Postgrad. Students

Aquatic Systems Research Group

Current Students

BSc Hons

Glencia Matimu Chauke received a BSc Environmental Sciences and is currently enrolled for BSc Hons Environmental Sciences degree at the University of Venda. Her research topic is Understanding the ecology and distribution of the alien invasive snail Tarebia granifera in Nandoni reservoir. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu and Mr Farai Dondofema. 2020.

Thendo Liphadzi graduated with a BSc Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. He is currently working towards attaining an BSc Hons Environmental Sciences on the Impacts of rotenone on aquatic organisms. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2020.

Ronald Mashamba graduated with a BSc Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. He is currently working towards attaining an BSc Hons Environmental Sciences on The diet of Clarias gariepinus from Nylsvlei Wetland. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2020.

Stanley Mugodo graduated with a BSc Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. He is currently working towards attaining an BSc Hons Environmental Sciences on Understanding local fish species names within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in local TshiVenda language. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2020.

Masters

Rivoningo Chauke graduated with a BSc Hons Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. She is currently working towards attaining an MSc Environmental Sciences on "Diversity and distribution of amphibian taxa within the Soutpansberg Mountain". Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema. 2020–present.

Fhatuwani Makherana received her BSc and BSc Hons Environmental Science degrees from University of Venda. She holds a Certificate in GIS. Her BSc Hons looked at "Investigating impacts of tourism development on local communities around Nandoni Dam”. She is currently working towards attaining an MSc Environmental Sciences on "Relationship between water and sediment quality variables on the invasive snail Tarebia granifera abundances and distribution in Nandoni Reservoir". Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Ross N Cuthbert. 2020–present.

Mukondilele Olga Ligege. Servitudes as corridors for alien plant invasions. MSc Environmental Science. University of Venda. Supervisors: Dr Eduard M Stam, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2018–present.

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 Tatenda Dalu, Dr Eduard M Stam, Mr Farai Dondofema. 2019–present.

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 Nylslvei. Her hobbies are reading, travelling, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ryan J Wasserman. 2019–present

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–present.

Terence Magqina is an MPhil student at the 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. 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–present.

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–present.

Fulufhelo Faith Muthivhi is recently finisher her BSc Hons Environmental Sciences at University of Venda. Her research interests lie in the fields of conservation and remote sensing. For her BSc Hons, she worked on the impacts of landscape characteristics on species habitat diversity of Thulamela Municipality. For her MSc studies, she will be working on Assessing spatio-temporal variation in primary productivity of three reservoirs in Vhembe District: A case study of Albasini, Nandoni and Vondo reservoirs. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Mr Matjutla Mokgoebo. 2020–present.

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, Dr Lenin D Chari, Mr Samuel N Motitsoe. 2019–present

Takalani Vincent Netshituni obtained his BSc and BSc Hons Environmental Science degrees from University of Venda in 2018 and 2019, respectively. He also holds a Certificate in GIS. His project for BSc Hons degree focused on “Characteristics of Abutilon theophrasti population in two state-owned nature reserves, Vhembe district,Limpopo province”. He is currently working towards attaining his MSc Environmental Sciences on "Effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystem primary productivity“. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema. 2020–present.

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–present.

Tshifaro Nemakundani graduated from the University of Venda with an BSc Hons Environmental Science and holds a Certificate in Environmental Law and Environmental Management Sytems ISO 14001 from the Centre of Environmental Management, North West University. She has been working in the mining sector for past 5 years and is currently working as Environmental Officer for Eyethucoal. For her MSc, she will work on Shocks and stressors, household level responses and implications on adaptive capacity in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Supervisors: Ms Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema. 2020–present.

Thelma Tshililo Nemadane. Assessment of water quality of the Olifants River system. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema. 2020–present.

Phumudzo Ragimana 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 Venda. Her current research project is on Ecosystem services. Supervisors: Dr Lutendo Mugwedi, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2020–present.

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. 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–present.

Doctoral

Thendo Mutshekwa is a motivated and creative individual, with BSc and BSc Hons Environmental Sciences from University of Venda. He worked as a Research Assistant on invasive plant species project within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. For his MSc study, he focused on the leaf litter decomposition in small agricultural reservoirs and he will be extending the work for his PhD. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi. 2020–present.

Linton Fhatuwani Munyai joined the University of Venda as an undergraduate student in Bachelor of Environmental Sciences in 2012 and went on to complete his BSc, BSc Honours and MSc Degree research on water quality and water supply. During his MSc, he focused on Remote Sensing on Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), chlorophyll-a dynamics and remediation techniques of cyanobacterial blooms in Aquaculture fish ponds within the Vhembe District, South Africa. For his PhD, he will be focusing on Biodiversity, trophic structure and connectivity of ephemeral aquatic ecosystems within the Makuleke Wetlands. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi. 2020–present.

Tinyiko Sally Mthombeni completed her MSc Environmental Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand focusing on acid mine drainage and phytoremediation in artificial wetlands. For her PhD, she will be working on the Non-protected wetlands and their drivers, freshwater resource areas and local community management in the Mphaphuli Dynasty. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi. 2020–present.

Mmbulaiseni I Netshavhakololo. Assessing success of restoration projects within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Supervisors: Dr Eduard M Stam, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2020–present.

Graduated Students

PhD

Tinotenda Mangadze. 2020. Ecological assessment using complimentary biomonitoring techniques: the case of Bloukrans River system, South Africa. PhD Marine Biology (Graduating in April 2020). Rhodes University, Grahamstown. Supervisors: Prof P William Froneman, Dr Tatenda Dalu.

MSc

Onica Mukhuwana. 2020. Challenges affecting the management of Thulamela wetlands: managers’ engagement with local communities use of wetlands. MSc Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni.
Pretty Dlamini. 2020. Assessing the influence of water level fluctuations on macroinvertebrate community assemblages in two small subtropical farm reservoirs. MSc Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Matjutla Mokgoebo.
Rendani Mbedzi. 2020. The occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surficial sediments and fish in a South African reservoir. MSc Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mrs Florence Murungweni.
Rolindela Tshivhase. 2020. An assessment of metals and nutrient dynamics within soil-sediments: a case study of the Nylsvlei Ramsar Wetland (South Africa). MSc Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Mrs Florence Murungweni.
Thendo Mutshekwa. 2020. Assessing the effects of invasive and native leaf litter decomposition dynamics in agricultural water impoundments. MSc Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Mrs Florence Murungweni.
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: Prof Nicole B Richoux, Dr Tatenda Dalu.

BSc Hons

Katlego William Masasane. 2020. Assessing key drivers and use of Thohoyandou’s urban green spaces. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu. 2019.
Thabiso Banda. Effects of a wastewater treatment plant on mircoplastics distribution along the Mvudi River (Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa). BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Mokgale Merchatte Maenetje. Enrichment and geoaccumulation of heavy metals in the superficial sediments and macrophytes along a subtropical river system. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisor: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Khumbelo Mulondo. Assessing variation and dynamics in below–ground organic matter along the Nylsvlei wetland, South Africa. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Mathapelo J. Methi. Assessing and monitoring the abundance and diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in a Ramsar wetland: a case study of Nylsvley Wetland. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Phumudzo Ragimana. Assessing the significance of the public’s negative perceptions towards large wood in river ecosystems following flooding experiences. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisor: Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Rabelani Seshonge. Considering the links between street vending and poverty alleviation in the case of Thohoyandou. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Rotondwa Matshidze. Mapping the distribution of the common reed Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud. using aerial imagery in Nylsvley Wetland, South Africa. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Rotondwa Sithagu. Assessing the effect of water depth on trophic interaction strength in ephemeral ponds. BSc Hons Zoology (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Ross N Cuthbert, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
Tshedza Thriddah Murudi. Ballon milkweed Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey invasion in a tropical wetland: abundances and distribution. BSc Hons Environmental Science (Graduating in May 2020). University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Tatenda Dalu.
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 distribution and 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: Mrs 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: Mrs Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu.