UKZN study highlights black lesbian experiences at TVET colleges
KwaZulu-NatalResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal June 22, 2024
Dr Sanele Siwela is elated at achieving her PhD in Social Justice Education. Her thesis entitled: A Feminist Analysis of Black Lesbian Students’ Academic and Social Experiences at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institution in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa examined how the various social identities of... Read more
UKZN research unpacks obstacles confronting black African undergrads
ResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal June 22, 2024
Many South African students aim to gain university entrance, which ushers in an exciting time and signifies a bright future. However, the rose-tinted glasses are soon ripped off for many students, leaving them with a very different reality. Dr Siyanda Cele’s research highlights the difficulties experienced by Black African... Read more
International research informs policy on SA’s agrifood system
ResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal June 22, 2024
International, collaborative research with an agricultural focus centred at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is influencing policy to ensure a more diverse agrifood system in South Africa by mainstreaming neglected and underutilised crop species. This research emerges from years of work by researchers in the Sustainable and Healthy Food... Read more
Uncovering ancient wonders: The world’s oldest termite mounds found in South Africa
ResearchStellenbosch University June 21, 2024
In what is described as an astonishing breakthrough, scientists have discovered the world’s oldest, inhabited termite mounds along the Buffels River in Namaqualand. These mounds, dating back a staggering 34,000 years, are rewriting our understanding of prehistoric life, climate and carbon storage. An Ancient Marvel These termite mounds, called... Read more
Dr Ashlesha Singh’s desire to make a meaningful difference in the workplace and become an anti-bullying ambassador earned her a PhD in Psychology. Her study investigated employees and managers’ experiences of workplace bullying in a local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Employing interpretative phenomenological analysis, Singh examined the reasons for bullying... Read more
Novel study raises hope for eradicating gonorrhoea
AchieversKwaZulu-NatalResearchUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal May 11, 2024
Dr Deshanta Naicker (29) said she was thrilled to obtain her PhD in Medicine, which resulted from new South African research she undertook at the University of Kwazulu-Natal on combating the bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea. Her study investigated a “reverse vaccinology” approach and alternative therapeutics to combat... Read more
DSI, NRF bridge gap between academia, public policymaking
National Science and Technology Forum May 7, 2024
To enhance collaboration between academia and Government, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) launched the pilot phase of its DSI-NRF Policy Placement Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between research and public policymaking, thus addressing societal challenges... Read more
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 26th prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards. The NSTF-South32 Awards: The NSTF Awards were established in 1998 as a collaborative effort to recognise and promote outstanding contributions to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation by SET-related... Read more
Researching the effects of high fructose consumption on memory, learning capabilities
Free StateResearchUniversity of the Free State March 26, 2024
A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is studying the influence of high fructose – a type of sugar naturally found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables – on memory and learning impairments and related metabolic/ systematic changes during different developmental stages. Zinhle Priscilla Mvelase, a... Read more
SARChI Research Chair, Prof Bongani Ncube, Marks World Water Day
National Research Foundation March 25, 2024
To mark the 2024 World Water Day, Professor Bongani Ncube, the DSI-NRF-WRC South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Governance and Economics for Water and Sanitation Sector Institutions, has highlighted the need to improve access to productive water across South Africa’s disadvantaged communities. “I’m talking about water for... Read more
