SA’s ‘silent mass disaster’ of missing, unidentified people
ResearchStellenbosch University May 28, 2023
An estimated 7 000 – but likely closer to 10 000 – unidentified bodies in South Africa’s medico-legal laboratories are waiting to be identified each year, says Dr Kathryn Smith, an interdisciplinary visual and forensic artist and Chair of the Department of Visual Arts at Stellenbosch University (SU). “Statistics are kept... Read more
Anti-poaching technologies vulnerable to cyber-attacks, study finds
Must-ReadStellenbosch University April 19, 2023
Various technologies such as tracking tags, CCTV and thermal cameras, Wireless Sensor Networks, mobile apps and drones are being used in anti-poaching operations for intelligence and communications to protect wildlife. However, these technologies bring with them the risk of cyber-attacks, and therefore communication networks and IT infrastructure must be... Read more
Leading-edge healthcare institute a “game changer” for Africa
ResearchStellenbosch University April 19, 2023
The launch of its new state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) places Stellenbosch University (SU) at the forefront of biomedical sciences on the African continent. The BMRI is a world-class biomedical research complex on par with the best in the world and is unparalleled, not only on the African continent,... Read more
Scientists identify new benchmark for freezing point for water
Latest newsResearchStellenbosch University April 17, 2023
Scientists have discovered yet another amazing aspect of the weird and wonderful behaviour of water – this time when subjected to nanoscale confinement at sub-zero temperatures. The finding that a crystalline substance can readily give up water at temperatures as low as -70 °C, published in the journal Nature today, has... Read more
Giséle Chloé Lavita is not one to let circumstances stand in her way. At only 25 years, she graduated this week with a LLD from Stellenbosch University (SU) – one of the youngest to do so. What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that her degree is based... Read more
Visually impaired SU graduate refuses to pedal in sauerkraut when she encounters adversity
Must-ReadStellenbosch University March 30, 2023
Giving up has never been an option for Mbali Ngcamu, 62, who graduated from Stellenbosch University (SU) this week with an MSc in Food Nutrition and Security. Despite facing numerous challenges – a visual impairment that cut short her career as a radiographer, ill health and then, last year,... Read more
SARChI Chair highlights Paediatric Tuberculosis strides and challenges
ResearchStellenbosch University March 27, 2023
As the world marks Tuberculosis (TB) Day on 24 March, Professor Anneke C. Hesseling, who holds the DSI-NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Paediatric Tuberculosis (TB), has shared insights into the strides being made to mitigate the burden of the disease among children in South Africa. Professor Hesseling,... Read more
Small Things Fund Founder Rhoda Malgas receives PhD for study on indigenous teas
ResearchStellenbosch University March 22, 2023
Rural communities who make a living from wild harvesting indigenous rooibos and honeybush in the fynbos region were the focus of the PhD study of Conservation Ecology lecturer and founder of the student-centred Small Things Fund, Dr Rhoda Malgas. The study has its roots in her experiences working with... Read more
Local student reaps the benefits of hard work and dedication
BursariesStellenbosch University March 10, 2023
Seven years of hard work, resilience and dedication have paid off for Somerset East’s ShakeilahWilliams is on track to complete her Degree in Medicine (MB, ChB) at Stellenbosch Universitythis year. This Cookhouse Wind Farm’s bursary programme recipient, who comes from this historica small town in the Eastern Cape plans... Read more
Five-time FNB Varsity Cup champions, FNB Maties clinched a solid 21-19 first-round victory over the old foe, FNB Ikeys at the Danie Craven Stadium on Monday, 20 February. The home side trailed 9-16 at halftime and was kept scoreless up until the 71st minute when scrumhalf Tom Bursey crashed... Read more
