current students : Aquatic systems research group
BSc Hons
Phumudzo Ragimana is a very determined and is currently working on her BSc Hons Environmental Science research project on Assessing the significance of the public’s negative perceptions towards large wood in river ecosystems following flooding experiences. Her interests include exploring different environmental problems and helping the less fortunate through volunteering. Supervisor: Ms Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Khumbelo Mulondo received a BSc Environmental Sciences from the University of Venda. His research topic is on Assessing the distribution and extent of organic matter dynamics along the Ramsar declared wetlands. Outside the academic sphere, Khumbelo enjoys playing football and reading. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Thabiso Banda is currently enrolled for a BSc Hons Environmental Sciences within the Department of Ecology and Resources Management. His current research topic is Assessing the distribution and extent of plastic pollution along Mutale River. His hobbies are reading and travelling. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Rabelani Seshonge has a BSc Environmental Sciences and is currently towards his BSc Hons Environmental Sciences within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management. His research topic is on Considering the links between street vending and poverty alleviation: a case of Thohoyandou street vendors. He is always eager and determined to learn, enjoys playing football and reading. Supervisors: Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Mokgale Merchatte Maenetje is currently enrolled for BSc Hons Environmental Sciences within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management. His research topic is Enrichment and geoaccumulation of heavy metals in the superficial sediments and macrophytes along the Mutale River. His hobbies are listening to music, watching documentaries and reading. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Mathapelo Jaqualine Methi is currently doing her BSc Hons Environmental Sciences degree within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management at University of Venda. Her research topic is Assessing and monitoring the abundance and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates along a Ramsar declared wetland. Her hobbies are listening to music and reading. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Katlego William Masasane received a BSc Environmental Sciences and is currently enrolled for BSc Hons Environmental Sciences degree at the University of Venda. His research topic is Who utilises urban green spaces around Thohoyandou and Louis Trichardt? What are the key drivers? He joined Amplify Community Voices Student Association (ACVoSA) and ACTIVATE leadership program in 2018. Within the same year he was appointed as Tutor and is also a part-time disc jockey (DJ). Supervisors: Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Rotondwa Sithagu is currently enrolled for BSc Hons Zoology degree at University of Venda in the Department of Zoology. His project is on Assessing the species richness and abundance of invertebrates in ephemeral ponds and examining the influence of water depth on trophic interaction strengths. His hobbies are football, reading and being outdoors. Supervisors: Dr Ross N Cuthbert, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Rotondwa Matshidze is currently enrolled for BSc Hons Environmental Sciences in the Department of Geography and Geo-Information sciences. Her research is Mapping the distribution of Phragmites australis within Nylsvley wetland using aerial imagery. Her hobbies include reading and watching reality TV shows. Rotondwa was part of Amplifying Community Voices Student Association (ACVoSA) in 2017 and has a Certificate in Community Cork. Supervisors: Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Tshedza Thriddah Murudi was awarded a BSc Environmental Science degree in 2018 and is currently enrolled for BSc Hons Environmental Sciences within the Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences at the University of Venda. Her research topic is Assessing abundance and factors contributing to spread of the invasive milkweed Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey. within Nylsvley wetland. Supervisors: Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
MSc/Mphil
Pretty Dlamini is currently enrolled as an MSc student in the Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences at the University Of Venda. Her current research topic is Assessing the influence of aquatic macrophytes and water level fluctuations on macroinvertebrates assemblages in small agricultural reservoirs. Her BSc Hons research was funded by NRF and focused on The use of macroinvertebrates population to assess the river health status of Madanzhe River, Thohoyandou, Limpopo South Africa. Her hobbies are reading, watching movies and dancing. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Matjutla Mokgoebo. 2018–2019. [Submitting for examination in November]
Cyncinatia Malapane graduated with a BSc Hons Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. She is currently working towards attaining an MSc Environmental Sciences on "Assessing the impact of land use change on wetlands using remote sensing techniques". Supervisors: Dr Eduard M Stam, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019–2020.
Khuthadzo Mavhungu is currently enrolled as an MSC student within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda Under. Khuthadzo is researching about invasive under the topic Paving the way for invasive species invasion: road-river interchanges as invasive conduits within Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. For his BSc Hons funded by the SARCHI Bursary, he studied Application of Remote sensing (SPOT Imagery) and GIS to monitor Black wattle (Acacia Mearnsii) at Zvakanaka cottage and Farm in Makhado Local Municipality (part of Soutpensberg Mountain). He enjoys working on community projects. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni. 2018–2019.
Rendani Mbedzi is an MSc student within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda. Her current research project is focused on defining the effects of micro-plastic pollution in reservoirs. The project addresses the sources, spread and effects of micro-plastics in water, sediment and aquatic species. Her previous project was focused on assessing the socio-environmental impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the Giyani Greenstone Belt. Rendani is a member of the Geological Society of South Africa and has a keen in exploring the world. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni. 2018–2019. [Submitted for examination]
Edward Mhlongo received his BSc Environmental Science and BSc Environmental Science Hons degrees from University of Venda. His BSc Hons funded by NRF looked at Lantana camara species invasion: road-river interchanges as invasion conduits. He is currently enrolled for an MSc with the Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University. His research topic is Socio-ecological effects of L. camara invasion on local communities in Vhembe biosphere reserve, South Africa. Outside the academic space he enjoys photography, traveling, music, gaming, computer troubleshooting. Supervisors: Dr Sheunesu Ruwanza, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019–2020.
Onica Mukhuwana MSc project is focused on Factors affecting the efficient management of wetlands: stakeholders’ targets vs local communities perception and needs in the Vhembe District. After completing her BSc Biodiversity Conservation at the University of Venda, she joined Stellenbosch University in 2010 to pursue her BSc Hons Botany degree. During her BSc Hons Botany studies, she was exposed to different fields of science namely Botany, Freshwater Ecology, Invasion Biology, Zoology and Conservation. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni, Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu. 2018–2019. [Submitted for examination]
Thendo Mutshekwa is a motivated and creative individual, with BSc Environmental Sciences and BSc Hons Environmental Sciences from University of Venda. He has worked as a Research Assistant on invasive plant species project. Currently, he is doing his MSc within the Department of Environmental Sciences focusing on the Assessing the effects of invasive and indigenous leaf litter decomposition dynamics in agricultural reservoirs. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni, Dr Ryan J Wasserman. 2018–2019. [Submitted for examination]
Terence Magqina is an MPhil student at the University of Zimbabwe in the Biological Sciences Department, University of Zimbabwe. He earned a BSc Honours degree Biological Sciences and comes from a research background that integrates ecology (aquatic and terrestrial) and conservation. His previous research work involves comparing stress hormones between painted dogs (Lycaon pictus) across Zimbabwe so as to put management policies into conserving the endangered species. He is currently working on aging tigerfish in Lake Kariba looking at population dynamics and assessing impacts of recreational and artisanal fishing on the tigerfish population. Outside of work, his interests include hiking, swimming and travelling. Supervisors: Prof Tamuka Nhiwatiwa, Prof Lindah Mhlanga, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2017–2019.
Lufuno Makhuvha is currently an MSc student within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management at University of Venda. She holds a BSc Hons in Environmental and Resource from the University of Limpopo. Her current research topic is Organic matter dynamics within a Ramsar wetland: A case study of Nylslvey. Her hobbies are reading, travelling, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ryan J Wasserman. 2019-2020
Ndivhuwo Robert Netshiongolwe is currently an MSc student within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management at University of Venda. Her current research topic is Spatiotemporal variation of heavy metals in superficial sediments and uptake by macrophytes along a subtropical river system. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Samuel N Motitsoe. 2019-2020
Alugumi Yesaya Nemalili is an MSc student in Rural Development within the Institute for Rural Development, University of Venda. He is currently working for Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. His research focus is on Evaluating the contribution of rural development project to Zandspruit river water pollution, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Supervisors: Dr Jethro Zuwarimwe, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2018-2019.
Khuliso Vincent Ramulondi is an MSc Student within the Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda. His research project is titled Ecological Impacts of Woody Invasive Plants in Mutshedzi River Riparian Zone and aims to determine the distribution and density of woody invasive alien plants and how they affect native riparian vegetation. Khuliso holds the Bachelor of Earth Sciences Hons in Mining and Environmental Geology. His work experience includes, conducting EIAs, Biodiversity Studies, Geohydrology studies and Wetland Assessment. He is the member of Southern Africa Water Institute, Geological Society of South Africa and South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. Supervisors: Dr Eduard M Stam, Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Sheunesu Ruwanza. 2018–2019.
Rolindela Tshivhase is a graduate in BSc Hons Mining and Environmental Geology graduate from the University of Venda. For her MSc Environmental Science studies with the Department of Ecology Resource and Management, University of Venda, she will be working wetlands, Assessing heavy metal and nutrient dynamics within soil sediments. Previous experience in research has taught her to work under pressure to meet deadlines, be a critical thinker and be determined. In addition she has developed strong communication and problem solving skills. She currently works for Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Limpopo. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni, Dr Ryan J Wasserman. 2018–2019. [Submitting for examination in November]
Mukondi Ligege. Servitudes as corridors for alien plant invasions. MSc Environmental Science. University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Eduard M Stam, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2018–2019.
phd
Tinotenda Mangadze is a PhD student in Aquatic Ecology working on diatoms and macroinvertebrates in Kowie River system and is based within the Department of Zoology and Entomology at Rhodes University. Her main areas of expertise include river health assessment, biological monitoring of freshwater systems, ecotoxicology and climate related issues. She also has experience in field-based research. Tinotenda studied for a bachelors’ and MPhil degree in Aquatic Ecology with Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe where she also worked as a Teaching Assistant from 2012 to 2016 in the Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation Department. Her current research focuses on River Health Assessment using diatom communities in a small Austral temperate river system in South Africa. Supersivors: Prof P William Froneman, Dr Tatenda Dalu [Submitted for examination]
Lightone Trevor Marufu [Mentor - Trophic Ecology]
Lubabalo Mofu [Mentor - Plankton and Trophic Ecology]
Graduated students
BSc Hons
MSc
- Salphina Ntombikayise Sathekge. 2019. Differential vulnerability: Assessing the effects of invasive predator common carp Cyprinus carpio and nutrient enrichment on macroinvertebrate taxa. BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
- Bernad Malesa. 2019. Assessing factors affecting the distributionand occurrence extent of macroplastics around Nandoni reservoir. BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
- Rivoningo Chauke. 2019. Assessing macroinvertebrate communities in relation to environmental variables, a case of the Sambandou wetlands, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
- Mulweli Makatu. 2019. Assessing the relative contribution of indigenous forest products to rural livelihoods: A case of Mavunde and Sambandou villages, Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
- Muhali Hulisani. 2019. Is awareness on plastic pollution being raised in primary and secondary schools? A case of Thulamela Municipality district. BSc Hons Environmental Science with Pass. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
MSc
- Molline Natanah Chido Gusha. 2018. A community–wide trophic structure analysis in intertidal ecosystems on the south coast of South Africa. MSc Marine Biology with Merit. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Supervisors: Distinguished Prof Christopher McQuaid, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
- Simphiwe Gininda. 2017. Effect of pollution on community assemblages of a small river system: A case of Bloukrans River, South Africa. MSc Marine Biology with Distinction. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Supervisors: A/Prof Nicole B Richoux, Dr Tatenda Dalu.