Researchers conduct first environmental social work study
Climate change, environ-mental destruction and the collapse of biodiversity pose a severe threat to the planet and mankind, and especially to poor and marginalised communities. The threat may be even greater for citizens of South Africa as the southern African region has been identified as a hotspot. In recent years, South Africa has experienced significant changes in weather patterns, fuelling concerns about their impact on vulnerable people. This has in turn given rise to a new branch of social work known as environmental social work (ESW).
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Listen to indigenous communities of practice
"Partnerships between government, the private sector and civil society are critical for any sustainable development agenda. However, experience in Africa has shown that participation by local communities in development projects is rarely interactive or empowering," says Otsile Maditsi, a PhD candidate and lecturer at the NWU's Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre. This need not be the case. He argues that indigenous communities of practice provide a platform where the voices, rights, knowledge and experiences of local communities can be heard.
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NRF rating for youngest associate prof in animal science
Farming runs in Prof Kenny Mnisi's blood, and his life-long passion for animal sciences is finally paying off. Based in the School of Agricultural Sciences at the NWU's Mahikeng Campus, he has been awarded a Y2 rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF), which is known for its rigorous and robust rating process. "Obtaining a Y2 rating is just the first step in climbing the ladder, and I believe that with the right resources, facilities, and support base, I will be able to sit with other animal science scholars at the top of the pyramid one day," says a delighted Prof Mnisi.
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