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11 February 2021
Hello friends and alumni
We hope that 2021 has been off to a good start for you and that you are keeping safe. Things may be a little quieter on our side for the first couple of months of the year as our Networking Facilitator will be off on maternity leave, but we hope you continue to keep up with news from the University via our social media channels and those of the University, and we look forward to continuing to share positive developments with you in 2021.
Contents
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Lightning Monitoring Research Makes Editor’s Pick in South African Journal of Science
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Agrometeorological research on lightning being undertaken by doctoral candidate in UKZN’s School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) Ms Maqsooda Mahomed has been selected as the editor’s choice in the January/February 2021 edition of the South African Journal of Science.
The article, titled Lightning monitoring and detection techniques: Progress and challenges in South Africa comprises a review of the latest available techniques and technologies and delves into current research in this area in South Africa and the challenges the country faces concerning lightning detection.
According to the South African Weather Service, South Africa has one of the highest incidences of lightning-related injuries and deaths, losing more than 200 lives a year to lightning strikes. Mahomed explained that the country has made significant progress in technological advances, being home to one of the three ground-based lightning detection networks in the southern hemisphere, and has improved its lightning detection and monitoring in recent years.
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Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Accomplished Crop Science Researcher
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Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Research Associate Professor and Co-Director of the Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems (CTAFS) in UKZN’s School of Agricultural Earth and Environmental Sciences (SAEES) has received the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award for 2020 in recognition of his outstanding research achievements and the international reputation he has built in his discipline.
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With a Y-rating from South Africa’s National Research Foundation, Mabhaudhi has specialised in crop ecophysiology, specifically plant-water relations, and crop-climate modelling. He completed his BSc and Honours degrees in Crop Science at the University of Zimbabwe before enrolling for his masters and then PhD at UKZN, both degrees supported within projects run by the Water Research Commission (WRC). He holds the record for achieving the highest number of publications off a PhD thesis in WRC history – 11 papers and a book chapter – and has published more than 130 papers in the seven years since graduating.
Mabhaudhi’s focus has developed with his drive to be involved in research that is collaborative, dynamic, transformative, informs policy and has tangible impacts for poor and peri-urban communities. This has resulted in a growing focus on multi- and transdisciplinary research covering food systems, global environmental change and the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus.
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Farmer's Weekly Feature - Online Training Gives Wings to Developing Poultry Farmers
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Dr Nicky Tyler, senior lecturer in Animal & Poultry Science at UKZN and chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute (KZNPI) was quoted in an article about the KZNPI's online training efforts through the COVID-19 pandemic in the 29 January edition of the Farmer's Weekly. She explained the KZNPI's training process, while other directors and the KZNPI farm manager went on to describe the course content, KZNPI partnerships, and popularity of the training amongst smaller-scale landowners.
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First WEF-Nexus Winter School for Southern Africa to take place in July 2021
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The first Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Winter School or short course designed specifically for Southern Africa will take place from 26 - 30 July 2021 in Pretoria, South Africa. This hybrid in-person/virtual event is organised by the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems, in partnership with Global Water Partnership Southern Africa, UNESCO-IHE Delft, the Water Research Commission, and WaterNet.
The WEF Nexus Winter School has been developed as a capacity-building initiative aimed at providing support to early career researchers, postgraduate students, managers, and practitioners in understanding WEF Nexus thinking as a transformative approach to sustainable natural resources management and socio-economic development.
The overall objective of the WEF Nexus Winter School is to improve evidence-based decision-making capacities towards:
- achieving simultaneous WEF securities;
- sustainable natural resources management;
- socio-economic developments;
- understanding WEF trade-offs and synergies;
- innovating through the WEF Nexus for job and wealth creation; and
- linking science to informing policy and decision-making in their respective countries.
“As the Nexus field of research is relatively new, participants will be exposed to a rapidly developing and critically important way of thinking,” said Professor Tafadzwa Mabhaudhi, Co-Director of the Centre for Transformative Agricultural and Food Systems.
“Participants will improve their knowledge of the WEF Nexus and become acquainted with the concepts, how to facilitate discourse, and new frameworks, tools, and methods for analysing the WEF Nexus,” he added.
In essence, the winter school will focus on:
- Improving the ability to conceptualise the WEF Nexus linkages and potential impact on resource management and regional policies;
- Strengthening skills and knowledge about tools and methods for WEF Nexus assessments, planning, monitoring, and evaluation; and
- Networking and mentoring, i.e., improving international communications between practitioners, postgraduates, early career researchers, senior researchers, and experts to build and consolidate a WEF Nexus network in southern Africa.
Professor Mabhaudhi said the WEF Nexus Winter School for Southern Africa is set to become an annual event.
“The plan is for the core content to stay the same but there will be some variable content that will change annually to reflect the current state-of-the-art WEF Nexus research and development,” he said.
The WEF Nexus concept was popularised in Southern African actors after 2011. Since then, there has been progress in building a shared understanding of the WEF Nexus concept, using it to facilitate discourse through various dialogues, and developing frameworks and analytical models and tools.
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), with technical assistance from GWPSA, developed the SADC Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Governance Framework, which was later approved in a joint meeting held by the Ministers responsible for Energy and Water from SADC on the 30 October 2020.
Professor Mabhaudhi said: “As the WEF Nexus has grown in prominence and relevance over the last decade, a key capacity gap has also emerged. This gap has mainly been caused by trainings and capacity building exercises that continue to be sector-based. The WEF Nexus Winter School is a direct response to the need for developing capacity on all three of the WEF Nexus’ tenets – concepts, discourse, and analytics.”
“It aims to achieve the training of a new cadre of young scientists, practitioners, and emerging leaders who are trained in transdisciplinary approaches that can enhance the transition from WEF Nexus theory/thinking to WEF Nexus practice/doing in southern Africa, in particular, and the African region overall.”
Who should apply?
Early career researchers, postgraduates, managers, practitioners (NGOs, Government, River Basin Organisations), and stakeholders conducting research and development related to the WEF Nexus and related fields, such as agriculture, forestry, water, energy, engineering, climate change, ecosystems, and environment. Applicants must demonstrate an advanced (C1) English level (please, see the application form).
Where
The WEF Nexus Winter School will be held at Future Africa, University of Pretoria, Hillcrest Campus, Pretoria, South Africa from 26 to 30 July 2021. The venue has accommodation facilities. The winter school organisers will closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic situation and timeously communicate any changes via email.
Program Cost:
The program fee is USD 1,000 per participant. The fee includes registration, lunch, and teas during the Winter School and a field trip. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation, flights, airport transfers, and meals outside the Winter School hours. A limited number of full and partial sponsorships are available to participants from SADC countries who meet the criteria (see application form for details).
To Apply
Click here to download the application form and learn more about the 1st WEF Nexus Winter School for Southern Africa. Submit your applications to waternet@waternetonline.org with subject: WEF Winter School. You may also use that email for enquiries.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 15 MARCH 2021
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Fountainhill Estate Online Series 2021 - The Impact of the Food-Water-Energy Nexus on Biodiversity
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In lieu of the cancelled Annual Research Symposium 2020, Fountainhill Estate, the Institute of Natural Resources (INR), UKZN and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) have collaborated to present a series of presentations dealing with fundamentals related to the theme, above.
A series of four, 1-hour sessions is taking place over a 6-week period. If you missed the first two on 21 January and 4 February, make sure to register for the remaining installments:
- 18 February 2021 at 15:00: "Water"
Dr Phumza Ntshotsho (Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem Services - CSIR)
Ms Mbali Goge (Restoration Ecology Branch - EThekwini Municipality)
Ms Futhi Vilakazi (Catchment Management Unit – Umgeni Water)
Online host: Dr Nontutuzelo Gola (Ecological Infrastructure Coordinator - Greater uMngeni Catchment - SANBI)
- 4 March 2021 at 15:00: Panel Discussion - Energy
Mr Mark Gordon (previous DDG for DEA–renewable energy specialist)
Dr Suveshnee Munien (Environmental Sciences at UKZN – household energy poverty specialist)
Dr Richard Meisser (Senior researcher and water scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Water-Energy-Food nexus specialist)
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WRC Dialogue on A Decade of Research on Water Use of Underutilized Indigenous and Traditional Crops
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On the 24th of February from 09h00 - 11h30, the Water Research Commission and University of KwaZulu-Natal will host a virtual dialogue on a decade of research on water use of underutilised indigenous and traditional crops.
As one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world, South Africa boasts a rich tapestry of agro-biodiversity of which underutilised crops form part. There is an argument to promote underutilised crops to sustainably address topical challenges such as drought and water scarcity, food and nutrition security, climate change adaptation, environmental degradation, and employment creation in poor rural communities.
The primary objective of this webinar is to showcase the knowledge generated from past, ongoing, and planned WRC-funded projects on underutilised indigenous and traditional crops.
Featuring in the line-up of speakers is UKZN's Professor Albert Modi, postdoctoral researcher Dr Vimbayi Chimonyo, and hydrologist Mr Richard Kunz, among others.
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Postdoctoral Researcher Position: Land-use Planning and Management
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TWO YEARS FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT
School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Durban/Pietermaritzburg Centres
REF NO. SAEES
The DST/NRF South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in Land Use Planning and Management is pleased to announce one SARChI Post-Doctoral Fellowship. The fellowship award is for two years at R 200,000 per annum. The selected fellowships will be attached to the DST/NRF Research Chair (SARChI) held by Professor O. Mutanga. The Chair is housed in the School, with an active group of academic staff contributing to research and teaching in the fields of biogeography, environmental management, geomorphology, GIS, and Remote Sensing. The overall objective of the Chair is to develop an integrated approach to studying trends in land use/cover patterns as well as productivity of the natural (grasslands and woodlands) and agricultural systems over a large spatial extent. The Chair further seeks to quantify ecosystems resilience and restoration benefits. The ultimate goal is to provide systematic assessment of land potential for grazing and forestry, with an appraisal of alternatives in the face of global change. The Post Doc will specifically focus on the development of integrated land use planning approaches at different scales for sustainable utilisation of resources.
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in Environmental Science, Geography, Remote Sensing/GIS, Ecology, Land/Natural Resources Management
- A proven research record as evidenced by some recent publications in peer-reviewed ISI/DHET rated journals.
- Analytical GIS and or Remote Sensing skills
- Experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams.
Advantages:
Candidates who are self-motivated, rigorous and responsible with a track record showing the ability to conduct independent research work and publications in reputable journals are encouraged to apply. The closing date for receipt of applications is 15 February 2021, however, this advert will remain open until the position is filled.
This appointment will be made in line with the University Guidelines/benchmarks which are available on the University Vacancies website.
Fellowship Award applications should consist of:
- A letter of motivation, citing key deliverables in each year
- A CV
- Full academic records
- The contact details of two academic referees.
The deadline for application is 15 February 2021.
Applications should be submitted to: Ms Andile Mshengu (MshenguA@ukzn.ac.za) and Professor O. Mutanga (Mutangao@ukzn.ac.za), using the header: UKZN SARCHI post-doc application 2020. For further information, please call Andile on 0332605273 or Prof Mutanga (0332605779).
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Plant Pathology Laboratory Assistant - Sakata Seed
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Responsibilities
- Plan and perform disease resistance screening by greenhouse or field inoculation of vegetable plants with pathogens using validated protocols.
- Perform diagnostic work to identify plant pathogens using plant pathology and serological techniques.
- Use plant pathology and serological techniques to detect pathogens on seed for seed health tests.
- Perform field inspection on site to identify and eliminate risks associated with pests and plant pathogens.
- Maintain culture collection, healthy insect colonies and nematodes to be used for pathology trials.
- Interact with local farmers and stakeholders to support commercial and product development activities.
- Maintain hygiene standards in the laboratory, pathology greenhouses and phytotrons.
- Ensure that there is a sufficient quantity and quality of laboratory consumables available for routine tasks.
- Perform back-up tasks and duties as well as the adherence to QMS, H&S processes and procedures as stipulated in the Quality Management System.
Specific Requirements
- B.Sc. Hons. major in Plant Pathology, Microbiology or B.Sc. Agric. Plant Breeding
- Bilingual
- South African citizen with a valid driver’s license and own transport
- The ability to work independently, under pressure and use initiative
If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please send your CV to monique.harris@sakata.eu
Closing date for applications 15 February 2021.
Should you not have heard from them within 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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Molecular Biologist - Sakata Seed
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An international research facility based in Lanseria, Gauteng, subsidiary of leading horticultural seed company, Sakata Seed Corporation, seeks to appoint a suitably qualified Molecular Biologist for a one-year fixed term contract.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for the establishment and completion of specific molecular biology projects which is of strategic importance to the company.
- Assist with all molecular biology activities to support the breeding programs.
Specific Requirements
- M.Sc Molecular Plant Pathology, Genetics or Plant Breeding
- Bilingual
- South African citizen with a valid driver’s license and own transport
- The ability to work independently, under pressure and use initiative
If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please send your CV to monique.harris@sakata.eu. Reference number for the position MB001 (use the reference number when applying for the vacancy).
Closing date for applications 20 February 2021. Should you not have heard from them within 2 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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Plant Pathologist - Sakata Seed
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An international research facility based in Lanseria, Gauteng, subsidiary of leading horticultural seed company, Sakata Seed Corporation, seeks to appoint a suitably qualified Plant Pathologist for a one-year fixed-term contract.
Responsibilities
- Establish & complete specific plant pathology projects of strategic importance to the company.
- Assist with disease resistance screening by greenhouse or field inoculation of vegetable plants with pathogens using validated protocols.
- Perform diagnostic work to identify plant pathogens using plant pathology & serological techniques.
- Use plant pathology & serological techniques to detect pathogens on seed for seed health tests.
- Maintain hygiene standards in the laboratory, pathology greenhouses & phytotrons.
Specific Requirements
- M.Sc Plant Pathology, Microbiology or Plant Breeding
- Bilingual
- South African citizen with a valid driver’s license & own transport
- The ability to work independently, under pressure & use initiative
To apply, please send your CV to monique.harris@sakata.eu; use the reference number PP001 when applying.
Closing date: 20 February 2021. Should you not have heard from them within 2 weeks of this, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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MSc Bursary - Grassland Science
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Project: Grassland forb reproduction in drought-stressed systems
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg
General Problem Statement: After agriculture, the second major threat to grasslands is climate change. Data gathered since 1950 has shown an increase in atmospheric CO2, combined with increased temperatures and frequency of extreme climatic events (IPCC 2012). It is predicted with moderate certainty that central & southern Europe, the Americas & southern Africa will experience more frequent, intense, and longer droughts (IPCC 2020). These climatic changes are predicted to cause shifts in species and biome distribution with major range contraction expected across the board (Rutherford et al. 1999). As a result many areas will see changes in plant species composition and significant loss of biodiversity overall (IPCC 2012). There is, however, little certainty in these predictions as many drought studies have been opportunistic and vary greatly in terms of region and biome. In addition, only limited work investigating the quantifiable changes has been done in South Africa. This study will investigate the effect of a field based multi-year drought on the reproductive ecology of focal grassland forb species. Drought conditions are known to lower floral resources (nectar production), reduce floral displays in terms of the number of floral units produced per plant pollinator visitation, and reduce overall floral diversity in communities (Phillips et al. 2018). This study will compare floral rewards (production of pollen and nectar), floral displays, seed set and viability of common grassland forb species in experimental plots subjected to varying levels of rain exclusion or addition. Visitation frequency of pollinators and pollinator diversity within the plots will also be compared since changes in floral rewards and displays are likely to affect pollinator behaviour and subsequently reproductive success of these plant species. This is a collaborative project between the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of the Free State.
Details
- Commencing in March 2021
- The project will run full-time for two years, based at UKZN's Pietermaritzburg campus
- NRF bursary of R90 000 for the first year
Eligibility Criteria
- BSc Honours in Ecology/Botany or a related, relevant field
- Preference will be given to candidates with a valid driver's licence held for a period of 2 years or more
- The following intellectual/experience background will be preferred:
- Basic taxonomic knowledge of flowering plants
- A background in plant ecology
- A willingness to spend significant amounts of time in the field
- Excellent data analysis and writing skills
Application requirements
- Motivation letter
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Full transcripts of academic record
- Copy of degree certificates
- Copy of South African Identity Document or passport (international candidates)
- Contact details for three academic references
Closing date: 17 February 2021
Supervisors: Dr Michelle Tedder (UKZN) and Dr Sandy-Lynn Steenhusien (UFS)
Contact person for application/queries: Dr Sandy-Lynn Steenhuisen (058 718 5330)
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Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development Internship Opportunities for 2021/22 – 2022/23
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The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) presents exciting opportunities/positions for unemployed graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 through its Experiential Training and Internship Programme. Successful applicants will be appointed as interns for 24 months and will undergo on-the-job development training in technical, professional, public service, business and life skills relevant and crucial for them to enter the formal job market.
The opportunities/positions presented are categorised as follows:
- Employment/job seekers
- Experiential Training
Applicants for the experiential training, job seekers and Industrial placement categories will be allocated in the directorates/organisations listed in the table here and must be entering the internship programme in government for the first time.
There are a wide variety of placements available across South Africa, including the following relevant to agriculture/the environment:
- Agriculture
- Agriculture input control
- Animal Production
- Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programmes
- Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
- Cooperative and Enterprise Development
- Environmental Planning Services
- Food Import and Export Standards
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance
- Geospatial Information Systems
- International Trade
- Land Acquisition and Recapitalisation
- Land Development Support
- Marketing
- Monitoring
- National Spatial Information Framework
- Plant Health
- Plant Production
- Property Management
- Restitution
- Rural Infrastructure Development
- Rural Enterprise and Industrial Development
- Spatial Planning and Land Use Management
- Statistics and Economic Analysis
- Strategic Land Acquisition
- Subsistence Farming
- Surveyor-General
- Water Use and Irrigation Development
- many more industrial placements
Enquiries: Ms Nombulelo Ngcobo (012) 312 8321, Mr Mziwakhe Gwiji (012) 312 9839, Mr. P. Maesela: (012) 319 7198; Ms N. Magabela: (012) 319 7889
Applications must be submitted on Z83 forms (quote post reference number), obtainable from any public service department and must be accompanied by a recently updated comprehensive CV, certified copies of all qualifications and identity document and copies of their academic transcripts.
Closing date: 26 February 2021
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SANSOR Seed Industry Webinars for Students
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In 2021, SANSOR will be hosting a webinar series every third Thursday of the Month from 13:00-14:00 (starting in March) to expose students to the seed industry, with various specialists in different fields giving presentations, taking students through the entire life cycle of seed from breeding to sale.
The first webinar will take place on the 18th of March, presented by Corteva AgriScience.
All students need to do is grab their coffee and/or lunch and login into the meeting, but PLEASE NOTE, students will have to pre-register for the meeting as the platform only allows 100 students to attend.
Preliminary Programme:
18 March – Plant Breeding
15 April – Seed Production
20 May – Seed Certification
17 June – Plant Pathology
15 July – Quality Assurance (Testing)
19 August – Seed Applied Technology
16 September – Marketing and Sales
21 October – Laws Governing the Seed Industry
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