urine Diversion Dehydrating Toilet Faecal Sludge as a Feed for Farming Black Soldier Fly Lavae. She examined whether Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used as a rapid screening tool to determine the level of moisture, sand, protein, fat and fibre in faecal sludge loads taken from onsite waterless toilets.
‘A 20 ton per day Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) production facility has been built to process faecal sludge from Urine Diversion Dehydration Toilets (UDDT) in Isipingo, Durban. This facility serves as a disposal and resource recovery step in the Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) chain that is important for addressing sanitation needs in developing countries,’ explained Hamilton.
‘My pilot project aimed to inform municipalities on the potential to introduce entrepreneurs and public partnerships to the sanitation field. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with a grant to Khanyisa Projects and eThekwini Municipality, the investigation aimed to provide scientific data to aid the formulation of future contracts,’ she said.
Hamilton described her Master’s journey as a capacity building experience. Coming from a solely mathematics and chemistry background and knowing nothing about sustainable sanitation or NIRS, she feels privileged to have been put in a challenging position from which she emerged successfully.
‘It has built my confidence. I know that if posed with a difficult scientific/engineering question in the future I will be able to come to a valid answer. It has taught me a level of tenacity to be able to engage successfully in high-level planning and investigation,’ she said.
Hamilton is currently working at Technical Finishes KZN as a Chief Research and Development Chemist.
Words: Zolile Duma
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Masters Study Investigates “Spider Plant” Seeds
Master’s in Plant Breeding cum laude graduate Ms Jelila Blalogoe investigated “Spider Plant” seeds to obtain an MSc in Plant Breeding.Ms Jelila Blalogoe has graduated with her Master’s in Plant Breeding cum laude through a MoBreed project funded by the EU Intra Africa Academic Mobility Scheme programme. Her research explored the factors that influence the germination and dormancy of seeds of the “spider plant”, an underutilised, traditional leafy vegetable.
The “spider plant”, or Gynandropsis gynandra L. Briq, is indigenous to many parts of Africa and it experiences low yield, largely owing to low and non-uniform seed germination. It has therefore not been widely cultivated, nor has much research been conducted on it. The highly nutritious plant, whose leaves and shoots are often used in stews, also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in medicinal applications.
Blalogoe did not set out to conduct research on seed germination. However, after making crosses as she had planned and sowing the seeds so that she could later evaluate the best variety, her seeds did not germinate. With only five months to go before she was due to submit, Blalogoe changed course to investigate why the seed was not germinating. The literature on the topic indicated a serious problem with no solution identified to address the germination challenge.
She described and documented the phenotypic characteristics and mineral composition of seeds of 29 G. gynandra accessions from diverse regions, determined the pattern of seed germination and dormancy development in seeds of different “spider plant” accessions and their crosses, and assessed the storage potential of “spider plant” seeds using artificial aging.
The findings offer answers to several questions about “spider plant’s” germination capacity, and most importantly, how to break dormancy in freshly harvested seeds. She proposed methods to break dormancy and accelerate germination in these seeds.
Blalogoe, who completed her previous studies at the University of Abomey Calavi (UAC) in Benin, chose to register at UKZN because of its prestigious reputation, and hopes one day to pursue a PhD using the knowledge she is acquiring in her work. She currently works as a Research Assistant in the Laboratory of Genetics, Horticulture and Seed Science at UAC.
She thanked her supervisors, Drs Julia Sibiya and Alfred Odindo, for their support, as well as her home supervisor, Professor Enoch Achigan-Dako, for his input.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan and Supplied
author : .author email : .PhD Study Reveals a Grassier Eastern Karoo
Dr Justin du Toit received a PhD in Grassland Science.Research conducted by Dr Justin du Toit for his PhD in Grassland Science shows that as the climate changes, grassiness in the semi-arid Karoo is on the rise. His study investigated factors influencing the botanical composition of the eastern Karoo, including rainfall, grazing by livestock, and the impact of minimum temperatures on shifts in vegetation, while also examining the potential increased chances of fire.
Du Toit is based at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute in Middelburg in the Eastern Cape, where he conducts and publishes research on vegetation-related aspects of the Karoo. His study was supervised by Professors Kevin Kirkman and Tim O’Connor, and will be relevant to researchers, managers, farmers and conservationists in the Karoo.
He said that the aim of his study was to gain a better understanding of how Karoo vegetation works and thereby contribute new knowledge on the consequences of management interventions such as livestock grazing, natural background drivers such as rainfall and drought, and emergent factors that can be controlled to a point, such as fires.
He explained that the increase in grassiness in the Karoo over the past few decades is generally seen as a positive development. He investigated a number of factors that contributed to this, beginning by using rainfall records dating from 1888 to establish that rainfall in recent decades has been notably higher, and droughts less common. He also found strong evidence of cyclical rainfall patterns, with the clearest cycle about 20 years long.
Combining the effects of livestock grazing with rainfall effects, du Toit used long-term data to reveal that increased rainfall had resulted in the eastern Karoo becoming much grassier and sometimes less shrubby, and boasting healthier veld from the 1960s to the 2010s. Periods of rainfall decline resulted in more pronounced grazing effects, with heavy summer grazing damaging the veld and increasing the amount of bare ground, as opposed to less damaging grazing spread out over the year. Winter grazing resulted in grasses thriving and shrubs becoming less common. Increased rainfall rendered the results of grazing less pronounced; even damaged veld recovered considerably and boasted good botanical diversity. Du Toit concluded that rainfall was the primary driver of vegetation condition, but that grazing has an important secondary effect that is especially pronounced during dry times.
Since rainfall increases the growth of flammable grasses and therefore the chance of fire (an important consideration as climate change is predicted to increase the incidence of wet periods as well as droughts), du Toit examined the influence of an accidental fire at Grootfontein. He found that while fire did not change the overall number of species, it caused major shifts in which species were dominant, noting that many shrubs took many years to regain their original size.
Du Toit also investigated whether minimum temperatures (and frost) correlated with shifts in vegetation, finding that despite background warming resulting in longer growing seasons and a general increase in temperatures, there was no correlation between the length of the growing season and changes in vegetation.
This research has resulted in 12 publications and presentations, including in the African Journal of Range and Forage Science, the South African Journal of Botany and at the Annual Congress of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.
Du Toit extended special thanks to two people among the many that contributed to his research. Grootfontein’s resident Karoo ecology expert Dr Piet Roux was instrumental in du Toit’s research and in providing insight into the region, while he described co-supervisor O’Connor as providing amazing guidance, direction and insight, and said that it was an honour to work with him.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Supplied
author : .author email : .Applied Mathematician Aces MSc Degree
Ms Kathleen Sellick graduated summa cum laude with an MSc in Applied Mathematics.Ms Kathleen Sellick received her MSc summa cum laude for her research on the strong gravity effects on the electromagnetic field of a radio pulsar magnetosphere.
After matriculating with top honours from St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in Kloof, Sellick and her mother’s enquiries revealed that UKZN is a leading research facility in the field of astronomy. She was awarded a prestigious Square Kilometre Array (SKA) bursary and enrolled for a BSc. Her honours degree was co-funded by the SKA and the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) and her master’s degree by the latter.
Sellick master’s study, which was supervised by Professor Subharthi Ray of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, sought to solve Maxwell’s equations in a strong magnetic and gravitational field.
‘Neutron stars host a very strong magnetic field and spin with periods of a few seconds to as high as milliseconds,’ said Sellick. ‘The general relativistic effects of a neutron star also play a substantial role in the physics at the stellar surface. In order to account for the motion of charged particles in the magnetosphere immediately outside the stellar surface, it is essential to include the general relativistic effects in the Maxwell’s equations.
‘We used a 3+1 decomposition of the spacetime to account for the frame dragging effects due to the stellar spin. This was used alongside vector spherical harmonics in a curved spacetime, to find solutions to Maxwell’s equations of an isolated neutron star in a vacuum for an aligned and orthogonal dipole magnetic field.’
Sellick explained that in a realistic scenario for a radio pulsar, the radio beams which originate from the pole caps of the magnetic field, have a finite angle with the spin axis and it is hence necessary to find a model for an oblique rotator.
‘It has been a lot of hard work, as to be expected, but well worth the time and effort. I had a great support team and people guiding me the whole way. I look forward to the work and discoveries to come.’
Ray said: ‘Kathleen is a very intelligent student who is very motivated to pursue her research career in Theoretical Astrophysics. She is also very enthusiastic about her research and keen to understand the fundamental physics behind the Astrophysical compact objects – the neutron stars, which have been a mystery for more than five decades. This research field is extremely challenging as it requires not only in-depth knowledge of Physics in order to formulate a mathematical model of the neutron star magnetosphere and the motion of particles there-in, but also a keen mathematical ability to solve them. I see her as a budding young scientist who will pursue a career in Theoretical Astrophysics.’
Sellick is currently enrolled for a PhD, focusing her research on pulsars and the emission mechanism of radio pulsars. She sees herself pursing postdoctoral studies and continuing her research in Theoretical Astrophysics to become a professional scientist in the field.
In her spare time, she rides horses, competes in show jumping and breeds competition horses. She also cares for rescue animals at her family-owned NPC animal sanctuary: The African Sanctuary.
Mrs Janice Sellick thanked UKZN, particularly Ray for supporting her daughter’s studies. ‘Kathleen is a disciplined student who manages to cope with the workload despite her active, animal-oriented lifestyle,’ she said.
Words: Leena Rajpal
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .Go-Getter Receives her MSc
MSc in Biochemistry graduate, Ms Nomfundo Ntombela.Ms Nomfundo Praise Ntombela graduated with an MSc in Biochemistry after developing assays to identify non-specific compounds that are known as “promiscuous” for their ability to unselectively cause false positives in early drug discovery processes.
‘The identification and elimination of these compounds is important in early drug discovery so that time and resources can be devoted to true inhibitors,’ said Ntombela.
Ntombela ended up in Biochemistry after cultivating an early interest in a career in pharmaceuticals. She began her academic career in UKZN’s BSc4 Augmented Programme, having been attracted to the University because of its status as an internationally recognised institution, and said receiving an acceptance letter from UKZN was an honour.
‘I am so grateful that I started at this entry level,’ said Ntombela of the BSc4 programme. ‘I learnt a lot about handling the workload and what I actually wanted to do before moving to mainstream.’
Ntombela seized the opportunity to major in Biochemistry, and when she learnt about the drug discovery laboratory in the discipline, she knew that was where she wanted to end up.
‘My Master’s project was challenging and exciting, as we had to do something that had not been done before,’ said Ntombela. ‘We developed a novel biochemical assay that can concurrently identify true and promiscuous compounds. It can contribute to drug discovery processes as this is the first assay to identify both inhibitors in a single assay, saving time and resources.’
Ntombela is now registered for a PhD at UKZN to pursue her love for pharmaceuticals further, this time focusing on vaccine development.
She paid tribute to her late mother, Mrs Khanyisile Ntombela, saying that she would always be her greatest source of inspiration, and expressed gratitude for the love and prayers that her mother offered that are still bearing fruit.
Ntombela thanked her supervisors, Drs Raymond Hewer and Thandeka Khoza, for their guidance. She also expressed gratitude to her siblings Nomcebo, Nothando, Ntombifuthi, Nondumiso, Sbusiso and Lucky for their love and support.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan
author : .author email : .