Innovation Africa UP

Congratulations, Ms. Lina Rampora.

We are proud to celebrate Ms. Lina Rampora, Plant Caretaker at the Field Trials & Horticultural Unit, for being awarded a Merit Certificate as the Best Occupational Health & Safety Representative on the IA@UP Campus for 2025.

This recognition highlights her exceptional commitment to creating a safe and compliant working environment. Throughout the year, Lina ensured that her unit consistently met all health and safety requirements, completed every monthly safety inspection on time, and attended all OHS meetings — all while managing her day-to-day responsibilities with dedication and professionalism.

👏 Well done, Lina, and thank you for going above and beyond!
Your hard work sets a remarkable standard and inspires us all.

😃 Some of the friendly faces behind Innovation Africa

📖 Read more about us: https://lnkd.in/dhQ-H8Zv
📨 Contact us: https://lnkd.in/d_nXSGUh

We are passionate about exposing young potential scientists to the world of Agriculture 🍅 & Forestry 🌲

The Innovation Africa team was thrilled to host high-school learners from the Bioscience Holiday Zoo club yesterday! Our unit managers guided the group through planting trials, farming equipment, phytotrons, general farm maintenance, as well as ruminant research, and much more.

We also took the opportunity to speak to Ofentse Mokgajane, Educational guide and former intern at SANBI about the Bioscience programme.

After completing the bioscience course, Grade 8–12 learners join the Zoo Club, where they receive ongoing mentoring and participate in monthly activities. These include hands-on experiences at the zoo and visits to institutions like the University of Pretoria , exposing them to careers in veterinary science, medicine, farming, and biocontrol. The holiday course, offered during school recess, gives students practical exposure to animal sciences and science-related careers in South Africa.

The programme empowers learners—regardless of academic background—by building confidence, fostering social development, and exposing them to real-world hashtag careers. Many alumni have become doctors, nurses, scientists, and mentors. Whether aspiring to be a farmer, vet, or researcher, students take meaningful first steps through guidance, exposure, and support.

⭐ P.S: Ofentse shared a secret with us! One of the learners is passionate about a career in farming. Yesterday's visit was planned to give this learner exposure without letting him know. The hope is that the exposure cemented his career goals - and we are honoured to have been a part of his journey!

South African National Biodiversity Institute
University of Pretoria
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria

Congratulations to Prof Liza Korsten, on her extraordinary achievement as a finalist for the Science Diplomacy for Africa Award of the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards the Science Oscars of South Africa (SA). The Awards recognise outstanding contributions to , , (SET) and in SA since 1998.

She is a Professor of Plant Health and Food Safety; Co-Director: DSTI-National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence in Food Security; President: Africa Academy of Sciences; and also in the Lifetime, NSTF-Water Research Commission and NSTF-Agricultural Research Commission categories.*

Professor Liza Korsten has dedicated 40 years to advancing food safety and plant science, ensuring Africa’s crops are safe and sustainable. Her work tackles pressing issues like disease and contamination, vital for health and trade across the continent. As the first woman President of the African Academy of Sciences, she uniquely bridges South African innovation with African needs, fostering global partnerships that uplift local farmers and scientists. Her standout contribution—pioneering eco-friendly solutions like natural pest controls—sets her apart, offering a model for sustainable growth that resonates beyond borders, strengthening Africa’s voice in science diplomacy.

See the list of all finalists who are contending as finalists for the best contributions to SET and innovation in SA under 16 different categories: https://nstf.org.za/current-finalists/

South32 Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa

👏 Career Inspiration at Genetics Career Day

Innovation Africa General Manager, Dr Osmond Mlonyeni, recently shared his inspiring career journey with Honours students in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology during a Genetics Career Day.

Dr Mlonyeni spoke about the meaningful work he leads at IA , his daily responsibilities, and the qualifications and experiences that positioned him for success in this strategic leadership role.

He was joined by a dynamic lineup of professionals — from lawyers and science communicators to teachers, data analysts, and beyond — each of whom began their path with a BSc.

🧬 The exceptional calibre of speakers drew strong interest from undergraduate and non-Honours students across the department. In response, the invitation was opened more broadly to encourage students at all levels to explore the many career possibilities that can grow from a foundation in science.

@

FABI
University of Pretoria
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria
GIBS Business School

🥗 Roots & Rise: A Campus Garden for Dignity, Nourishment & Progress

We're excited to support Roots & Rise, a practical, student-led campus garden initiative that cultivates nourishment, empowerment, and sustainable impact, driven by M-Powerment Care and the University of Pretoria.

Rooted in the belief that no student should be too hungry to dream, learn, or thrive, this project transforms under-utilised campus land into 28 vegetable garden plots (2m x 9m each) to:

🌱Supply fresh, nutrient-rich produce to financially vulnerable students via the Student Nutrition and Progress Programme
🌱Empower 10 student volunteers through hands-on agricultural training and community engagement
🌱Promote environmental management and a replicable model of sustainability

The initiative will focus on soil preparation in June, with a shift to harvesting in September. Surplus produce sales are expected toward the end of the year.

We look forward to supporting more than just food growth—we aim to grow skills and dignity as an innovative and research partner to government and industry.

University of Pretoria

Please keep our research animals safe 🐄

In light of the recent cases of Foot-and-Mouth disease that have been detected in South Africa, please remember not to feed or touch the animals on the Innovation Africa Experimental Farm.

⬇️ For your own safety and to limit the potential spread of this disease, this video by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlights precautionary measures.

University of Pretoria

What you need to know about Foot-and-Mouth Disease. This video was produced by the European Commission for the control of Foot-and-Mouth disease (EuFMD) to raise awareness amongst farmers living in areas which...

🌲 In support of sustainable forestry and pine tree health, the FABI Biocontrol Centre focuses on biological control rather than chemical solutions.

The Centre cultivates industrial-scale colonies of Deladenus siricidicola—a beneficial nematode that sterilizes female Sirex noctilio wasps. This eco-friendly approach helps reduce wasp populations over time, protecting pine plantations without harming the environment.

As an innovative Agricultural and Forestry research partner to Government and Industry, Innovation Africa proudly hosts the renowned FABI University of Pretoria Biocontrol Centre.

Last chance to RSVP, Deadline 28 March: https://forms.gle/RL758oAn82DEBQT58

Prof. Chris Weldon will present his inaugural professorial lecture, entitled "Using insect behaviour and temperature responses for precision pest management and African food security" at 18:00 on Wednesday 2 April 2025.

To RSVP on or before 28 March 2025, click on this link: https://forms.gle/RL758oAn82DEBQT58

Prof. Chris Weldon will present his inaugural professorial lecture, entitled "Using insect behaviour and temperature responses for precision pest management and African food security" at 18:00 on Wednesday 2 April 2025.

To RSVP on or before 28 March 2025, click on this link: https://forms.gle/RL758oAn82DEBQT58

FABI Citrus Research International

🌱 Exciting Initiative for Hands-On Learning at IA ! 🌍

Proposed by the Department of Zoology and Entomology at the University of Pretoria,an irrigable demonstration plot at the Innovation Africa Campus was recently prepared by the incredible Innovation Africa team.

This space will support higher-level courses by enabling field-based participatory learning, particularly in integrated pest management (IPM).

🔬 Why is this important?
✔️ Provides an accessible, cost-effective platform for hands-on student engagement
✔️ Supports research on push-pull plant strategies and chemical profiling
✔️ Enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in a real-world setting
✔️ Prepares students for high-performance careers in applied sciences
🌿We look forward to seeing this initiative transform student learning and research!



Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria
Social Insects Research Group - SIRG