Hippopotami are known to be unpredictable and dangerous. While their bites are infrequent, they are deadly, partly due to complex bacteria in their mouths that are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

The calm demeanour of a hippopotamus wading through water, its disproportionately tiny ears just peeking out, has cemented its stereotype as a comical river dweller. Yet its reputation among local communities tells a darker, more sobering tale.

Unlike crocodiles, which are feared for their stealth and aquatic ambushes, hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) present a dual threat – they are equally dangerous on land and in water. With their powerful jaws and long, razor-sharp canine teeth, they are capable of inflicting grievous wounds. For those who survive an attack, however, the danger doesn’t end with the bite.

Until recently, little was known about the bacteria that live in the mouths of these formidable creatures. But a groundbreaking, novel study led by Professor Anita Michel of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria (UP) has illuminated a new layer of risk.

“We knew the injuries were extraordinary, especially with the exceptional biting force hippos possess,” she explains, “but we didn’t fully understand the link between the microbes and the severe complications from wound infections that clinicians have to deal with.”

Prof Michel and her team – which included UP veterinary specialist bacteriologist Dr Annelize Jonker and Francois Roux, an ecologist from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency – examined the oral bacteria of 34 healthy hippopotami captured during routine wildlife operations in the Mpumalanga province. What they discovered was a complex bacterial community: 41 different species, many of them typically found in aquatic environments and capable of causing opportunistic infections in humans.

“This was the first time that anyone has systematically studied the bacterial flora of hippos’ mouths,” Prof Michel says. “And what we found was concerning – not just the types of bacteria, but their resistance to some of the most commonly used antibiotics.”

The team tested the bacteria against a panel of antibiotic drugs and found moderate to high resistance to commonly prescribed treatments like amoxicillin/clavulanate and early-generation cephalosporins. These are staples in emergency medicine, especially for bite wounds from dogs and cats.

But as Prof Michel points out, “using these standard antibiotics for a hippo bite may delay effective treatment and allow infections to take hold”. Conversely, the study revealed that antibiotics from the tetracycline, aminoglycoside and quinolone families were more effective, offering a potential lifeline in future cases. Yet even with these options, time remains a critical factor. The researchers strongly recommend that wound cultures be taken as early as possible to identify the exact pathogens involved to ensure the best outcome for the patient admitted to a hospital.

“It is critically important that wound infections, whether in animals or humans, are treated early with an effective antibiotic regimen aligned with the expected causative infectious agents,” Prof Michel says.

The implications of this study extend beyond individual injuries. It offers a stark reminder that antibiotic resistance is not just a clinical or hospital issue; it is a wildlife issue too, shaped by ecosystems, species interactions and the limits of human preparedness.

“Our goal is to take a One Health approach with healthcare providers in regions where humans and wildlife intersect to ensure that they are not caught off guard,” Prof Michel says. “When you’re dealing with a hippo bite, minutes matter – and so does the right antibiotic.”

Why this research matters

The common hippopotamus occurs in rivers, lakes and wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa, and is known for its aggressive behaviour when defending its territory and its young. Their bites can be deadly – they kill about 500 people in Africa each year, more than twice the body count for lions. This groundbreaking study underscores the need for early treatment of bite wounds and highlights which antibiotics are most effective.

Fast Facts

• A hippopotamus’s bite force is about 8 100 Newtons, roughly the weight of a large grand piano or a small car.

• Hippopotami are one of the world’s deadliest mammals, even more deadly than a lion or bear.

• The word “hippopotamus” is Greek for “river horse”.

• 41 different species of bacteria are found in a hippopotamus’s mouth.

• A hippopotamus’s mouth is 0.6m wide but 1.5m wide when fully open.

• They have 36 teeth that are 40cm long for incisors and 50cm or more for canines

Professor Anita Michel of the Faculty of Veterinary Science and UP veterinary specialist bacteriologist Dr Annelize Jonker wrote this article.

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KIGALI, RWANDA – The Mastercard Foundation today announced the launch of the Africa Higher Education for Transformation (AHEFT) Prize, a first-of-its-kind annual award, supported by a USD 500 million commitment over its first decade. The AHEFT Prize recognizes higher education institutions in Africa that are driving sustained, systemic institution-wide transformation and expanding opportunities for young people.

The Prize’s inaugural winning institutions are Addis Ababa University (Ethiopia); the International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering, (Burkina Faso); Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, (Ghana); Muni University (Uganda); and the University of Rwanda, (Rwanda). Each recipient will receive USD 3 million to scale transformative work, through initiatives agreed with each institution to advance education opportunities for young people in Africa.

“For twenty years we have seen African institutions rethink what higher education can deliver. The AHEFT Prize turns that proof into momentum: we are backing homegrown excellence with a decade-long commitment, so that universities across the continent become engines of opportunity for millions of young people,” said Sewit Ahderom, President and CEO, Mastercard Foundation, below.

The 2026 AHEFT Prize Laureates

1. Addis Ababa University (AAU), Ethiopia

Category: Excellence in Research and Innovation

Recognized for its ability to align research with national priorities, strengthen workforce development, and connect scientific knowledge directly to economic opportunity, public services, and community wellbeing. AAU’s integration with Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, which serves approximately 884,000 patients annually, enables large-scale clinical training, research, and service delivery.

2. International Institute for Water and Environmental Engineering (2iE), Burkina Faso

Category: Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Recognized for innovation in practice-based engineering and technical education and demonstrating how hands-on, problem-driven learning can produce highly employable graduates. Established by 16 African countries operating in the Sahel region, 2iE has trained more than 13,000 graduates with 70 percent securing employment within 12 months of graduation and more than 95 percent remaining and working in Africa in sectors including water, climate, energy, and infrastructure.

3. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana

Category: Excellence in Research and Innovation

Recognized for building one of Africa’s leading research-to-innovation ecosystems. Through platforms such as the Kumasi Business Incubator, Innovation Centre, and Technology Consultancy Centre, KNUST translates research into startups, industry solutions, and public impact, demonstrating how science, technology, and entrepreneurship can drive economic transformation and job creation.

4. Muni University (MU), Uganda

Category: Transitions to Employment

Recognized for creating effective pathways from education to employment for refugees and underserved youth. Through its Refugee and Host Community Youth Empowerment and Transformation Initiative (RETI), the university has enabled up to 70 percent of participants to secure employment within three months of completing the program.

5. University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda

Sector: Excellence in Health

Recognized for its pivotal role in strengthening Rwanda’s health system and health workforce by training more than 26,000 health professionals. Its community-based training model reaches nearly 500,000 people through clinical placements, outreach programs, and university health services. Today, the University of Rwanda has evolved into a regional leader in digital health, vaccinology, biomedical engineering, and health systems innovation.

The AHEFT Prize recognizes institutions delivering transformational impact across thematic categories including Teaching and Learning, Transitions to Employment, Research and Innovation, and Entrepreneurship or within priority sectors including Climate and Environment, Agriculture and Agri-food Systems, Health, and STEM/Digital/Artificial Intelligence. Over the next decade, the Prize will recognize and award at least 150 institutions in Africa.

“This is the moment to reimagine what higher education institutions can do as engines of human capital development – not only as a place of learning, but as a direct route to work, to economic participation, and to a better future for young people across Africa’’– Dr. John Nkengasong, Executive Director, Higher Education Initiatives, Mastercard Foundation, below.

The winning institutions will be awarded at the Higher Education Transformation Convening to be held in Accra, Ghana, on September 22, 2026.

The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity, one of the largest foundations in the world, and the leading funder of education in Africa. It works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work.

To learn more about the AHEFT Prize, the inaugural cohort, and eligibility for future cycles, visit Africa Higher Education For | Mastercard Foundation.

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Wits has honoured Prof. Kubedi Patrick Mokhobo, a medical pioneer and southern Africa’s first Black cardiologist, with an Honorary Doctorate in Medicine.

The degree was conferred at the Faculty of Health Sciences’ graduation ceremony on 15 July 2026, which also included graduates receiving advanced degrees in health sciences.

The 94-year-old received a standing ovation as he crossed the stage in the Great Hall, with four generations of the Mokhobo family watching from the audience.

Reflecting on the honour, Mokhobo, who was the only Black student in his Wits class in 1953, said: “The English language, and indeed my own mother tongue, Setswana, are too limited to express the honour and gratitude that I really feel.”

His journey began in humble circumstances. Having started school at the age of 10, he pursued his education under apartheid, when Black South Africans faced severe restrictions on educational opportunities and even required government permission to study at white universities.

Despite these barriers, Mokhobo became the first Black registrar in paediatrics and internal medicine. In 1966, he became the first Black doctor to pass the prestigious Medical Fellowship examinations. Two years later, he wrote and passed the British Specialist Examination in the United Kingdom. His groundbreaking career culminated in his recognition as southern Africa’s first Black cardiologist in 1973.

Alongside his medical practices in Daveyton in Benoni, he became a founding member of the Pan Africanist Congress. His influence extended well beyond South Africa. As the first medical specialist in Eswatini and a founding figure of Lesotho’s medical institutions, he helped establish professional bodies, medical journals including the Lesotho Medical Journal and medical congresses that strengthened healthcare across the region.

He later served as Minister of Health in the former Bophuthatswana, where he championed community-based healthcare, expanded the role of nurses as clinicians and helped decentralise health services to reach underserved communities.

As an academic, Mokhobo shaped generations of medical professionals across several countries and contributed to the development of medical curricula and training programmes.

His remarkable life story is captured in his autobiography, From Nowhere to Somewhere: An Uncharted Destiny.

In an acceptance speech read by his granddaughter, Nonceba Nyoko, he encouraged graduates to use their knowledge in service of society.

“Your generation is destined to succeed in both exciting and challenging times. As we celebrate your achievements today, the future of our nation, our country and indeed the world rests on your shoulders.”

While urging graduates to pursue opportunities around the world, he reminded them to return home and use their skills to strengthen South Africa.

He concluded with a powerful reminder that their “destinies are inextricably tied to the future of Africa.”

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Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Yusuf Cassim, has stepped in to directly assist students grappling with delays and frustrations at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

His intervention has already led to immediate action, with NSFAS teams deployed to resolve outstanding allowance payments at the Central University of Technology (CUT).

The engagement took place on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in Cape Town, where Cassim met with NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula and senior officials.

The Deputy Minister placed pressing student concerns on the table, many of which had been received through his Helpdesk and during his oversight visit to UNISA the previous week.

One of the most urgent issues raised was the delay in GAP investigations, which verify student registration, enrolment, accommodation, and academic results to prevent fraud. Cassim expressed concern that students were waiting up to five months for answers, leaving them unable to continue their studies.

“It is unacceptable for students to wait more than three months without clarity while their education and livelihoods are at stake,” he said.

NSFAS confirmed that 4,138 students remain under investigation due to missing academic data from institutions, while 2,361 cases have already been processed and funding restored.

Cassim requested a list of affected students per institution and instructed the Department’s University branch to assist NSFAS in obtaining the required data to expedite the process.

NSFAS committed to finalising 1,515 UNISA GAP cases by Friday, 17 July, and addressing over 400 Nelson Mandela University students on extended programmes.

Concerns Over Second Semester Admissions

The Deputy Minister also raised alarm over NSFAS’s lack of commitment regarding funding for students registering for the second semester, which begins next week.

NSFAS indicated that a funding submission is being finalised due to a deficit, but Cassim expressed displeasure at the delay and vowed to follow up to ensure students are not left stranded.

Cassim highlighted concerns about NSFAS’s monthly payment schedule, noting that funds are transferred about a week after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process payments.

He appealed for adjustments to ensure allowances, such as UNISA’s R316 Personal Care Allowance, arrive on time. NSFAS acknowledged the concern and promised to provide feedback.

Both parties also discussed broader policy issues, including the insufficiency of the Personal Care Allowance and the need to review the value and types of allowances available. Cassim noted that the ongoing NSFAS policy review and the imminent review of the NSFAS Act present opportunities to address these matters.

Cassim raised concerns about the lengthy appeals process, with NSFAS confirming that appeals will now be handled directly by institutions following the appointment of the Administrator. The Deputy Minister committed to monitoring this function closely to ensure students receive timely resolutions.

He also visited the NSFAS call centre, where he found that many student queries took months to resolve. “It’s important that we improve our response rate to student queries at all times,” Cassim said. He pledged to ensure his Helpdesk works closely with NSFAS to assist students more effectively.

Immediate Action and Reassurance

Following the meeting, NSFAS deployed teams to CUT to address allowance delays for students in non-accredited accommodation. Cassim welcomed this immediate intervention, describing it as a sign of responsiveness. NSFAS further reassured him that there are no outstanding allowances, including those for TVET students.

Cassim confirmed that his office will continue forwarding individual cases received via the Helpdesk to NSFAS for resolution. “My office is available to assist NSFAS in improving its services where it can,” he said, urging the Administrator to support officials committed to making a positive contribution.

The Deputy Minister’s intervention marks a significant step in addressing long-standing frustrations faced by students dependent on NSFAS. By placing student concerns at the centre of discussions and demanding accountability, Cassim has signaled a commitment to building a more responsive higher education system.

For thousands of students awaiting allowances, GAP investigation outcomes, or second semester registration, his actions have provided hope that government is listening - and acting.

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South Africa’s newly-appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training has pledged to build a post-school education system that is more responsive to the needs of students, describing his role as “deeply personal” and rooted in a lifelong belief that education is the pathway to dignity and opportunity.

Speaking the National Press Club in Pretoria, DM Yusuf Cassim outlined a leadership philosophy centered on listening, acting with urgency, and removing barriers that prevent students from succeeding.

“Talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” he said, recalling how his father’s sacrifices and limited opportunities under apartheid shaped his own commitment to expanding access to education.

Cassim emphasised that higher education is not simply another government function, but a portfolio that touches the hopes of millions. He argued that freedom must be given practical meaning through education and skills development.

“Higher education is where freedom becomes opportunity, and where opportunity becomes dignity,” he said.

Since taking office on 1 July, he has focused on listening to students through platforms such as the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk, oversight visits, and direct engagement with institutions.

During a recent visit to UNISA, more than 400 students responded to his call for feedback, raising concerns about delayed allowances, unresolved funding queries, and accommodation challenges.

“Students experience government as one system,” he noted. “When an allowance is delayed or an appeal remains unresolved, they experience government. Students simply want government to respond.”

With more than 1.24 million students relying on NSFAS for funding, Cassim acknowledged the scheme’s critical role in bridging the gap between poverty and opportunity. He highlighted concerns about delays in resolving GAP funding investigations, call centre responsiveness, and coordination between NSFAS and institutions.

“These may sound like administrative matters, but to a student they are deeply personal - determining whether they can register, eat, have transport or accommodation, or continue their studies,” he said.

He welcomed commitments from NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to accelerate progress, but stressed that responsiveness must become the defining standard of success.

One initiative he singled out was the digitisation of the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk, inherited from his predecessor Dr Mimmy Gondwe. Working with partners such as MICT SETA, the Helpdesk is being transformed into a faster, more accessible platform. More importantly, he said, it should serve as government’s “listening post,” identifying systemic challenges and informing policy.

“Good government begins by listening,” he added.

Cassim also addressed the Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racial prejudice he faced following his appointment. He reflected on his upbringing in Kariega, where his family lived in a community classified under apartheid’s racial laws, and where he grew up alongside friends from diverse backgrounds.

“South Africa’s diversity is not something to fear,” he said. “Our shared humanity is always greater than the labels others seek to place upon us. Leadership carries a responsibility not to deepen divisions, but to build bridges.”

He rejected attempts to pit communities against one another, insisting that South Africa’s future depends on recognising shared prosperity and success.

Throughout his address, Cassim returned to the theme of student advocacy. As a former SRC President at Nelson Mandela University, he recalled initiatives to improve transport, establish a student bailout fund, and create prayer facilities. Those experiences, he said, taught him that leadership is measured not by position, but by whether lives are improved.

“I am not here to cut ribbons,” he concluded. “I am here to stand with students, to push student issues, and to ensure they remain at the centre of everything we do. If, at the end of my tenure, students can honestly say that government became easier to reach, quicker to respond, and more committed to removing barriers, then I will consider my service worthwhile.”

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Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim’s first public engagement at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus in Pretoria on Thursday is a significant moment, especially given the ongoing challenges with NSFAS, students accommodation, living and data allowances.

The newly-elected DP’s decision to meet directly with student leaders and management shows a clear intent to get firsthand insight into the delays and the impact of scrapping data allowances for distance-learning students.

The Department of Higher Education and Training said in a statement that Cassim’s visit follows numerous student complaints received through the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk regarding delays in NSFAS allowance payments and the discontinuation of data allowances.

“Deputy Minister Cassim remains committed to the DM’s Helpdesk, established by his predecessor, Dr Mimmy Gondwe. The Helpdesk serves as a ‘helping hand’, providing swift and personalised support to students by escalating queries and grievances and driving meaningful solutions.

“During the visit, the Deputy Minister will meet student leaders and Unisa management to assess mixed reports on the causes of delays in the payment of NSFAS allowances and the impact of scrapping the data allowance for distance-learning students”.

Cassim has long championed student access and success in higher education, dating back to his student leadership days. Hence, his first public engagement is to gain a firsthand understanding of the NSFAS allowances issue and the measures taken to address the challenges effectively.

He has also committed to digitising the Helpdesk into an online platform to enable student support to be accessible, faster.

Over the years students have reported mixed experiences regarding NSFAS, with some receiving payments late or inconsistently. Cassim’s visit aims to clarify the root causes.

And for Unisa’s distance-learning students, losing data support is particularly disruptive especially for poor students, as online access is essential for their studies.

The Unisa visit is not just symbolic - it’s a test of whether the new Deputy Minister can translate student concerns into actionable policy changes.

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The University of Pretoria (UP) has officially launched the Degrees Delivered campaign, a three-year fundraising initiative that aims to unlock opportunities for graduates whose qualifications remain inaccessible because of outstanding historical student debt.

The campaign seeks to raise R50 million between 2026 and 2028 to help clear historical debt for qualifying graduates, allowing them to access their degree certificates and pursue employment, professional registration or further study.

Although these graduates have successfully completed their academic requirements, financial constraints continue to prevent them from receiving the qualifications they have earned.

“The Degrees Delivered campaign addresses a simple but deeply painful reality,” said UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen. “We have graduates who have completed everything required for their qualifications. They have studied, passed, and earned their degrees, but they cannot receive their degree certificates because of outstanding historical debt.”

The campaign forms part of UP’s Thrive UP 2038 strategy, which seeks to build a human-centred university by developing future-fit graduates and creating meaningful societal impact.

Unlike many fundraising initiatives that support future projects, Degrees Delivered delivers immediate and measurable outcomes. Every contribution helps remove the final financial barrier standing between a graduate and their qualification, opening the door to employment opportunities, postgraduate study and professional registration.

The campaign benefits graduates across all faculties who are seeking to access their first undergraduate qualification. Qualifying recipients will be identified and contacted by the University.

Funding will be allocated through a robust assessment process that considers socio-economic factors and other predetermined criteria to ensure support reaches graduates with the greatest demonstrated need.

Prof Petersen said the campaign represents a collective investment in people – and in South Africa’s future. “Today, I am making a personal pledge of financial support to both the Degrees Delivered campaign and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund,” he said.

“And I invite our partners in business, our alumni, our staff, and our wider community to join us. Because when we act together, we do more than fund education. We change lives and futures.”

UP staff will also lead by example through a staff payroll giving initiative, providing employees with an opportunity to make regular monthly contributions towards helping graduates access the qualifications they have already earned.

The campaign has already begun building momentum. In June, the UP Comrades Marathon fundraising initiative raised more than R106 000 through the support of more than 225 donors.

The next fundraising initiative will take place on 23 July, when the University hosts an exclusive alumni wine-tasting and gourmet dining evening in partnership with Zoetendal Vineyards. Proceeds from the event, including ticket sales and funds raised through an auction, will contribute directly to the Degrees Delivered campaign.

Prof Petersen said every contribution, regardless of its size, helps create lasting impact. “No graduate should be held back at the finish line. And no capable student should be left behind at the starting line.”

UP welcomes support from alumni, businesses, organisations and members of the public who share the University’s commitment to expanding access to opportunity through higher education.

Make a donation now.

To find out more about the Degrees Delivered campaign, contact the Department of Institutional Advancement at giving@up.ac.za.

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Ten years ago, a young lad from Thabazimbi made Varsity Cup history in the NWU 10 jersey by scoring the competition’s first-ever nine-point try.

A decade later, Benhard Janse van Rensburg is once again making headlines – this time with the opportunity to earn his first Test cap for England against Fiji this weekend after being named in Steve Borthwick’s squad.

Should he pull on England’s famous white jersey, he will become the first rugby player from Thabazimbi and Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer to represent England at test level.

Benhard’s journey proves that dreams can come true. He did not emerge from one of South Africa’s traditional rugby powerhouses but carved out his own path through determination and hard work.

His possible England debut has also sparked debate among world rugby fans, as he previously represented South Africa at Under-20 level. Benhard, however, believes the only place to answer his critics is on the field.

The Bristol Bears centre has built a reputation for his humility, coachability and relentless work ethic. Off the field, he has become something of a cult hero in Bristol, with his trademark mullet inspiring young supporters to copy his hairstyle.

England’s cold, wet weather could not be more different from the warm Bushveld where he grew up, but adapting has been a constant throughout his career.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to play international rugby,” said Benhard. “When Steve Borthwick called me, I was overjoyed. No matter who I play for, my goal is always to give my very best.”

His mother, Zanie, describes him as a humble, God-fearing farm boy.

“He loves sport and competition. People might think he’s full of himself, but he actually just enjoys banter. Growing up on a farm taught him patience. The rewards of hard work take time,” she said.

“Our whole family is incredibly excited about the possibility of watching him make his debut against Fiji. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Nothing came easily for Janse van Rensburg. He only started playing rugby in Grade 8 and never attended one of South Africa’s famous rugby schools. Every step towards the professional game was earned.

His breakthrough came in 2016 when NWU won its first Varsity Cup title, defeating Maties 7-6 after an epic 89-minute final in Stellenbosch.

“I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time,” he said. “I was surrounded by experienced players like Johan Deysel and Rhyno Smith. The Varsity Cup opens doors for a young player.”

He arrived at NWU without a rugby scholarship, unexpectedly secured a place in Patria Men’s Residence, caught the attention of Leopards Under-19 coach Melusi Mthethwa and was later called into the Varsity Cup squad by Jonathan Mokuena.

“He was as hardworking as they come,” Mokuena recalled. “You never had to tell Benhard to work harder. He always gave everything on and off the field.”

The NWU connection remains strong, with his younger brother, HJ, now also playing for the university at flanker and hoping to follow in his footsteps by featuring in the 2027 Varsity Cup squad.

Janse van Rensburg credits mentors such as Franco Smith, who gave him opportunities at the Cheetahs, where he won the Currie Cup in 2019. Stints in Japan and at London Irish followed before the club went into administration in 2023, opening the door for a move to Bristol Bears.

“I didn’t have to think twice about playing in England,” he said with a smile, adding that understanding British time expressions like “half-eight” for 08:30 in of the Afrikaans half-agt (07:30) was initially harder than adapting to the weather.

“The Premiership forces you to improve every week. I wake up every morning with gratitude. I know how privileged I am, and I’ll never take these opportunities for granted.”

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Effective management of Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) conditional grants goes beyond spending allocated funds – it is about ensuring every project delivers measurable benefits for students and the University.

This was the central message at a workshop recently hosted by the University of Fort Hare’s (UFH) Finance Division through its DHET Grants Management Office – a specialised unit within the Finance Division established to strengthen governance, financial oversight, compliance, and reporting across DHET-funded programmes.”

The session brought together project leaders, coordinators, administrators, finance, and support staff to develop a shared understanding of the governance, compliance, and reporting requirements that guide the management of DHET conditional grants.

Addressing the attendees, the Office’s Senior Manager, Mr Siyabulela Magadlela, said the grants are a significant investment in the University’s academic mission and institutional development. “Managing conditional grants is not simply a financial exercise,” he reminded the participants.

The workshop focused on the management of several DHET conditional grants, including the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), New Generation of Academics Programme (nGAP), University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), University Staff Doctoral Programme (USDP), Clinical Training Grant (CTG), and the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP).

Magadlela said the session was intended to create a common understanding of institutional processes and to improve governance, accountability, and audit readiness across all DHET-funded projects.

An interactive session challenged participants to reflect on the purpose of conditional grants, the conditions attached to the funding, and the respective responsibilities of grant holders, coordinators, and administrators in delivering approved projects and meeting key performance indicators.

Office Manager, Ms. Sheena Mentz, unpacked the importance of responsible financial management. Her presentation focused on linking expenditure to approved deliverables, monitoring budgets effectively, and ensuring projects are implemented within agreed timeframes. She also highlighted the risks associated with under-spending and expenditure that does not align with approved project plans.

Reporting and governance remained a key theme throughout the programme. Magadlela outlined the University’s reporting obligations, governance expectations, and audit considerations, stressing that accurate financial and narrative reporting, supported by proper documentation, is essential for accountability and future funding.

The Finance Officer Ms Nandi Zola, later guided participants through the operational processes that support grant management. Her presentation covered requisition and procurement procedures, the alignment between Finance and Supply Chain Management, and the practical support available to project teams implementing grant-funded activities.

The programme concluded with an open discussion where attendees reflected on common implementation challenges, operational bottlenecks and opportunities for improved coordination across the institution.

Magadlela said that as the University’s governance environment continues to evolve, collaboration across faculties and support divisions remains critical.

“Through this engagement, we hope to strengthen collaboration, improve reporting and monitoring practices, and promote a culture of responsible stewardship of public funds,” he said.

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Nelly Vilakazi arrived at Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2022 with a suitcase, a few items of clothing and a blanket. In her pocket was R1 500. Behind her lay years of hardship and resilience. Ahead of her a future beckoned that she was determined to claim.

Her parents had sold pigs and goats to help fund her journey from Springs, east of Johannesburg, to Stellenbosch. Vilakazi grew up in a large family and is one of ten siblings. She and her twin sister, now completing a master’s degree in law at the University of the Western Cape, were shaped by a difficult childhood.

Her father was a political activist who spoke out against poor service delivery in their community in Daveyton. The family lived in a shack without reliable access to water and electricity.

When she was ten years old, police arrived at their home one night and took her father away. “We spent almost two weeks without seeing him,” Vilakazi remembers. “No charges were laid to indicate what he had done wrong.”

The experience left a lasting impression. “I think that’s what shaped my sister to study law. We experienced a lot of injustices when we were growing up.”

Although her family later moved to a quieter suburb, life remained challenging. Her high school was overcrowded and under-resourced.

“In Grade 8 we were 54 learners in one classroom,” she says. “Sometimes we had to go home because there was no water and the toilets couldn’t flush.” Yet those experiences also gave her perspective. “When I got to Stellenbosch, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ve seen worse. I would rather try and fail than go back home’.”

The email that changed everything

The transition to university was far from smooth. Vilakazi arrived without accommodation, without confirmed funding and without the benefit of an orientation week. She had no idea how university systems worked, where her lecture venues were or how to access some of the online platforms students take for granted.

At one point she considered whether her dream of studying might end before it had properly begun. Then came the email. After days of uncertainty and repeated attempts to secure a place in residence, she received confirmation that accommodation had finally been approved.

“I just couldn’t believe the email was real,” she recalls with a laugh. “Is it really true? Did I get placement in Serruria?!”

That moment changed everything. “I decided I’m going to make sure I do well academically and make the best of every opportunity.”

Initially registered for social work, Vilakazi quickly realised the degree was not the right fit and she transferred to animal sciences. Today, she is thriving in a field that combines academic interest with her lifelong connection to farming and livestock. “Farming is in my blood,” she smiles. Her dream is to complete postgraduate studies and eventually establish her own farming enterprise focused on animal breeding and livestock production.

Making the path easier for others

If Vilakazi’s first year taught her anything, it was the importance of support. She still remembers the individuals who helped her navigate those difficult early days. In Admin A she was met by a “tall Xhosa woman with short hair” who helped her carry her bag. Vilakazi was so exhausted, she didn’t ask her name. “Wherever she is, may God bless her, because she was my very first experience of kindness and help at SU.”

More support came in the form of residence staff who made her feel at home, mentors who guided her, and the Dell Young Leaders programme that helped her when her mother lost her job during her second year.

“I felt so overwhelmed,” she recalls. “The Dell Young Leaders team organised a psychologist for me. After our sessions, I realised I felt better because someone had taken the time to listen and to guide me to find solutions.”

These experiences inspired her own leadership journey to help other students find their footing. She volunteered as a mentor in the SOAR programme for first-generation students, became a peer mentor in Serruria residence and later served as vice-chairperson of the AgriSciences Student Association. She also works as a mathematics bio teaching assistant, helping first-year students navigate challenging coursework.

“My main drive for taking up leadership positions was that I didn’t want someone to go through the same experience I went through when I came to Stellies,” she says. These roles helped her grow and become more confident. “Every time I went to sleep and saw that maroon blazer next to my bed, I knew it was responsibility calling.”

As South Africa commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Soweto Uprising this Youth Month, Vilakazi is acutely aware that her own opportunities were made possible by the courage of earlier generations. “If the youth of 1976 did not fight for their rights and equal opportunities in education, I wouldn’t be in Stellenbosch right now,” she says.

She sees her role as carrying that legacy forward in her own way – not through grand gestures, but through everyday acts of mentorship, support and service. She remains deeply grateful to the people who helped her stay the course.

Looking ahead, she hopes to become the kind of leader who does the same for others. After all, Vilakazi knows better than most how a single act of kindness can change the direction of a life.

©Higher Education Media Services.

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Over the next few weeks, the Department of Performing Arts, Faculty of Arts and Design, at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will be premiering a brand-new production at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda. This event will bring together some of the most innovative artistic voices in South Africa.

The production, All Protocol Observed, is a fast-paced, multidisciplinary boardroom comedy set entirely within a rigid corporate meeting.

The top executives of the Bureau for Bureaucratic Excellence (BBE) find themselves trapped in an ‘emergency leadership succession meeting’ after their supreme executive disappears under suspicious circumstances. They must select a new leader in accordance with the rulebook, which is full of contradictions.

Every manager is corrupt, ambitious and catastrophically incompetent, turning the meeting into a battlefield. Watch as rolling chairs are used like chariots and coffee is weaponised, turning every tiny agenda item into a high-stakes power struggle.

It is a postgraduate production performed as part of the Multi-Disciplinary Professional Practice subject.

The Postgraduate Diploma students are mentored by Dr Rostislava Pashkevitch-Ngobeni, Head of the Department of Performing Arts, and lecturer, Wandile Mgcodo, who guide them through both the Multi-Disciplinary Professional Practice module and their Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements.

Under their supervision, students conceptualise, design and realise a fully-fledged production within a collaborative, team-based company structure that mirrors professional industry practice. This process emphasises artistic excellence, disciplined project management, adherence to demanding production timelines and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping graduates with the practical skills, leadership abilities and industry readiness required to succeed in the contemporary performing arts sector.

In addition, Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni was invited to perform the stand-up comedy, The Piano Has Something to Say, in her private capacity.

It is a comedy piano show, where the pianist shares behind the score moments with the audience. The pianist transforms the music numbers into a story which is infused with light moments, memories and a dialogue with a mischievous grand piano that constantly ‘talks back.’

Blending sharp stand-up humour with virtuoso playing the show brings the pianist’s fingers to life as characters with their own personalities. Musical parodies are mixed with unexpected improvisations and the audience is brought directly into the performance through playful interaction and spontaneous challenges.

Warm, witty and musically bold, this performance transforms the traditional piano concert into an unpredictable cabaret where music and comedy collide, with the pianist, the instrument and the audience engaging in a lively three-way conversation.

Dr Pashkevitch-Ngobeni is the writer and director, while Mgcodo is the lighting designer.

To find out more about the festival, click on Home 2026 - National Arts Festival.

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From protecting the university by day to pursuing her dreams by night this is the inspiring story of Landiswa Mbilini, a proud University of Fort Hare student currently completing her BA Honours in African Languages

A full-time Security Officer, devoted mother of two, and determined scholar, Landiswa’s journey is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. After years of putting her dreams on hold due to life’s responsibilities, joining UFH in 2020 reignited her passion for education and reminded her that it was never too late to begin again.

Balancing motherhood, demanding work shifts, teaching practice, and late-night study sessions, Landiswa refused to give up on herself. Through exhaustion, disappointment, and countless challenges, she carried one belief close to her heart: “Iphupha alifi umnikazi walo esaphila” a dream does not die while its owner is still alive.

YouTube extract is from Fort Hare University Website.

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Caden Browne, a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science at Boston University in the United States of America (USA), presented his doctoral research work during a seminar hosted by the School of Arts in the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

The research was titled: ‘The Politics of Language and Identity: A Provincial Study of Multilingualism in South Africa’.

The seminar was commissioned by the Dean and Head of School, Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa and organised by Dr Muhle Sibisi, lecturer in the Linguistics sub-discipline. The seminar was well attended by postgraduate students and academic staff in the School of Arts, including the Cluster Leader for Languages and Literature, Professor Jochen Zeller.

Browne’s talk focused on the role linguistic identity plays in shaping national identity and societal cohesion – or division – with the focus on post-colonial societies due to their ‘unique linguistic legacies in which European languages often sit at the top of a hierarchy as languages of power’.

The major question he ponders in his research is “how historically-marginalised language speakers decide which languages to adopt and use and what are the implications of those decisions for national unity.”

To address that question, he examines the Government’s language planning initiatives as well as the choice of individuals around language adoption in the South African provinces of the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

His research took him to public spaces such as farmers’ markets, churches, town halls, courts, universities, and museums where he interviewed a variety of community leaders, including lecturers in the eThekwini municipality.

Browne says his study revealed distinctive similarities between the two provinces, especially how both are comfortable or uncomfortable with the English language used in their daily lives. He said that for some in the Western Cape, it was easier to just speak in English even though it was obvious that they were outsiders. “While not built around identity, it does have markings. KwaZulu-Natal is different because of the pride of amaZulu which was distinctive in the various places I travelled,” he said. However, he also saw a strong use of translanguaging in both provinces which highlights the invasiveness of the English language and an interference with identity.

Illuminating the gap in research, Browne said: “It is fascinating how few Political Science studies examine politics through the lens of language. In highly diverse societies, language can be a vehicle to promote national identity and nationalism and a means through which leaders mobilise political support and distribute power”.

Responding to the presentation, UKZN Cluster Leader for African Languages and Literature, Professor Nogwaja Zulu, offered an insightful glimpse into the history of language planning in South Africa. Referring to pre-democracy Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiations, Zulu said the importance of understanding how discussions on language inclusion affected politics was demonstrated by Caden’s interdisciplinary studies. Discussions went into language planning and multilingualism in South Africa, then into language identity and multilingualism issues.

Zulu shared how apartheid negatively affected the strength of indigenous languages, which led to a strong Constitutional directive where no language from one tribe could be inferior to another in a democratic South Africa.

Speaking about the importance of multilingualism from pre-colonial times up to the post-colonial era in South Africa and the subsequent designated governments’ roles in language planning across the different eras, Zulu said: “In the pre-colonial era, Lesotho’s King Moshoeshoe’s grandfather Peete, spoke Sesotho that indigenous Basotho called peteketsa as it varied from the mainstream.” He, thus, identified three strands of linguistic identity in South Africa: pre-colonial language identity, colonial language identity, and post-colonial language identity.

In closing, Zulu emphasised how much post-colonial language identity is inclusive, democratic, multicultural and sensitive. “Multilingual policies must embrace these ideals, and institutions need to craft policies, especially at universities such as UKZN, to show commitment to them. This promotes the sentiments of: ‘I am first a South African who is bound to co-exist with other South Africans’.”

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South Africa’s higher education community has paid tribute to Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), with Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela describing her as a courageous leader, pioneering scientist and steadfast defender of institutional integrity.

Speaking at her funeral to earlier this morning, Manamela conveyed condolences to the Matsha and Erasmus families, acknowledging both the personal loss suffered by loved ones and the wider grief felt across the country’s higher education and scientific sectors.

“There is no gentle way to lose a wife, a mother, a sister,” said Manamela. “Today your private grief and the country’s public mourning meet in this one place.”

The Minister said Professor Matsha-Erasmus left an indelible mark on South African higher education, having built a distinguished career in science, research and academic leadership.

A Leading Scientist and Research Pioneer

Professor Matsha-Erasmus was widely recognised for her groundbreaking research in diabetes and cardiometabolic disease, establishing herself as one of Africa’s leading scientists in the field. Her work contributed significantly to understanding some of the major health challenges affecting South Africans and communities across the continent.

Manamela praised her commitment to advancing knowledge while ensuring that scientific research served society.

“Her work was rooted here, in service of the communities closest to home, yet reached across borders to add to a body of knowledge that belongs to all humanity,” he said.

Her achievements in research, combined with her leadership experience, saw her rise through the ranks at SMU, serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor before being appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

Leadership Defined by Courage and Integrity

Although her tenure as Vice-Chancellor lasted just over a year, Manamela said she led the institution during a particularly challenging period and remained committed to principles of accountability and ethical leadership.

“When the storms of allegation came, she did not bend; she stood firm against corruption and held the line of her own integrity even when it would have been easier to yield,” the Minister said.

He noted that Professor Matsha-Erasmus viewed university leadership as a public trust and dedicated herself to strengthening SMU’s role as a leading health sciences institution.

Her vision centred on building a resilient university capable of producing the doctors, nurses, scientists and healthcare professionals needed to serve South Africa’s growing healthcare demands.

Advancing Health and Social Justice

Manamela emphasised that the significance of Professor Matsha-Erasmus’s work extended beyond higher education.

“A health sciences university is where we form the doctors who will staff our clinics, and the nurses, scientists and therapists who will care for our people,” he said.

According to the Minister, Professor Matsha-Erasmus understood that access to quality healthcare was fundamentally linked to social justice and dedicated her career to strengthening both healthcare education and research capacity.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Addressing students and young people, particularly young women, Manamela described Professor Matsha-Erasmus as a role model whose journey demonstrated what could be achieved through determination, excellence and perseverance.

“A woman who rose through the laboratory and the lecture hall to lead a university; who made her name in science on her own merit; who carried herself with dignity in the highest office, in the hardest of times,” he said.

He encouraged aspiring academics, researchers and leaders to follow the path she helped create, saying her legacy would continue through those she mentored and inspired.

A Legacy That Endures

While acknowledging the sadness of losing a leader in the midst of her service, Manamela said Professor Matsha-Erasmus’s legacy would live on through her research, her students and the institutions she helped shape.

He urged the SMU community and the broader higher education sector to honour her memory by continuing the work she championed — building institutions grounded in excellence, honesty and hope.

Quoting her own words, the Minister highlighted the guiding philosophy that defined her life and career:

“Greatness is not accidental. It is the result of discipline, perseverance and purpose. Excellence is not a destination; it is a way of life, a daily choice to do better, and to inspire others to rise higher. Leadership is not about being in front. It is about lifting others as you climb, ensuring that your success creates pathways for those who follow.”

“She lived those words,” Manamela said. “She lifted others as she climbed.”

As tributes continue to pour in, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus is being remembered not only as an accomplished scientist and university leader, but as a woman whose commitment to excellence, transformation and ethical leadership helped shape the future of South African higher education.

©Higher Education Media Service.

For thousands of South Africans arriving at emergency centres after experiencing violence, road accidents or severe injuries, surviving the trauma is only the first hurdle. Pain management remains a significant yet often overlooked challenge, with new research from the University of Cape Town (UCT) revealing that many trauma patients wait more than six hours for pain relief in one of the country’s busiest emergency departments.

Published in the African Journal of Emergency Medicine, the study examined how acute trauma pain was assessed and managed at the Emergency Centre of Mitchells Plain District Hospital in Cape Town — a high-volume facility serving communities with a substantial trauma burden. Researchers reviewed the medical records of 234 adult trauma patients treated over a two-week period in 2024.

The findings highlight important opportunities to strengthen pain assessment and timely treatment in high-pressure emergency care settings. While many patients presented with serious injuries, fewer than half received any form of pain medication during their time in the emergency centre. Pain assessments were documented in only 32.9% of cases, and patients waited a median of 375 minutes — more than six hours — before receiving their first dose of pain relief.

Trauma is a leading cause of illness and death in South Africa, contributing to more than 60,000 trauma-related deaths each year. Studies have shown that up to 70% of trauma patients in prehospital care and 91% of trauma patients in emergency centres experience significant pain, making effective pain management a critical component of quality healthcare.

“Emergency centres across South Africa manage large numbers of critically ill and injured patients under significant pressure. Our findings highlight opportunities to strengthen pain assessment, documentation and timely analgesia so that patients receive effective relief earlier in their emergency care journey,” said Dr Ngcebo Ndebele of UCT’s Division of Emergency Medicine and the study’s corresponding author.

The consequences of untreated pain extend far beyond physical discomfort. Inadequate pain management has been linked to adverse physiological and psychological effects, poorer patient outcomes and longer recovery times following traumatic injury.

The challenge is particularly evident at Mitchells Plain District Hospital, which serves an estimated 650,000 low- to middle-income residents. High rates of unemployment, poverty, crime, substance abuse and gang-related violence contribute to a significant trauma caseload, making the facility one of the busiest emergency centres in the Cape Town metropolitan area.

Interpersonal violence — including stabbings, blunt assaults and gunshot wounds — accounted for 56.5% of trauma cases reviewed in the study. The majority of patients were young men, with a median age of 33 years.

Researchers also found inconsistencies in how pain was managed. Some patients reporting severe pain received only basic analgesics, while others without documented pain assessments were treated with stronger medications such as opioids or ketamine. Pain assessments were typically conducted only during triage and often relied on verbal descriptions rather than validated pain measurement tools, such as a numerical pain-rating scale. Doctors rarely documented pain assessments, and no follow-up pain evaluations were recorded.

“Emergency centres need to rethink how pain management is prioritised,” said Dr Ndebele. One potential solution, he noted, is expanding nurse-led analgesia protocols, which have been shown internationally to be both safe and effective. Such approaches enable nurses to administer pain medication during triage, helping patients receive relief sooner rather than waiting several hours to be seen by a doctor.

The study also points to broader systemic pressures affecting South Africa’s public healthcare system, including overcrowded emergency departments, staffing constraints and growing patient volumes.

Professor Peter Hodkinson, the study’s senior author, said pain assessment and relief should become a core element of emergency care. “Pain should be assessed at the first point of contact with patients as one of the vital signs, and we need to prioritise pain alongside life-threatening conditions, which are currently the primary focus of emergency staff,” he said.

Professor Hodkinson added that enhanced training for healthcare professionals, particularly triage nurses, and standardised pain-management protocols across the healthcare continuum could help improve outcomes. “We also emphasise the need for standardised pain management protocols not only in hospital emergency centres, but across the continuum of care from first contact with the patient in pain, whether that is prehospital personnel, clinic staff or the hospital triage nurse.”

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As South Africa prepares for a new era of energy innovation, scientific advancement and industrial growth, the University of Pretoria (UP) and the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Ltd (Necsa) have signed a strategic five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to strengthen the country’s nuclear research capabilities, expand skills development and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology leaders.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in research and development, education and training, technology innovation, postgraduate studies and the commercialisation of research outcomes. It reflects a shared commitment to advancing South Africa’s science and technology agenda while ensuring the country develops the highly skilled workforce needed to support future growth in the nuclear and broader energy sectors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen said the agreement demonstrates the critical role that collaboration plays in addressing complex national challenges.

“Energy security and keeping ahead of the rapidly advancing nuclear science and technology research and development curve are non-negotiable for our country,” said Prof Petersen. “At UP, we strongly believe in working together to innovate solutions for our continent and the world. None of us can operate in isolation – not higher education, not government and not industry.”

He said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing scientific excellence while creating opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.

“Through this partnership, we are investing in people, knowledge and innovation that will benefit South Africa for decades to come,” Prof Petersen said. “Together, UP and Necsa are helping shape a future driven by scientific excellence, technological advancement and meaningful societal impact.”

The MoU builds on an existing relationship between the two institutions and deepens collaboration in areas that are central to South Africa’s development ambitions. Through the agreement, UP and Necsa will undertake joint research projects, facilitate student and researcher exchanges, support postgraduate and postdoctoral training, pursue funding opportunities and create pathways for work-integrated learning and professional development.

For UP, the partnership presents a significant opportunity to strengthen its leadership in nuclear science, engineering and innovation while providing students and researchers with access to specialised facilities, expertise and real-world learning opportunities.

“UP and Necsa are committed to advancing South Africa’s nuclear expertise and ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals for the nation’s nuclear energy and radiation science sector,” Prof Petersen said.

The collaboration will create opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to gain practical industry experience, participate in cutting-edge research and engage directly with one of the country’s most strategically important scientific sectors.

Through internships, work-integrated learning opportunities, postgraduate supervision and exposure to specialised infrastructure, students will be better equipped to contribute to South Africa’s evolving energy and technology landscape.

The partnership also draws on UP’s internationally recognised research strengths. Ranked among the world’s leading universities and among the top 1.9% globally, UP has 593 National Research Foundation-rated researchers and the highest proportion of academics with doctoral qualifications in South Africa.

The University is also at the forefront of nuclear-related research, having launched Africa’s first Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) in 2024, a facility helping to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis. NuMeRI was incubated by Necsa in its early stages.

Necsa Group Chief Executive Officer Loyiso Tyabashe said the partnership demonstrates how collaboration between higher education institutions and industry can help address national priorities while creating opportunities for future generations.

“Necsa’s collaboration with the University of Pretoria underscores our commitment to building a strong national science and technology base that will strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem. Through this partnership we are also unlocking innovative solutions that our country needs to advance economic growth, industrialisation and sustainable development on the back of nuclear energy.

The recently promulgated Integrated Resources Plan, 2025 puts a huge responsibility on us as research institutions to play our role to ensure that South Africa has requisite capabilities to implement a nuclear programme and support the energy industry at large”.

The partnership aligns with Necsa’s mandate to advance the peaceful application of nuclear technology for the benefit of South Africa and the African continent, while supporting national priorities related to science, technology, innovation, industrialisation and human capital development.

By combining UP’s academic excellence and research expertise with Necsa’s specialised infrastructure and technical capabilities, the collaboration is expected to generate new knowledge, strengthen national research capacity and help position South Africa as a leader in nuclear science, technology, and innovation on the African continent.

©Higher Education Media Service.

New analysis of the fossils reveals hints to the first known example of a sex-specific burial site from a non-human species.

An international team of researchers successfully extracted and analysed the first-ever protein fragments from fossil teeth of Homo naledi, an extinct human relative found in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, South Africa.

In a study published today in Cell, scientists from the University of Copenhagen, the University of the Witwatersrand, the National Geographic Society’s Rising Star project and 13 collaborating global institutions found no signs of any biological males within the group of Homo naledi remains tested, offering intriguing insights into potential cultural behaviours that may have existed before Homo sapiens.

The analysis examined 23 teeth representing at least 20 Homo naledi individuals. To determine the biological sex of each individual, researchers looked for Amelogenin-Y – a protein that is uniquely coded onto the male Y chromosome – within the tooth enamel.

Thorough examination of ancient proteins from the enamel of 23 Homo naledi teeth revealed a complete absence of the marker, indicating a strong likelihood that each individual discovered in the Rising Star Cave system was biologically female. Among hominins, like all other mammals, females typically exhibit two X chromosomes and males carry an X and a Y chromosome. Because only males have a Y chromosome, finding amelogenin-Y tells researchers with certainty that the tooth belonged to a male.

“Unlike those found in other remains like bone fragments, proteins in tooth enamel are preserved because dental enamel – the hardest tissue in the human body – shields proteins from environmental contamination even for millions of years. This makes them ideal carriers of genetic information from deep time,” said South African-born scientist and lead study author Palesa Madupe.

Madupe is a molecular scientist who was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Copenhagen at the time of the study and currently a researcher at Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany. “Our study helps resolve the long-standing mystery of why Homo naledi lacked significant variation; it’s probably because they could have all belonged to one sex.”

As the largest extinct hominin population to ever be examined using ancient protein analysis, the findings raise new questions about the biology, evolution, culture, and potential mortuary practices of Homo naledi.

When the Wits University team first discovered and excavated the Homo naledi remains in 2013, they noticed something puzzling — the adult fossils found in the Dinaledi Chamber were all very similar. The adult fossils had very little variation in size, shape, and other physical traits. Typically, some variation is expected among hominins, especially among males and females, otherwise known as sexual dimorphism.

To investigate this anomaly, researchers applied a minimally destructive acid etching technique to carefully extract fragments of ancient proteins — called peptides — from the remains. The peptide samples were then analyzed with a mass spectrometer to identify all of the proteins present in the remains, including amelogenin — a process called paleoproteomic analysis.

“It appears that the most likely explanation for the observed absence of an Amelogenin-Y marker in these individuals is that we are seeing a sex-bias in mortuary practice — a practice until now only observed in contemporary human cultures,” said National Geographic Explorer in Residence and corresponding author of the study Lee Berger, who is still and Honorary Professor at Wits University. “The chance of having sampled twenty individuals and they are all from one sex, is quite literally one in a million.”

First described by Berger and colleagues from the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star cave system, Homo naledi is an extinct hominin species with a combination of human-like and pre-human-like features that lived between 335,000 and 241,000 years ago. Fueled by a curiosity that reaches deep into millennia-old cave systems, an all-female team of “underground astronauts” in 2013 excavated more than 1,500 fossils and 150 hominin teeth — the largest ever discovered on the continent of Africa — which at the time represented at least 15 individuals. Later, this number grew as more fossils were found by the Rising Star team in this and other areas of the cave. Wits University is the custodian of the Homo naledi fossils.

The results of this study build upon previous insights from the Rising Star team about Homo naledi’s purported behavior. In 2023, the Rising Star team discovered evidence of possible Homo naledi fire, symbols, and burials and in 2025, the team published additional evidence to support their findings of intentional burial practices and the creation of rock engravings.

“There are many past human societies with sex-specific burial practices, but we’ve found very little hard evidence of this from the earliest burial sites of modern humans or Neanderthals,” said John Hawks, a co-author of the paper and member of the Rising Star team. “These remains of Homo naledi are older than any known Neanderthal or modern human burial site, and it’s remarkable to see that they may all be female.”

Still, the research team acknowledges in this work that there could be another reason for the absence of male markers in the tested Homo naledi remains: the Amelogenin-Y gene may have mutated or have been deleted over time.

“While the deletion of the entire AMELY gene has already been observed in extant male humans and even in the DNA of a Neanderthal male, it’s very unlikely that this would be the case among even half of the 20 individuals we studied or for an entire population,” explained Enrico Cappellini, professor of paleoproteomics at the Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, where the analytical work took place, and senior and corresponding author of the study.

“Either scenario, namely the absence of H. naledi males in the Rising Star cave system or a systematic deletion of their AMELY gene, is fascinating and would have deep implications for a better understanding of the biology and evolution of this species.”

This finding is particularly significant because Homo naledi is anatomically distinct from modern humans, possessing a brain size only slightly larger than that of a chimpanzee, the authors said. Despite this smaller cranial capacity, a growing body of research suggests the species appears to have engaged in practices once considered uniquely human.

“Seeking to understand where we come from is truly core to the human experience. These new findings are amazing because they’re challenging us to rethink what we thought we knew about our place in human history,” said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the National Geographic Society.

“What I love about the Rising Star team is their restless curiosity. They keep pushing the boundaries of paleoanthropology, and reminding us that the biggest discoveries are still yet to be made.”

The paper, “Proteomic analysis of dental enamel from 20 Homo naledi individuals shows no male markers,” was published June 24, 2026 in the journal Cell.

Learn more about Berger’s work, the discovery of Homo naledi and the Rising Star program in the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration, opening in Washington D.C. on Friday, 26 June 2026.

This story first appeared on the Wits University Website.

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New research by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) has found that young people from disadvantaged communities continue to face significant and systemic barriers to participating in and progressing through organised sports - limiting the chances of many talented athletes to reach elite levels.

The study, led by Dr Poppy Bhengu, who obtained her PhD from UWC in 2025, was conducted in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, and was recently published in the European Journal for Sport and Society. It was co-authored by Prof Nicolette Roman from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies of Children, Families and Society and Dr Gérard Filies, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences.

Through interviews with 19 experienced athletes, coaches, school coordinators, and sport managers drawn from both township and affluent communities within the City of Ekurhuleni, the researchers examined how socioeconomic inequalities shape talent identification and sports development, and what this means for young athletes whose potential may never be recognised.

The study’s central finding was an absolute disparity in how sporting resources are distributed across communities. Young people in wealthier areas were found to have access to quality sports facilities, modern equipment, structured development programmes, and experienced coaches. Their counterparts in under-resourced communities, by contrast, faced inadequate infrastructure, limited equipment, and significantly fewer opportunities to participate in organised sport.

Many lacked basic necessities such as running shoes and appropriate sporting attire, barriers that restricted participation from the outset. Inadequate nutrition emerged as an additional and often overlooked challenge, undermining athletic performance and reducing the likelihood that young people from poorer communities could reach their full potential. Researchers found these resource gaps do more than limit participation; they distort the talent identification process itself.

Participants in the study noted that identifying promising athletes was considerably more difficult in underprivileged communities, where limited facilities and a lack of awareness among parents and community members about sports development pathways left many talented young people invisible to scouts and selectors.

Financial constraints compounded the problem, with registration fees, transport costs, equipment purchases, and travel to competitions placing organised sport out of reach for many families.

Meanwhile, athletes from affluent communities benefited from greater visibility, structured exposure, and consistent development opportunities, advantages that positioned them more favourably for progression to elite levels, regardless of raw talent.

The researchers found that these inequalities were not incidental but were reinforced by broader social and institutional factors that entrench disadvantage across generations. Athletes from privileged backgrounds continue to benefit from compounding opportunities, while talented youth from poorer communities are systematically excluded. The barriers extend beyond finances to include limited parental support, weak community sports structures, and exclusionary sporting environments.

Despite efforts to promote equity in sport since the end of apartheid, the researchers noted that these challenges remain widespread. The result is that many young athletes fail to realise their potential not because of a lack of talent, but because the systems meant to develop that talent were never designed with them in mind.

The study argues that talent identification systems must evolve beyond a narrow focus on physical ability and immediate performance.

“A more holistic approach, one that accounts for long-term development potential, coaching quality, psychological resilience, and family support, is needed to surface talent that current systems routinely miss,” said Dr Bhengu.

“The findings underscore the urgent need to confront these systemic inequalities and implement multifaceted strategies to promote genuine equity and inclusivity in sports,” the researchers concluded.

©Higher Education Media Services.

At 14 years old, Joy Schoor was forced to confront something most teenagers cannot begin to imagine: the possibility of dying before her life had truly begun.

In January 2016, after returning from a family holiday to the Kruger National Park, she suddenly became ill with a fever. What initially appeared to be an infection soon became something far more serious. After numerous tests and hospital visits, Schoor was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Her life changed almost overnight. She left school for a year to undergo chemotherapy and eventually a bone marrow transplant. Her younger brother, Joel, became her stem cell donor. “At 14 years old I was confronted with the possibility of death,” she says. “But to me cancer was never a death sentence.”

Paying it forward

Today, nearly a decade later, Schoor is a final-year MBChB student at SU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, studying towards the very profession that once helped save her life. The journey between those two moments has been shaped by faith, resilience and a determination to turn suffering into purpose. “I truly believe God carried me,” she says quietly.

Schoor grew up in what she describes as a loving home where faith, perseverance and compassion formed the foundation of family life. Her parents worked hard to provide for her and her younger brother, even during difficult periods. “We did not always have everything, but I was surrounded by my family, friends and church community.”

Long before her diagnosis, she already dreamed of becoming a doctor. Cancer did not create that dream – it deepened it. “My cancer journey strengthened my desire to study medicine because I wanted to pay forward the care I received,” she says.

During her treatment, she experienced firsthand what it means to depend entirely on the compassion of healthcare professionals. The warmth and humanity shown by her doctors and nurses left a permanent impression.

“There is something so powerful about being able to tell a patient ‘I understand’ and genuinely mean it.”

Carrying pressure and gratitude together

Although surviving cancer transformed Schoor’s perspective on life, it did not remove the challenges that followed. Studying medicine at SU became one of the greatest opportunities of her life, but also one of the most demanding.

“Medicine is academically and emotionally challenging,” she says. There were moments when financial pressure made her question whether she would be able to continue her studies. Receiving the Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation Chancellor’s Bursary, aimed at supporting students from the “missing middle”, became a turning point not only financially but emotionally.

“Receiving the bursary means so much more than financial support,” she says. “It brought relief to my family during a time when the pressure of studying medicine felt overwhelming.” More importantly, it restored something less tangible but equally important: hope. “It meant that my dreams could still become a reality despite the challenges I face.”

The programme’s mentorship structures also became an important source of encouragement during difficult periods. Schoor speaks warmly about the support she received from mentors who consistently reminded students that their circumstances did not define their future.

Throughout her years at university, Schoor carried another quiet source of strength with her – the memory of having already survived something much bigger than any examination or trying semester. “If I could survive cancer, I could survive the difficult seasons in university too.”

Her journey has also connected her with a global community of transplant survivors. In 2025, she competed at the World Transplant Games in Germany, where she participated in swimming events alongside athletes from around the world who had also endured life-threatening illnesses and organ transplants. “It honestly did not feel like a competition,” she says. “It felt like being surrounded by people who understood parts of your journey without you having to explain it.”

More than survival

As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising this Youth Month, Schoor believes the courage of previous generations should continue to inspire young people facing their own struggles today. “Young people still have the power to shape a better future by never giving up, by continuing to fight even when everything tells you to give up.”

At the same time, she believes society often misunderstands what resilience really looks like among young people carrying emotional, financial and personal burdens while still trying to succeed. “People see the success, but not many see the pressure behind it,” she notes.

For many students, she explains, achievement is not only personal ambition. It is also about trying to create a different future for their families and communities. “Young people are often called resilient, but many are not resilient by choice.”

Outside medicine, Schoor finds peace in simple things: camping, nature, swimming and spending time with her church community, family and friends. Her friends, she says, would probably describe her as someone “full of laughter and life”. It’s quite fitting that her name is Joy.

Looking ahead, Schoor hopes to become a doctor who offers patients more than treatment alone. “I want to be the kind of doctor who not only treats illness, but who also gives patients hope,” she says.

Ten years ago, she was a teenage girl fighting for her life in a hospital ward. Today, she is preparing to become a doctor herself. “A journey far from easy, but totally worth it,” she smiles.

Story by Hannelie Booyens first appeared on Stellenbosch University website.

©Higher Education Media Services.

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