Prof Letlhokwa George Mpedi
The University of Johannesburg's key projects build confidence in its ability to drive the agenda of 4IR and AI in South Africa.
Teaching and learning for an inclusive society as UJ launches Neurodiversity Centre
Inclusive education is a tenant of sustainable development and features prominently in multiple Sustainable Development Goals and in our case contributes to SDG 4 which has an emphasis on quality education. The research in the field has been astounding. The mandates of the universities include the need to be socially responsive.
Removing Alien Plants Can Save Water: We Measured How Much
One of the things that contributes to ecosystem degradation in South Africa is invasion by alien plants. This is estimated to cost the nation R6.5 billion annually in damages and the government spends over R400 million annually clearing alien trees. Despite this investment, alien tree invasions continue to increase across the country.
Alien trees threaten biodiversity, increase the risk of more intense and frequent wildfires and also guzzle water. This is an important factor in water scarce regions, like South Africa, that experience droughts.
New Forms Of Urban Planning Are Emerging In Africa
Rapid urban growth and an increasing number of climate change related disasters, such as the recent floods in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, have put the importance of sound urban planning in Africa in the spotlight.
Urban plans are seen as the key to achieving inclusive, safe and sustainable cities. But urban scholars have argued for decades that for plans to be effective we need to move away from the traditional way of doing things. This requires dropping a top down approach – master planning – and opting instead for strategic forms of planning that are targeted, flexible and participatory.
South Africa Could Achieve Economic Recovery, And Lower Emissions. Here’s How
Measures adopted to control the spread of the COVID pandemic resulted in a worldwide reduction in economic activities. This benefited the environment by reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The reduction of environmental pollution has offered countries the opportunity to start from a position of reduced pollution. If sustained this should contribute to an environmentally sustainable economy in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
High CO₂ Can Upset the Balance of Trees and Grass In Savannas - What Can Be Done About It
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an important resource needed for photosynthesis. Its low availability in the atmosphere has been a limiting factor to plant growth for millennia. Before the industrial revolution, the Earth’s atmosphere had 280 parts per million of CO2. It’s now over 400 parts per million and still rising, predicted to reach about 800 parts per million by the turn of the century.
UP Launches National Network to Support UN Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Pretoria (UP) has launched SDSN South Africa, a national network for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The SDSN is an international initiative that marshals global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development.
The aim of the national network is to mobilise and support South African universities and other leading research institutions to promote the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South Africa, as well as the country’s contribution to the goals globally.
Researcher investigates private label brands in South Africa
Private label brands have gained momentum in the grocery retail sector over the past few years. They are no longer just alternatives to the big-name brands, but are fast becoming brands of choice – provided attention is paid to perceptions about quality.
University collaboration reaches promising Covid-19 vaccine results
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the North-West University (NWU) jointly announced "very promising first results" from preclinical trials on a new Covid-19 vaccine candidate on Tuesday, 8 June.
The WSU Medical School has a rich history of producing quality medical doctors and nurses for the South African and international health systems. The NWU, on the other hand, has over the years established a strong reputation in drug development and research, as well as in the training of healthcare professionals.
The DNA vaccine candidate was developed by Germany based, Prof Markus Depfenhart, who holds extraordinary appointments as a professor at both universities.
Study highlights the link between obesity and academic performance
While most people are aware of the health risks associated with children being overweight or obese, they do not know about the academic consequences that come with these conditions.
NWU researcher investigates role of traditional medicine in skin disorders
Many people rely on traditional plant remedies to treat skin disorders, and now a North-West University (NWU) researcher has investigated why these plants are effective, paving the way for further research by the pharmaceutical industry.
Study investigates the root of violence in schools
Teaching is often seen as a calling rather than a career. But that calling quickly turns into a nightmare when teachers are attacked by the very people they are trying to educate.