Laboratory members

Dr Tatenda Dalu
Group Leader
Aquatic System Research Group

Research Associate
Wetland Ecology Lab Group Leader

Research Associate
GEOMAR, Germany

Research Associate
University of Venda

South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity

Research Associate
University of the Western Cape
Postdoctoral Fellows

Dr Takudzwa Madzivanzira's research focuses on the impact of non-native crayfish in sub-Saharan Africa. This is a particularly daunting area as invasive crayfish, while negatively impacting native species and ecosystems, also have a food value for regional communities. His work combines both blue-sky elements on the broad-scale nature of biotic invasion, as well as highly practical and tangible benefits, such as developing optimised catch methods. Dr Madzivanzira’s PhD fellowship was completed ahead of schedule and was recently awarded his Doctoral degree by Rhodes University. He has co-published 10 scientific papers, with 4 of them as first author.
Recent Scientific Publications
- Madzivanzira TC, Mungenge C, Chakandinakira AT, Rugwete N and Kavhu B. 2022. Post‐filling phase ichthyofaunal community and fishery potential of Chitsuwa Reservoir, a small tropical reservoir in Zimbabwe. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management. 27(1),e12394.
- Madzivanzira TC, South J, Ellender BR, Chalmers R, Chisule G, Coppinger CR, Khaebeb HF, Jacobs FJ, Chomba M, Musando B, Mwale B, Nhiwatiwa T, Rennie CL, Richardson N and Weyl OLF. 2021. Distribution and establishment of the alien Australian redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, in the Zambezi Basin. Aquatic conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3703
- Madzivanzira TC, South J, Nhiwatiwa T and Weyl OLF. 2021. Standardisation of alien invasive Australian redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus sampling gear in Africa. Water SA. 47(3):380–384.
- Madzivanzira TC, South J and Weyl OLF. 2021. Invasive crayfish outperform Potamonautid crabs at higher temperatures. Freshwater Biology. 66(5):978–991.
- Mhlanga L, Madzivanzira TC, Nhiwatiwa T, Tendaupenyu P, Barson M, Marufu L and Songore N. 2020. Physico-chemical limnology during the filling phase of Tugwi-Mukosi, a tropical reservoir in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Aquatic Science. 45(4):412–420.
Doctoral Students
Scientific Publications
- Fanteso, B. and Yessoufou, K., 2022. Diversity and determinants of traditional water conservation technologies in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 194(3):1 –14.
Scientific Publications
- Mabadahanye K, Bhembe NL and Green E. 2022. Crude extracts activity of three selected medicinal plants from the Venda region against pathogenic organisms. African Health Journal. DOI:

Mangana B. Rampheri is a PhD student in Environmental and Water Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. Her research interest are the application of GIS and Remote Sensing on Water Resources and Environmental Management. Currently, her PhD research focuses on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing in mapping Groundwater independent water ecosystems in Khakea Bray Transboundary Aquifer System. She holds BSc in Environmental and Resource Studies and an MSc in Geography and Environmental Sciences (with Cum laude) from the University of Limpopo. Her MSc research focused on “Community involvement in biodiversity conservation and management” and the study involved the use of cutting edge GIS and Satellite-based methodologies to assess tree species diversity before and after community involvement in biodiversity conservation. During her MSc, she was involved in tutoring undergraduate students (1st to 4th year students) in GIS and Remote Sensing, Land degradation, Natural Resources and Environmental Management practical's at the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Limpopo. As part of her MSc, she managed to author four journals articles, all published in ISI peer-reviewed journals. [Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube, Dr Tatenda Dalu]. 2021–present.
Scientific Publications
- Dube T, Rampheri MB and Shoko C. 2022. GIS and remote sensing analytics: assessment and monitoring. In: Dalu T and Wasserman RJ (eds). Fundamentals of Tropical Freshwater Wetlands: From Ecology to Conservation Management. Elsevier, Cambridge.
- Rampheri MB and Dube T. 2021. Local community involvement in nature conservation in protected areas under auspices of Community-Based Narural Resource Management (CBNRM): A state of the art review. African Journal of Ecology. DOI: 10.111/aje.12801.
- Rampheri MB, Dube T and Dhau I. 2020. Use of remote sensed data to estimate tree species diversity as an indicator of biodiversity in Blouberg Nature Reserve, South Africa. Geocarto International. DOI:10.1080/10106049.2020.1723717.
- Dube T, Shoko C, Sibanda M, Baloyi MM, Molekoa, Nkuna D, Rafapa B and Rampheri MB. 2020. Spatial modelling of ground water quality across a land use and land cover gradient in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth. 115(Feb): 102820.
- Fanteso, B. and Yessoufou, K., 2022. Diversity and determinants of traditional water conservation technologies in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 194(3):1 –14.

Scientific Publications
- Madzivanzira TC, Mungenge C, Chakandinakira AT, Rugwete N and Kavhu B. 2022. Post‐filling phase ichthyofaunal community and fishery potential of Chitsuwa Reservoir, a small tropical reservoir in Zimbabwe. Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management. 27(1),e12394.
- Maquinna T, Mungenge C and Mawoyo KA. 2021. Fish diversity and composition of Tugwi Mukosi Dam, Zimbabwe's largest inland reservoir post impoundment. Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries. DOI: 10.1002/aff2.24.
- Nhiwatiwa T, Mungenge C, Mhlanga L and Dalu T. 2021. Stratification regimes and thermodynamic modelling of a subtropical African reservoir. Lakes and Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use. 26(1): 33-41.
- Mhlanga L, Mungenge C and Nhiwatiwa T. 2017. Physico-chemical limnology and plankton dynamics of Mazvikadei, a tropical reservoir in Zimbabwe. African Journal of Aquatic Science. 42(2):93–108.
- Masocha M, Mungenge C and Nhiwatiwa T. 2016. Remote sensing of nutrients in a Subtropical African reservoir: Testing utility of Landsat 8. Geocarto International. 33(5):458–469. Rampheri MB. 2020. Spatial modelling of ground water quality across a land use and land cover gradient in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth. 115(Feb): 102820.

Scientific Publications
- Munyai LF, Dalu T, Wasserman RJ, Mugwedi L, Dondofema F, O’Brien G and Cuthbert RN. 2022. Functional responses and additive multiple predator effects of two common wetland fishes. Water. 14(5):699.
- Makherana F, Cuthbert RN, Dondofema F, Wasserman RJ, Chauke GM, Munyai LF and Dalu T. 2022. Distribution, drivers and population structure of the invasive alien snail Tarebia granifera in the Luvuvhu River, South Africa. River Research and Applications. DOI:10.1002/rra.3937.
- Makherana F, Cuthbert RN, Monaco CJ, Dondofema F, Wasserman RJ, Chauke GM, Munyai LF and Dalu T. 2022. Informing spread predictions of two alien snails using movement traits. Science of the Total Environment. 811(March):152364.
- Dalu T, Banda T, Mutshekwa T, Munyai LF and Cuthbert RN. 2021. Effects of urbanization and a wastewater treatment plant on microplastic densities along a subtropical river system. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 28:36102–36111.
- Netshiongolwe NR, Cuthbert RN, Maenetje MM, Chari LD, Motitsoe SN, Wasserman RJ, Munyai LF and Dalu T. 2020. Quantifying metal contamination and potential uptake by Phragmites australis Adans. (Poaceae) along a subtropical river system. Plants 9(7):846.

Masters Students
BSc Hons / Postgrad. Diploma / Adv. Diploma
Submitted for Examination
- Thendo Mutshekwa. Assessing the effects of macadamia orchard pesticide inputs on recipient aquatic ecosystems. PhD Environmental Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi, Prof Ryan J Wasserman]
- Masimini Stanford Nkosi. Quantifying the abundance, diversity, and trophic uptake of microplastic by freshwater shrimp Caridina nilotica in an Austral subtropical river system. MSc Ecology. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert]
- Busiswa Pamella Zantsi. Assessing 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]
- Tawurayi Mavimira. 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. Effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystem primary productivity. MSc Environmental Sciences, University of Venda, Thohoyandou. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert, Mr Farai Dondofema]
Graduated students
PhD
- 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
- 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] passed, graduating May
- 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] passed, graduating April
- 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] passed, graduating May
- Kudzai Shaun Mpakairi. 2022. Spatial characterization of vegetation diversity with satellite remote sensing in the Khakea-Bray Transboundary Aquifer. Master of Science. 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 Science. 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 Science with Distinction, 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 Science with Merit. 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 Science with Merit. 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 Science with Merit. 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 Science with Merit. 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 with Merit. 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 Science with Merit. 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 Science with Merit. 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 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]