Research – Yiba

Weevil species released into the Crocodile River to combat invasive alien aquatic plant

National Research Foundation Research May 23, 2025

The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB), a National Research Foundation (NRF) research facility, plays an important role in conserving the country’s biodiversity. In an effort to combat the growing threat of the invasive alien plant Salvinia minima to South Africa’s freshwater ecosystems, the DSTI/NRF-SAIAB SARChI Chair in... Read more

Scientists tackle one of Africa’s most destructive invasive trees

Research Stellenbosch University May 23, 2025

A major new book on the ecology and management of one of the most destructive invasive weeds in Africa,is now available online. The book, titled The Ecology and Management of Invasive Prosopis Trees in Eastern Africa, is the outcome of a large, decade-long collaborative research project involving six universities... Read more

New study finds emerging pathogen inside brown locusts

Research University of the Free State May 23, 2025

A new study by researchers from the University of the Free State (UFS), the National Health Laboratory Service, and the University of Venda has confirmed for the first time that common brown locusts are carriers of pathogenic yeasts that can cause severe infections in humans – especially in people... Read more

NRF, Costech sign MoU to deepen bilaterial scientific cooperation

National Research Foundation Research May 23, 2025

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and expand their scientific partnership. The signing took place during the 13th Annual Meeting of the Global Research Council (GRC), hosted by Saudi Arabia’s King... Read more

Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria

Research Stellenbosch University April 25, 2025

In 2023, malaria caused 597 000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with most occurring in Africa, where the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is most prevalent. Once inside an infected person’s body, the parasite relies on glycolysis—breaking down glucose (a sugar)—to produce energy and stay alive. A... Read more

New report offers insight into SA teens’ smartphone habits

Research Stellenbosch University Western Cape March 12, 2025

Today’s teenagers are the first generation to grow up with constant online connectivity. As smartphones become more ingrained in their lives, what do we know about how they use them? A new research report by academics at Stellenbosch University sheds light on this question by providing empirical evidence of... Read more

Nigerian PhD researcher thrives at WSU state-of-art labs

Eastern Cape Research Walter Sisulu University February 19, 2025

A Nigerian doctoral researcher from Rivers State University, Rachael Elijah Ekong is advancing ground-breaking research on bioactive compounds from African medicinal plants during her academic visit to Walter Sisulu University, fostering international collaboration in Natural Products Chemistry. Focus of Ekong’s research Her research focuses on isolating bioactive compounds from African... Read more

NRF, FirstRand renew black academics advancement programme

National Research Foundation Research February 13, 2025

The National Research Foundation (NRF) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) aimed at deepening transformation in the country’s academic cohort. The Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP), aimed at supporting the development of Black South African academics and South African academics... Read more

New report highlights the impact of early Grade 1 entry and gender disparities in SA education

Research Stellenbosch University February 12, 2025

A new report by the group, Stellenbosch University’s Research on Socio-Economic Policy (Resep), highlights critical challenges in South African education and presents new insights drawn from comprehensive administrative data. The study finds that children who enter Grade 1 at the minimum age of 5½ years face a significantly higher... Read more

UKZN next gen solar manufacturing project promotes sustainable energy

KwaZulu-Natal Research University of KwaZulu-Natal February 3, 2025

A group of scientists from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) are joint collaborators on an R70 million Swansea University-led research project to develop and manufacture sustainable perovskite solar modules (PSMs) in Africa, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable energy. Currently, more than 500 million people in Africa lack access... Read more