Aquatic Systems Research Group

New Publication Alert!

We are pleased to share our latest research published in the prestigious journal The Geographical Journal, one of the leading international journals advancing geographical scholarship and policy-relevant research. This publication by Nomcebo Madonsela, Linton Vhalenzo Munyai, Mwazvita Dalu and Tatenda Dalu contributes to ongoing discussions on the complex interactions between society, space, governance, and environmental change, highlighting the importance of geographical perspectives in addressing contemporary global challenges. Publishing in The Geographical Journal reflects the growing international impact of research emerging from Africa and reinforces the value of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding socio-ecological systems and sustainability transitions. A sincere thank you to all co-authors, collaborators, reviewers, and partners who contributed to this work.

Read the article here:
https://rgs-ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/geoj.70091



UniMpumalanga
Centre for Invasion Biology
Stellenbosch University
University of Limpopo

The Geographical Journal | RGS Research Journal | Wiley Online Library The analysis revealed that farmers in South Africa are aware of the negative impacts of plastic pollution on livestock health; however, they are constrained by a lack of waste management services, la...

New Research Alert!

Understanding how urbanisation reshapes freshwater biodiversity is critical for conserving aquatic ecosystems in a rapidly changing world. A newly published study lead by Dr P**e Mpopetsi explores how fish taxonomic and functional diversity respond to urban pressures, providing important insights into ecosystem health, resilience, and conservation planning. Freshwater ecosystems continue to face growing pressures from land-use change, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and hydrological alteration, making studies like this essential for guiding sustainable management and biodiversity protection.

Fannie Masina, Tatenda Dalu, Zelda Nyundu, Linton Vhalenzo Munyai

Read the full article here:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eco.70223



UniMpumalanga
Stellenbosch University
Centre for Invasion Biology
University of Limpopo
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, Eastern Cape

Save the Date!

Conference theme: From catchments to coastlines: Expanding ecosystem and taxonomic perspectives

The Centre for Invasion Biology at Stellenbosch University and South African National Biodiversity Institute is inviting you to join us for our 2026 National Symposium on Biological Invasions at Stellenbosch University. The event will be an in-person event taking place from 9-11 November 2026 at the Protea Hotel and Conference Centre, Stellenbosch. The Symposium is open to experts, researchers, students, managers and policymakers currently working on, or with an interest in biological invasions in South Africa. Check out the conference website for more details:

https://bioinvasionsymposium.co.za/

Centre for Invasion Biology

home National symposium on biological invasions 2023 The Stellenbosch University Centre for Invasion Biology (C·I·B) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are collaborating to host the National Symposium on Biological Invasions 2023. The event will be an in-person event taking p...

Media Alert!

Aquatic Plants Remove Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water Bodies, Says Biologist

Research work titled: ‘Enrichment and Geo-Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Superficial Sediments, Macrophytes and Edible Leafy Vegetables’, secured Dr Elizabeth Kola (MaZet K Coller) a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Read more on the link below.

UniMpumalanga
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University Of Kwazulu Natal Westville Campus

UKZN NdabaOnline Dr Elizabeth Kola with supervisors Professor Caswell Munyai (left) and Professor Tatenda Dalu (right).Aquatic Plants Remove Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water Bodies, Says BiologistBY: Research work titled: ‘Enrichment and Geo-Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Superficial Sediments, Macrophytes an...

Some journeys remind us that setbacks are not the end, they are often the beginning of something even greater. Today we celebrate Dr Elizabeth Kola (MaZet K Coller), whose story is one of resilience, courage, and determination in the face of adversity.

After completing her initial PhD journey, Elizabeth faced the heartbreaking reality of being denied the opportunity to graduate with her doctorate. For many, that moment would have marked the end of the road. Instead, she chose to rise above the disappointment, reinvent herself, and courageously start all over again in an entirely new field.

Through perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in herself, she has now successfully earned her PhD from University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her achievement is more than an academic milestone, it is a powerful testament to resilience, reinvention, and the strength of the human spirit.

Elizabeth’s story teaches us that rejection does not define us, failure is never final, and it is never too late to begin again. Sometimes the path to success is longer and more difficult than expected, but persistence has a way of turning pain into purpose.

Congratulations Dr Elizabeth Kola PhD, PGDipHE (Haaga Helia)! Your journey will inspire many who are silently fighting their own battles and doubting whether to continue. You truly defied the odds.

Dr MaZet K Coller
UniMpumalanga
University of Kwazulu-Natal students
University of KwaZulu-Natal

Congratulations to PhD (Fannie Masina, Stanford Nkosi, Alice Ruu Chif ), MSc (Sharon Nellz Ngomane, Samkelisiwe Thobile, Manelisi Themba, Jane Nhlane, Nozipho Madonsela, Nomcebo Madonsela, Annachrist Malungani, Busisiwe Gumede) and BSc Hons (Dimpho Moloa, Gugulethu Mlambo, Charity Sambo, Venerate Mdaka, Rivoningo Mchavi, Pertunia Kgatuke, Peter Lesiba), Postgraduate Diploma (Nokwanda Lukhele)

UniMpumalanga
P**e Mpopetsi Linton Vhalenzo Munyai

Congratulations to the new Doctors Stanford Nkosi, Fannie Masina and Alice Rudzani Tshifura. Well done

Our Aquatic Systems Research Group (ASRG) students (Elsie Nomcebo Leshaba, Ronald Mashamba, Peter Lesiba) have been hard at work out in the Highveld wetlands, gaining hands-on experience in freshwater research and conservation. From early morning sampling to long days in the field, the team has been collecting critical data on water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. These wetlands are vital ecological infrastructure, supporting water security, regulating flows, and providing habitat for a rich diversity of species. Field campaigns such as these are more than just data collection, they are where theory meets practice. Our students are developing the skills needed to tackle real-world environmental challenges, from wetland degradation to climate resilience. A big well done to the team for their dedication, teamwork, and resilience in the field 👏



UniMpumalanga

Celebrating one of our own Fannie Masina on being selected to represent South Africa at the Prestigious Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. Well done Mfaniseni

📢 📢 Six South African Scientists Selected for Prestigious Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany 🇿🇦 🇿🇦

Fannie Masina is a PhD candidate in Biology (Aquatic Ecology) at the University of Mpumalanga. His research focuses on freshwater ecosystems, with interests in biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the impacts of invasive species and human activities on aquatic communities. He holds a BSc in Agriculture and an MSc in Aquatic Ecology from the same institution.

Celebrating a remarkable achievement!

Congratulations to Dr Cyncinatia Malapane on earning her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of the Western Cape, Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Her doctoral research, “Assessing the effects of bush encroachment on streamflow rate using remote sensing in the Letaba catchment, South Africa,” provides critical insights into how woody plant expansion is reshaping hydrological systems. By integrating advanced geospatial analysis with process-based modelling, her work demonstrates how vegetation change drives reduced streamflow through increased evapotranspiration—an issue central to water security in semi-arid regions.

Supervised by Prof Timothy Dube and co-supervised by Prof Tatenda Dalu, this research offers a strong scientific foundation for adaptive land and water resource management under changing environmental conditions.

Wishing you continued success as you contribute to science, policy, and sustainable futures!

The University of the Western Cape