FAR-LeaF Fellow Published in Three International Journals
The University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of Cape Town (UCT) proudly announce the appointment of Professor Maano Ramutsindela as the Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations, effective from 1 April 2024. Professor Ramutsindela, currently serving as Professor of Human Geography in UCT’s Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, will also hold the position of Extraordinary Professor in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at UP.
This appointment signifies a historic collaboration between UP and UCT, both top-ranking research-intensive South African universities committed to advancing academic excellence and supporting social change and equitable sustainable development. Recognising the potential of African sciences in addressing global sustainability challenges, both institutions understand the importance of fostering pan-African research collaboration and capacity development.
In the current global context, where there is an urgent need for research that can foster a better understanding of societal transformations and profound systems change, transdisciplinary research becomes paramount. Future Africa, a pan-African platform for collaborative and transformative research located at UP, provides the ideal vehicle to achieve these mutual interests and ambitions.
“Our collaboration with UCT to advance Future Africa’s work in the challenge domain of sustainability transformations holds immense potential and benefits for both universities,” says Professor Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Education at UP. “This collaboration not only serves the needs of South African and African universities but also establishes a powerful model for realising the potential of Future Africa.”
Future Africa research chairs are academics of high standing, who play a crucial role in advancing transformative research and having an impact at the science-policy-practice interface. The chairs work at a pan-African level and collaborate with global partners to set African agendas, build African capacities, create African networks of expertise and influence, and co-design and deliver high-impact transformative research in and for Africa.
“Professor Ramutsindela’s extensive experience and commitment to socio-ecological relations and the political ecology of peace parks makes him the ideal candidate to lead Future Africa’s efforts in sustainability transformations,” notes Dr Heide Hackmann, Director of Future Africa. “His appointment is an exciting milestone for the platform and represents a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of global sustainability.”
As part of his role in leading and further developing activities in Future Africa’s Sustainability Transformations domain, Professor Ramutsindela will assume the role of co-director for the ARUA-GUILD Cluster of Research Excellence on the Politics of Sustainability. This cluster, co-led by the University of Pretoria and the University of Oslo, engages in collaborative research to address critical issues related to sustainability.
UCT’s acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, Professor Jeff Murugan, describes this appointment as a significant milestone that underscores both institutions’ unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. “As we strive towards realising our Vision 2030, this collaboration with UP reinforces our dedication to fostering interdisciplinary research and driving positive change that transcends borders and empowers future generations. We are confident that Professor Ramutsindela will serve as a beacon of excellence, driving impactful research and innovation that addresses the complex challenges facing Africa and the world,” says Murugan.
“I am truly humbled and honoured to be appointed as the UP-UCT Future Africa Research Chair in Sustainability Transformations and excited about the opportunity to harness the transformative potential of African sciences in addressing sustainability challenges and working collaboratively towards a sustainable future for Africa and a just society, says Professor Ramutsindela.”
Other environmental challenges are associated with the lack of a systematic approach to waste management in the meat processing sector – which is growing because of the high demand for protein in the human diet.
Early career researchers need to collaborate with people within and outside of their discipline; this will provide enough platforms for research dissemination through a broader network. It is also critical to maximise social media platforms for research dissemination. The number of social media outlets that can help boost research work is increasing.
What does it mean to you to have three articles in quick succession published in reputable international publications?
It is a dream come true. On a personal level, it creates excitement and motivation to work smarter. Seeing your name in print in a reputable journal gives you the energy to invest more time in research because you would love to have that excitement repeatedly. Career-wise, it is vital for promotion in my institution. It also puts me on a trajectory to become an established researcher in my field.
THE ARTICLES
Geospatial-based analysis for soil erosion susceptibility evaluation: application of a hybrid decision model | Modelling Earth Systems and Environment | READ
The publication integrated advanced decision models to foster accurate prediction of erosion zones; this is critical in infrastructure development and risk management. The study provides the public with geospatial information on the level of erosion risk across the region, which is crucial in decision-making on the best locations for agricultural and industrial activities.
Application of synthesised Fish Scale Chito-Protein (FSC) for the treatment of abattoir wastewater: Coagulation-flocculation kinetics and equilibrium modelling | Scientific African | READ
The publication establishes that fish scale – generally seen as a waste material – can be employed in abattoir wastewater treatment and explores the concept.
Mechanical impact evaluation of natural fibres with LDPE plastic composites: Waste management in perspective | Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry | READ
The publication discusses using human and animal hair waste to improve plastic properties. Using hair to make better plastics eliminates waste from the environment and produces improved plastic materials with high durability and an increased life cycle. This is essential in reducing the quantity of plastic in use which will eventually turn to waste.
Heidi Sonnekus | FAR-LeaF Program
FAR-LeaF Post Section
The Future Africa Research Leader Fellowship (FAR-LeaF) is a fellowship programme, focussed on developing transdisciplinary research and leadership skills, to address the complex, inter-linked challenges of health, well-being, and environmental risks in Africa.
