Their work, showcased during the institution’s Research Week at the Ocean Sciences Campus this week, reveals the University as a hub for impactful, society-serving research.
The researchers all are developing approaches rooted in local realities that tackle real-world issues.
Dr Patrick Mwanza (left) is conducting wastewater epidemiology research, with a focus on communities without healthcare access.
The University used wastewater epidemiology over the COVID-19 pandemic, when it was able to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater one to two weeks before clinical cases surged, enabling residences to be quarantined and lives to be protected.
Dr Mwanza’s research builds on this.
“Sometimes our communities do not have access to healthcare facilities, and by the time we realise we've got a disease outbreak, it's almost too late,” he said.
The discovery of microorganisms resistant to up to 13 drugs prompted his investigation into traditional remedies – specifically mushrooms that “form part of our indigenous knowledge systems” and contain high levels of bioactive metabolites.
Dr Faith Akwi's (left) pharmaceutical research tackles a problem that disproportionately affects the Global South: essential drug access.
Working with Nelson Mandela University Research Chair Prof Paul Watts, she is developing methods to manufacture the multiple sclerosis therapy, teriflunomide, using continuous flow synthesis.
“There is no way an ordinary South African can afford such quality medication,” said Akwi, noting that its cost of US $400 for a box of 28 tablets pushes the drug out of reach for many.
Her goal – and that of her peers – is therefore to move towards African production of key medicines.
Dr Akwi’s research proves local production can be faster and more efficient than traditional drug manufacturing methods – a finding with implications for pharmaceutical independence across Africa.
“Local drug production on the African continent could complement existing formulators, and flow synthesis is key to this,” said Dr Akwi.
Dr Joyce Nyarko's (right) research takes a multidisciplinary approach to tackle malnutrition, a dire social problem.
Rather than treating malnutrition as purely medical, she is designing interventions that combine the skills of health professionals, social workers, community organisations and ward councillors.
“The child doesn't become malnourished ‘just like that’,” Dr Nyarko explained. “The child needs to eat, needs love, and needs protection from diseases and infections.”
Her focus on the first 1 000 days, from conception to age two, targets the critical window when interventions have maximum impact. This aims to reduce preventable deaths, stunting and poverty cycles in Nelson Mandela Bay and Sarah Baartman districts.
Research fellow Dr Benjamin Izu's (right) investigation into traditional isiXhosa music as language revitalisation, represents cultural resistance to globalisation pressures.
His work addresses declining intergenerational transmission as many Xhosa parents, particularly in urban areas, prioritise English for economic mobility.
“Music serves as a living archive of history, values, and identity,” Dr Izu outlined, referring to his research with community groups including musicians and language practitioners.
One musician interviewed captured the urgency: “When we sing in isiXhosa, we keep the language alive and pass it on to the next generation, because music carries our stories and our identity.”
Dr Benjamin advocates integrating traditional music into school programmes and developing digital tools such as apps and transcription software in isiXhosa.
Without this intervention, Dr Benjamin warns, “future generations risk finding isiXhosa less useful in digital interactions”.
Collectively, these projects show how research is addressing real-world challenges – safeguarding health, culture and futures in Africa and beyond.
For aspiring doctoral students at Nelson Mandela University, it is also a reminder that their work can have a direct, positive impact on society.
Postdocs launch society to tackle professional limbo
Nelson Mandela University postdoctoral researchers have launched a support society to address what one called “a very confusing time” in academic careers.
Nelson Mandela University postdoctoral students gathered for the launch of the Postdoctoral and Research Fellows Society.
The new Postdoctoral and Research Fellows Society will provide a network so that this group of academics can thrive as they advance the frontiers of knowledge at the Gqeberha university.
Drs Marion Holmes and Nehemia Latolla
Dr Marion Holmes, speaking at the recent Ocean Sciences Campus launch, said fellows contributed significantly to publications, grant income and postgraduate training, yet “often lack a formal structure through which our voices can be heard and our needs addressed”.
The society will provide representation and professional development while building community across departments. Dr Holmes noted that postdocs can feel isolated, “especially if there’s only one in a department.”
“Many universities have already demonstrated the value of such societies, and we are very excited that we are now joining this,” she said.
The society aims to integrate postdocs into the University’s academic fabric while strengthening mentorship, collaboration and support for excellent research.
“Being a postdoctoral fellow is a very confusing time,” said Dr Patrick Mwanza. “I’m sure most of us have experienced imposter syndrome, where you ask, ‘Am I good at doing what I’m supposed to be doing?’”
The new Postdoctoral and Research Fellows Society addresses a structural gap: worldwide, postdocs often fall between student and staff status.
“In institutions all over the world, most postdoctoral fellows are not students, they are not staff, and so you are navigating that, which usually requires a lot of support,” Dr Mwanza explained.
As his peer Dr Nehemia Latolla said at the launch, “We are here this morning to send a clear signal that our University values its postdoctoral and research fellows”.
Postdocs are someone who has already completed their PhD and doing further research. It is typically a temporary position, often one to three years, to deepen expertise, build a research portfolio, and prepare for an academic, industry or research career.