Hendré van Rensburg, like most people, did not grow up telling people that he wanted to study worms. Quite the contrary. His younger self was convinced that he was cut out for engineering; he would use science to create. Consequently, his school years were focused on...
Like many people, 24-year-old Nkosinathi Ndaba had the idea that all microorganisms are bad germs that present a threat. However, his views shifted in his second year at varsity while taking a major in microbiology towards his undergraduate degree in biochemistry. “I...
Dr Charl Deacon remembers the sense of awe he had during his first encounter with an insect as if it was yesterday – he was very young and it was a “giant stick insect”. “They are quite rare now,” he says with the benefit of the knowledge that comes with many years...
Sibusiso Mahlangu’s first application to study at university was unsuccessful. But he seems to take a stoic approach to these setbacks. “As with anything in life, challenges will be there,” he says. Mahlangu recounts how he witnessed his parents perform miracles each...
Supporting Science, Policy, and Sustainable Development DATE: 22nd – 24th February 2022Venue: Colophon Room, CBC Building, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town Deadline for submissions: 10th December 2021 Background SANBI is the home of the South African Node of the Global...
North-West University MSc student Linda Van Der Spuy is yet to complete her degree but she has already described nine new species to science. This is no small feat if you ask any taxonomist. Linda is no stranger to hard work and long hours. Yet she describes financial...
Prof Nox Makunga is a medicinal plant biotechnology expert who also wears a hat as one of South Africa’s top communicating scientists. Prof Makunga gave an inspiring keynote address to 25 FBIP-funded students from across South Africa. She reflected on her...
Biodiversity scientists have called for red tape to be cut “as a matter of urgency”, as researchers bear the brunt of increasing bureaucracy and managerialism. Over 30 biodiversity researchers wrote a commentary in the South African Journal of Science (SAJS)...
Rouane Brokensha finds it ‘strange’ to be considered the national expert on hermit tanaids. These are tiny shrimp-like marine creatures that live in empty snail shells. She has been assigned this status after just completing her honours year but owns it with the...
Initially Mosikidi Toka initially wanted to be a medical doctor. However, as with many other first-generation students, he did not have enough information on his desired studies. So, he registered for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology and Life Sciences at the...