Centre for Sustainable Oceans

On the 23rd of April 2026, we had the privilege of showcasing our student projects to our valued funders at our inaugural workshop. During this session, students presented both past and current projects supported by FEDRATI, Sea Harvest Foundation and the Transport Education and Training Authority.

Students across the Conservation and Marine Sciences as well as the Food Sciences departments, came together to share their work too and engage in meaningful discussions. Sessions like this provide a platform to not only deepen student’s understanding of their research, but also strengthen and refine their presentation skills, fostering collaborations and opening doors for future projects. -We extend our sincere appreciation to our funders for their continued support in enabling such initiatives that empower our students, while advancing our sustainable development goals!

Meet Venecia van Balla, an Ecotoxicology Microplastics Technician & MSc Student at the Bellville CPUT campus. Venecia is at the forefront of advancing marine pollution research. She plays a vital role in supporting and coordinating cutting-edge ecotoxicology and microplastics projects within the laboratory, contributing to everything from experimental design and laboratory setup to sample preparation, method development, and complex analytical workflows.

Her expertise lies in refining and optimizing laboratory methodologies, where she leads efforts to improve microplastic exposure systems, enhance particle quantification techniques, and strengthen tissue processing protocols—ensuring that research outputs are both high-quality and reproducible.

Alongside her technical contributions, she is currently completing her Master’s research, focusing on the uptake and accumulation of environmentally relevant microplastics in marine mussels under controlled conditions.

Through her work, Venecia is helping to build critical capacity in marine pollution and ecotoxicology research, contributing to a deeper understanding of microplastics and their impact within South Africa’s marine environment. With her passion and expertise, the next chapter of her work is one to watch.

As the Ecotoxicology Microplastics Technician at the Belville CPUT campus, my primary role is to support, coordinate, and contribute to ongoing ecotoxicology and microplastics research projects within the laboratory. This includes assisting with experimental design, laboratory setup, sample preparation, method development, and analytical workflows related to microplastic exposure and marine ecotoxicology projects currently hosted by the CSO.

A key aspect of my work involves leading the refinement and optimization of laboratory methodologies for microplastic ecotoxicology research, with a strong focus on improving experimental exposure systems, particle quantification techniques, and tissue processing protocols to support high-quality and reproducible research outputs.

Through both my research and laboratory responsibilities, I contribute toward strengthening the Centre’s capacity in marine pollution, ecotoxicology, and microplastics research within South Africa.

-By Venecia van Balla, Ecotoxicology Microplastics Technician & MSc Student

During 2025, numerous consultations and meetings were held with my supervisors to refine and finalize the proposal of my research project. These discussions were essential in shaping the study and ensuring that the proposed work remained feasible, novel and within the available timeframe and resources. As the year progressed, several components of the project plan were adjusted, including the selection of study sites, sampling methodologies, and the types of samples to be collected. These changes were made to strengthen the project design and to ensure that the research objectives could be effectively addressed under field and logistical constraints. A key component of the study focuses on the presence of metals and their potential association with microplastics. To support this aspect of the project, contact was established with a member of SAEON to explore collaboration possibilities.

Following discussions, he kindly offered laboratory placement and assistance, enabling me to conduct metal analyses on the collected samples within his facility. After confirming and consolidating all research objectives, methodologies, and planned thesis chapters with my supervisors, the final proposal was submitted in October with HDC, and approval is currently pending. In addition, since the research activities will take place within the Table Mountain Marine Protected Area, official authorization is required through SANParks to conduct sampling and fieldwork. Consequently, I have submitted a permit application through the SANParks online portal and am currently awaiting approval to proceed with field operations within the protected area.

By Rushdi Ariefdien, Doctorate Student🔬🥼

On Wednesday the 19th of November 2025, we were pleased to host our first CSO Seminar. The session showcased a range of projects led by CSO staff and students, including completed work as well as ongoing and developing initiatives in areas such as mariculture, ecosystem health, and developing an index framework.

This session offered valuable insights into different projects taking place at the centre as well as prepared presenters for future presentations at larger conferences. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and explored ways to strengthen their projects. We thank everyone who joined us and contributed to a successful seminar, and we look forward to hosting more sessions that support and inspire fellow researchers!

Applications Now Open – CPGS Postgraduate Bursary 2026

Dear Postgraduate Students



Applications are now open for the 2026 CPGS Postgraduate Bursary. Eligible Honours/PGDip, Master’s and Doctoral students are invited to apply for funding towards registration, tuition and accommodation (where applicable) for the 2026 academic year.

Please find the full 2026 Bursary Call attached. We encourage you to read it carefully before applying.

How to Apply:

Submit your application via the online form: https://forms.gle/CedtxSAz6Fvhajec6

Closing date: Friday, 30 January 2026 @ 16h00
All enquiries may be directed to Ms Phaphama Mhlekwa at [email protected]
We look forward to receiving your application.


Kind regards
Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CPGS)

The CPUT Store CLEARANCE SALE takes place from 10 November up until 28 November 2025 at the Bellville Campus only.

Don't miss out!

Meet Aldean Esau, our Microplastic Lab Technician at the Centre of Sustainable Oceans (CSO).

As the Microplastic Lab Technician, Aldean focuses on collecting, analysing and interpreting data related to microplastics. Aldean’s responsibilities comprise coordinating sampling trips, ensuring accurate data collection on microplastic concentrations and characteristics, managing projects and conducting all operational functions of the microplastics lab. This data is crucial in informing the CSO’s ongoing research efforts.

Aldean is also a current Masters student conducting research on the environmental concentrations, characteristics and risk assessment of microplastics at the Olifants and Breede River catchments, estuaries and coastal areas in the Western Cape, South Africa. Both the Olifants and the Breede systems are ecologically important systems, particularly to the fisheries sector, due to the high abundance of marine resources as well as to local fishing communities in the surrounding areas that rely on these marine resources either as a form of sustenance or as a primary source of income.

The findings of her research will provide valuable insight into the extent of microplastic contamination within these systems as well as on the movements of microplastics from catchment to coast and will thus help to address the lack of knowledge on microplastics in South Africa within the context of catchment-to-coast. Her research will therefore serve as a baseline for future research work, either to identify microplastic hotspots or to identify potential sources of contamination and the major pathways in which these microplastics enter these systems. Her research will also serve as a useful tool to guide policy makers that govern the protection of these systems, so that they may be able to develop and implement appropriate mitigation measures to enhance the protection of these systems.

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