Researchers
Research Associates
Postdoctoral Research Fellows
Aquatic Postdoctoral Fellow Vacancy
Doctoral Students
MSc Environmental Sciences (Rhodes)
2024 to present
Supervisors: Dr MTB Dalu, Prof T Dalu, Dr L Mofu (SAIAB)
2025-present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu, Dr P Mpopetsi
MSc Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2023 to present
Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Prof F Teixeira de Mello (UR-Uruguay)
2023 to present
MSc Ecology (UMP)
2024 to present
Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr L Mofu (SAIAB), Prof N Wu (Ningbo)
2023 to present
MSc Ecology (UMP)
2024 to present
Nocawe F Nkosi
MSc Environmental Management (UFS)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr MTB Dalu, Prof T Dalu
Google Scholar, ResearchGate
Salphina N Sathekge
MSc Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr P Mpopetsi, Prof C Ateba
Google Scholar, ResearchGate
Emmanuel C Ngerem
MSc Microbiology (UKZN)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr T Suinyuy, Prof T Dalu, Dr IA Sanusi (UKZN)
Google Scholar, ResearchGate
MSc Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2022-2025
Supervisors: Prof T Dube (UWC), Prof T Dalu
Thabile Mnguni
MSc Ecology (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Dr P Mpopetsi, Prof T Dalu
Google Scholar, ResearchGate
Masters Students
BSc Hons Hydrology (UNIVEN)
2024 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu
2024 to present
BSc Hons Environmental Sciences (UL)
2024 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Dr MTB Dalu, Prof T Dalu
BSc Hons Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2024 to present
Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr LF Munyai
2024 to present
BSc Hons Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2023-2025
Supervisors: Dr MJ Mokgoebo (UNIVEN), Dr F Dondofema (UNIVEN), Prof T Dalu
BSc Hons Ecology (UMP)
2024 to present
Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Prof J Coetzee
2025 to present
BSc Hons Environmental Sciences (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu
BA Hons Geography (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Ms M Makhathini
2024 to present
BSc Hons Ecology (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu, Dr P Mpopetsi
Tshedza T Murudi
BSc Hons Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr MTB Dalu, Prof T Dalu
2025 to present
Maphuthi Mkhonto
BA Hons Geography (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Ms M Makhathini
Colile Mkhatshwa
Postgraduate Dip. Nat. Conserv. (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr P Mpopetsi, Prof G O'Brien (CSU), Dr A Wyness (UK), Dr V Dlamini (NUST)
2025 to present
Patricia Mokoena
Postgraduate Dip. Nat. Conserv. (UMP)
2025 to present
Supervisors: Dr P Mpopetsi, Prof G O'Brien (CSU), Dr A Wyness (UK), Dr V Dlamini (NUST)
BSc Hons / Postgraduate Diploma Students
Adv Diploma Nature Conservation
2025
Supervisor: Dr Pule Mpopetsi
2025
Venerate T Mdaka
BSc (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Dr P Mpopetsi
Dimpho Maloa
BSc (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Dr LF Munyai
Rivoningo Mchavi
BSc Hons Environmental Sciences (UNIVEN)
2025
Supervisor: Dr P Huchzermeyer
Pertunia Kgatuke
BSc (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Dr LF Munyai
Charity Sambo
BSc (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Dr LF Munyai
Lesiba P Madiba
BSc (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Prof T Dalu
Advanced Diploma Students
Thandiwe Mosia
Diploma Nature Conservation (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Dr P Huchzermeyer
Pfano Nembidzane
Diploma Nature Conservation (UMP)
2025
Supervisor: Dr LF Munyai
Vusani Mulaudzi
Diploma Freshwater Technology (UNIVEN)
2025
Supervisor: Dr LF Munyai
Submitted for examination
- Cyncinatia Malapane. Assessing the effects of bush encroachment on streamflow rate using remote sensing in the Letaba River catchment, South Africa. PhD Environmental and Water Sciences. University of the Western Cape, Cape Town. Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube (UWC), Prof Tatenda Dalu
- Dzivhulusani Phadziri. Abundance and distribution of invasive alien plant species along the riparian zones of a subtropical river system. A case study of the Luvuvhu River system. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. Supervisors: Dr Matjutla J Mokgeobo (UNIVEN), Prof Tatenda Dalu, Dr Farai Dondofema
Nozipho Madonsela. Phytoplankton and nutrient dynamics in RAMSAR wetlands: A case of Makuleke and Nysvley, South Africa. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr P Mpopetsi
Alice Rudzani Tshifura. Diversity, Traditional Knowledge, and Sustainability. PhD Biology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Prof F Teixeira de Mello (Uruguay), Dr LF Munyai
Nozipho Christina Madonsela. Microplastic dynamics in livestock dung across different farming regimes: Abundances and distribution patterns. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Dr T Dalu, Dr MTB Dalu, Dr LF Munyai
Masimini Stanford Nkosi. Spatiotemporal microplastic and plastic-derived EDCs concentrations and their effects on aquatic biota along selected subtropical river systems. PhD Biology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr LF Munyai, Dr N Khanyile
Fannie Mfaniseni Masina. Assessing the extent, effects, and management strategies of aquatic invasive alien species in protected areas. PhD Biology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr P Mpopetsi, Dr F Dondofema
Jane Nozipho Nhlane. Perceptions and behaviours towards single-use macroplastics in the Nkomazi Local Municipality. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu, Dr MTB Dalu
Busisiwe Gumede. Assessing macroinvertebrates abundance and diversity in groundwater dependent pan wetland: A case study of the khakhea-Bray transboundary aquifer region. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Dr LF Munyai
Celebration Maluleke. Emerging pollutants from motor vehicles and their potential implications on human health: A case of carwash services in Mbombela, South Africa. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu
Nelisiwe Ngomane. Microplastic dynamics in Ramsar declared wetlands: A case study of Makuleke and Nylsvley, South Africa MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu
Samkelisiwe Thobile Themba. Abundance, distribution, and risk assessment of microplastics in freshwater fishes in a subtropical river system MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Prof T Dalu, Prof JA Coetzee (RU)
Manelisi Mthombeni. Assessing macrophytes diversity and seedbank dynamics in Ramsar declared wetland systems. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu
Anna Malungani. Macroinvertebrates dynamics in relation to land use activities along the Nyl River, South Africa. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga. Supervisors: Dr LF Munyai, Prof T Dalu
Completed Fellows and Postgraduate Students
Postdoctoral Fellows
- Dr Takudzwa Madzivanzira. year 2022-2023. Four (4) publications [1 book review, 2 book chapters, 1 ISI rated journal article] during his 1 year tenure
Postgraduate Students
PhD
Elizabeth M Kola. 2026. Enrichment and geo-accumulation of heavy metals in superficial sediments, macrophytes and edible leafy vegetables. PhD Biological Sciences. University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg. Supervisors: Dr Caswell Munyai (UKZN), Dr Tatenda Dalu [passed, graduating 2026]
- Mangana Berel Rampheri. 2025. Remotely sensed delineation of groundwater dependent ecosystems in the Khakhea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer region, South Africa. PhD Environmental and Water Sciences. University of the Western Cape, Cape Town. Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube (UWC), Dr Tatenda Dalu
- Chantel Nthabiseng Chiloane. 2025. Multispectral remote sensing of groundwater dependent ecosystems in the Kruger National Park. PhD Environmental and Water Sciences. University of the Western Cape, Cape Town. Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube (UWC), Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Mbulisi Sibanda (UWC)
- Khumbelo Mabadahanye. 2025. Assessing the role, perceptions and management of wastewater and water treatment plants towards removal efficiences, pollution and workers attitudes: A case study of the Vhembe District, South Africa. PhD Environmental Sciences. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu
- Chipo Perseverance Mungenge. 2024. Plankton and macroinvertebrate dynamics in the Khakhea-Bray transboundary aquifer region. PhD Zoology, Rhodes University, Makhanda. [Supervisors: Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Linton Fhatuwani Munyai. 2024. Water and sediment chemistry quality, and biodiversity structure of floodplain pans in the Makuleke Wetlands, Kruger National Park, South Africa. PhD Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi, Prof Ryan J Wasserman]
- Thendo Mutshekwa. 2023. Assessing the effects of macadamia orchard pesticide inputs on recipient aquatic ecosystems. PhD Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi, Prof Ryan J Wasserman]
- Tinotenda Mangadze. 2020. Ecological assessment using complimentary biomonitoring techniques: the case of Bloukrans River system, South Africa. PhD Marine Biology. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. [Supervisors: Prof P William Froneman, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
MSc
- Segomosto Innocentia Sekgweng. 2025. The diversity of macroinvertebrate and amphian communities in the Khakhea/Bray Transboundary Aquifer Region, Botswana. MPhil Biological Sciences. University of Botswana, Gaborone. Supervisors: Prof Maxwell Barson (UB), Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Hillary Masundire (UB). [passed, graduating October]
- Rotondwa Matshidze. 2025. Assessing the spatial distribution, human perception and pro-environmental behaviour towards plastic pollution in the Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. MSc Environmental Sciences. Rhodes University. Supervisors: Prof Sheunesu Ruwanza (Rhodes), Dr Tatenda Dalu. [passed, graduating September]
- Thabelo Ricardo Munyai. 2025. Climate change induced impacts on wetland ecosystem services in Sambandou Wetlands, Limpopo Province, South Africa. MSc Ecology. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu
- Ronald Mashamba. 2024. Assessing macroplastic abundances, distribution, and human perceptions along the Mvudi River system, South Africa. MSc Ecology cum laude. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert]
- Nombuso Nothando Themba. 2024. Abundance and distribution of microplastics in benthic sediments and Cladocera taxa in a subtropical Austral reservoir. MSc Ecology. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Farai Dondofema]
- Elsie Nomcebo Leshaba. 2024. Metal, carbon dynamics and invertebrate biodiversity assessment of pan wetlands across geological areas in the central Kruger National Park, South Africa. MSc Ecology, University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Timothy Dube]
- Tawurayi Mavimira. 2024. Understanding perceptions of school educators on teaching environmental issues. MSc Ecology. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Vincent Takalani Netshituni. 2023. Effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystem primary productivity. MSc Environmental Sciences cum laude. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert, Mr Farai Dondofema]
- Masimini Stanford Nkosi. 2023. Quantifying the abundance, diversity, and trophic uptake of microplastic by freshwater shrimp Caridina nilotica in an Austral subtropical river system. MSc Ecology cum laude. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert]
- Busiswa Pamella Zantsi. 2023. the effects of water and sediment quality variables on aquatic macroinvertebrate community structure in the Crocodile River and associated tributaries, Nelspruit (South Africa). MSc Ecology. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert]
- Fannie Mfaniseni Masina. 2023. A baseline assessment of macroinvertebrates in temporary wetlands in the Khakhea–Bray transboundary aquafer region. MSc Ecology. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman]
- Tafara Frank Bute. 2023. Microbial and extracellular polymeric substance dynamics in arid–zone temporary pan ecosystems. MSc Zoology. Rhodes University, Grahamstown (Makhanda). [Supervisors: Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Alugumi Yesaya Nemalili. 2023. The contribution of integrated development projects to Zandspruit River water pollution, Gauteng Province, South Africa. MSc Rural Development. University of Venda, Thohoyandou [Supervisors: Dr Jethro Zuwarimwe, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Kudzai Shaun Mpakairi. 2022. Spatial characterization of vegetation diversity with satellite remote sensing in the Khakea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer. MSc Remote Sensing cum laude. University of the Western Cape, Cape Town. [Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Fhatuwani Makherana. 2022. Assessing environmental factors structuring populations and movement dynamics of the invasive snail Tarebia granifera in a subtropical Austral reservoir. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert, Mr Farai Dondofema]
- Fulufhelo Faith Muthivhi. 2022. Assessing the spatiotemporal variation of phytoplankton biomass in Nandoni reservoir in the Vhembe District (South Africa) using LANDSAT satellite imagery. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Matjutla Mokgoebo]
- Lufuno Makhuvha. 2021. Organic matter dynamics in Nylsvley Wetland: distribution and processes. MSc Environmental Science. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman]
- Cyncinatia Malapane. 2021. Mapping the distribution and abundance of common reeds Phragmites australis in the Nylsvley Wetland, South Africa using SPOT and Landsat imagery. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Mr Farai Dondofema, Dr Eduard M Stam]
- Edward Mhlongo. 2021. Perceptions of the role of Lantana camara on human well-being and rural livelihoods in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, South Africa. MSc Environmental Sciences cum laude. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. [Supervisors: Dr Sheunesu Ruwanza, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Terence Magqina. 2022. Age estimation, growth rate and reproductive biology of tiger fish, Hydrocynus vittatus (Castelnau 1861) in Lake Kariba: assessing the impact of decades of fishery exploitation. MPhil Aquatic Ecology. University of Zimbabwe, Harare. [Supervisors: Prof Tamuka Nhiwatiwa, Prof Lindah Mhlanga, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
- Mukondi Olga Ligege. 2020. Assessing the effects of powerline servitudes as corridors for alien plant invasion: a case study of Fundudzi and Khakhu powerline corridors. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Eduard M Stam]
- Ndivhuwo Robert Netshiongolwe. 2020. Quantifying metal contamination variation and potential uptake by Phragmites australus Adans. (Poaceae) along a subtropical river system. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Lenin D Chari, Dr Samuel N Motitsoe]
- Onica Mukhuwana. 2020. Challenges affecting the management of Thulamela wetlands: managers’ engagement with local communities use of wetlands. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Florence M Murungweni]
- Pretty Dlamini. 2020. Assessing the influence of water level fluctuations on macroinvertebrate community assemblages in two small subtropical farm reservoirs. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Matjutla J Mokgoebo]
- Rendani Mbedzi. 2020. The occurrence and distribution of microplastics in surficial sediments and fish in a South African reservoir. MSc Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr 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 Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Florence M Murungweni]
- Thendo Mutshekwa. 2020. Assessing the effects of invasive and native leaf litter decomposition dynamics in agricultural water impoundments. MSc Environmental Sciences. University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Florence M 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. 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 cum laude. Rhodes University, Grahamstown. [Supervisors: Prof Nicole B Richoux, Dr Tatenda Dalu]
BSc Hons / Postgrad. Diploma / Adv. Diploma
Busisiwe Precious Gumede, Sobahle Chantel Hlophe, Tebatso Ledwaba, Judith Tseka, Nokwanda Lukhele, Zelda Nyundu, Retang Malleke Matsimela, Nozipho Madonsela, Busisiwe Gumede, Samkelisiwe Thobile Themba, Kholofelo Christina Makhubupetsi, Bonginkosi Ngobeni, Nelisiwe Ngomane, Nombuso Nothando Themba, Dion Nikita Mebu, Matimu Glencia Chauke, Ronald Mashamba, Katlego William Masasane, Thabiso Banda, Mokgale Merchatte Maenetje, Khumbelo Mulondo, Mathapelo Jaqualine Methi, Phumudzo Ragimana, Rabelani Seshonge, Rotondwa Matshidze, Rotondwa Sithagu, Tshedza Thriddah Murudi, Salphina Ntombikayise Sathekge, Bernad Malesa, Rivoningo Chauke, Mulweli Makatu, Muhali Hulisani