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


Research Associate
University of the Western Cape

Research Associate
South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
Postdoctoral Fellows

Pule Mpopetsi grew up
in a small farming town called Namahadi Frankfort, situated in the
north-eastern Free State. He did all his post-school studies (i.e., BSc, BSc
hons, MSc, PhD in Ichthyology and Fisheries Sciences) at Rhodes University. His
MSc thesis focused on the physiological response of larval fish (Argyrosomus
japonicus) to ocean acidification, whereas for his PhD project he explored
the drivers of co-occurring multiple non-native fishes within a flow modified
river system. He is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Biology
and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, working on the project
titled “Biodiversity of temporary and permanent aquatic ecosystems in the
Mpumalanga Province” under the leadership of Dr Dalu. Pule’s research interests
lie within the field of community ecology, particularly in understanding species
environmental relationships and the response of native freshwater communities
to human-induced stressors, especially freshwater fish communities. 2023 – present
Scientific Publications
Mpopetsi PP and Kadye WT. 2023. Colonisation theory and invasive biota: the Great Fish River case history, 35 years later. African Journal of Aquatic Science. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2022.2142508.
Chakona A, Gouws G, Kadye WT, Mpopetsi PP and Skelton P. 2020. Probing hidden diversity to enhance conservation of the endangered narrow-range endemic Eastern Cape rock, Sandelia bainsii. Koedoe. 62:1–6.
Mpopetsi P, Potts W, James N and Childs A. 2019. Towards defining the tipping point of tolerance to CO2-induced ocean acidification for the growth, development and metabolism of larval dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (Pisces: Sciaenidae) (Abstract). Open Science Index: Environmental and Ecological Engineering, 13(7).
Doctoral Students
Scientific Publications
Gumbo JR and Tshifura AR (2018). The dominance of Microcystis species and microcystin congeners in a small holder fish farm, a study of Vhembe District, South Africa. Proceedings 10th International Conference on Advances in Science, Engineering, Technology and Healthcare (ASETH-18). ISBN 978-81-938365-2-1. Pages 5–8.
Scientific Publications
- Nkosi MS, Cuthbert RN, Wu N, Shikwambana P and Dalu T. Microplastic abundance, distribution, and diversity in water and sediments along a subtropical river system. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. DOI:10.1007/s11356-023-28842-w.
Scientific Publications
Masina FM, Wasserman RJ, Wu N, Mungenge CP, Dondofema F, Keates C, Shikwambana P and Dalu T. 2023. Macroinvertebrate diversity in relation to limnochemistry in an Austral semi–arid transboundary aquafer region pan system. Science of the Total Environment. 878(30 June):163161.
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. 22(2):717-727.

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. 59(4):799–808.
- 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. 37(2):526–542.
- 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.

Chipo Perseverance Mungenge holds a BSc Hons in Biological Sciences and MSc in Tropical Resource Ecology from the University of Zimbabwe. She is currently a PhD student in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University. Her current research is on how within-system processes shape plankton diversity in groundwater dependent ecosystems in the Khakhea-Bray Dolomite Transboundary Aquifer. Chipo's research interests are limnology, plankton ecology, fish ecology, aquaculture and fisheries management. Her MSc research focused on the limnology and plankton ecology of Mazvikadei reservoir in Zimbabwe. Her past work has garnered her years of work experience in studying the limnology and ecology of various freshwater systems in Zimbabwe. She believes that research must be accessible and extend outside of academia into practical application. Chipo is currently employed by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. [Supervisors: Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Tatenda Dalu]. 2021–present.
Scientific Publications
Madzivanzira TC, Mungenge CP, Dube T and Dalu T. 2023. From benthic to floating: phytoplankton dynamics in African freshwater lakes and reservoirs. In: El-Sheekh M, Elsaied H (eds) Lakes of Africa: Microbial Diversity and Sustainability. Elsevier, Cambridge.
-
Mungenge CP, Wasserman RJ, Dondofema F, Keates C, Masina FM and Dalu T. 2023. Assessing chlorophyll–a and water quality dynamics in arid–zone temporary pan systems along a disturbance gradient. Science of the Total Environment. 873(May):162272.
- 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. 1(1):75–83.
- 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.

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 degrees with research focusing on water resources and fisheries. During his MSc, he used remote sensing to map Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and chlorophyll-a dynamics in Nandoni reservoir and aquaculture ponds and also tried to come up remediation techniques for cyanobacterial blooms in aquaculture fish ponds within the Vhembe District, South Africa. For his PhD at the University of Venda, he will be focusing on "Biodiversity and trophic structure of ephemeral pan systems within the Makuleke Wetlands, Kruger National Park". [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Prof Ryan J Wasserman, Dr Lutendo Mugwedi]. 2020–present.
Scientific Publications
- Mutoti MI, Edokpayi J, Mutileni N, Durowoju O and Munyai FL. 2023. Cyanotoxins in groundwater; occurrence, potential sources, health impacts and knowledge gap for public health. Toxicon. 226(April):107077.
- Munyai LF, Dondofema F, Banda K, Mutoti MI and Gumbo JR. 2022. Satellite derived estimation of chlorophyll-a on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in selected dams of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. International Journal of Environmental Impacts. 5(4):362-374.
- Mukonazwothe M, Munyai LF and Mutoti MI. 2022. Groundwater quality evaluation for domestic and irrigation purposes for the Nwanedi Agricultural Community, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Heliyon. 8(4):e09203.
- 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. 38(8):1362–1373.

Cyncinatia Malapane has a BSc, BSc Hons and MSc Environmental Sciences from the University of Venda. During her MSc she focused on mapping the distribution and abundance of common reeds Phragmites australis in the Nylsvley Wetland, South Africa using SPOT and Landsat imagery. For her PhD at the University of the Western Cape, she will be working on "Analysing the effects of streamflow rate changes in response to bush encroachment using Sentinel-2 and machine learning programmes in the Letaba River system". [Supervisors: Prof Timothy Dube, Dr Tatenda Dalu]. 2021–present.
Scientific Publications
Masters Students
BSc Hons / Postgrad. Diploma / Adv. Diploma
Submitted for Examination
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Past Postdoctoral Fellows
- Dr Takudzwa Madzivanzira, Rhodes University PhD Graduate. 2022-2023. Four (4) publications [1 book review, 2 book chapters, 1 paper] during his tenure
Graduated Students
PhD
- 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] Passed Defense, Waiting Graduation September 2023
- 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
- Vincent Takalani Netshituni. 2023. Effects of wildfire on aquatic ecosystem primary productivity. MSc Environmental Sciences with Distinction, 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 with Distinction. 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 with Merit. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Tatenda Dalu, Dr Ross N Cuthbert]
- Tawurayi Mavimira. 2023. Understanding perceptions of school educators on teaching environmental issues. MSc Ecology with Pass. University of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. [Supervisors: Dr Mwazvita TB Dalu, Dr Tatenda Dalu] passed, graduating May 2024
- Fannie Mfaniseni Masina. 2023. A baseline assessment of macroinvertebrates in temporary wetlands in the Khakhea–Bray transboundary aquafer region. MSc Ecology with Merit. 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 with Merit. 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 with Merit, 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 with Distinction. 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 with Merit, 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 with Merit, 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 with Merit. 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 with Merit. 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 with Merit. 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]
BSc Hons / Postgrad. Diploma / Adv. Diploma
Glencia Matimu 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, Kholofelo Christina Makhubupetsi, Bonginkosi Ngobeni, Nelisiwe Ngomane, Nombuso Nothando Themba, Dion Nikita Mebu.