Linda Harris named as recipient of 2025 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation
Dr Linda Harris, research associate at Nelson Mandela University, was selected by The Pew Charitable Trusts as a recipient of the 2025 Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation.
As one of six international researchers awarded the fellowship this year, Dr Harris will receive $150,000 over three years to explore ways to strengthen sandy beach conservation in the Western Indian Ocean.
Dr Harris will produce key information concerning sandy beaches and will identify conservation priorities for these vital ecosystems.
Using a combination of remote sensing and field surveys, she will classify and map sandy beach ecosystems across 10 countries in southern Africa.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News
Photography lecturer’s film selected for international viewing
?width=300&height=435)
Soul Release, a collaborative film produced by Francois du Plessis, a lecturer in the Media and Communication Department, has been chosen from hundreds of submissions to be featured at the SIEF (International Society for Ethnology and Folklore) conference in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Francois is the film producer for the SARChI Chair of Ocean Cultures and Heritage within the Faculty of Humanities, headed by Prof Rose Boswell.
One of the chair's key goals is to create a series of films through the Blue Values Journey project, where Soul Release is housed.
"During the chair’s research, we encountered a man from Blanco, George, a First Nations healer diviner.
He shared with us a dream he had years ago about souls trapped on Shark Island, located in Lüderitz, Namibia," Francois explained.
"The film follows his journey to Shark Island, the ceremony he performed there, and how he connected with the Lüderitz community."
Francois initially presented Soul Release as part of his Honours coursework, which he completed in 2024 under the supervision of Professor Subeshini Moodley and the guidance of Tarryn Rennie.
He also credits the invaluable contributions of Dr Jessica Thornton, who works for the Ocean Cultures Heritage Chair.
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News
Ocean scientist awarded PhD position to research marine protected areas in Norway
Marine scientist Hannah Truter, a former researcher at Nelson Mandela University, is diving headfirst into a three-year PhD placement at Nord University in Norway.
MARINE MATTERS: Hannah Truter on a field trip for her ocean science studies; FROM SUN TO SNOW: Former Mandela University researcher Hannah Truter is now at Nord University in Norway
Truter’s work in seabed ecology and marine spatial planning (MSP) in Algoa Bay led to her being selected as a doctoral student at the coastal university in Bodø, in the Arctic Circle.
The MSc graduate helped to develop South Africa’s MSP pilot study in Algoa Bay while working at the University's Institute for Coastal and Marine Research (CMR) in Gqeberha.
“The idea was to gather as much data as possible, not just about the environment but also human use, so we could develop an inclusive marine spatial plan for the bay,” Truter explained.
“It is similar to town planning: you need designated areas for different activities, whether it is conservation, fishing, or industrial use. The goal is a healthy ocean that can support sustainable development.”
Read more: Nelson Mandela University News
From security warden to electrical engineering educator
Lonwabo Mthetho, a security warden at the Department of Correctional Services, has been studying while working full-time, for his Advanced Diploma in TVET to become an electrical engineering educator.
Lonwabo, who is 33 years old, will be graduating at Mandela University’s April graduation, and has also been the sole recipient of a bursary awarded by the Department of Correctional Services under the Sada Management Area.
This bursary enabled him to further his studies despite financial constraints, and he remained committed to making the most of it by excelling academically.
“My journey has been one of perseverance and dedication; completing my qualification while managing work, family responsibilities, and other commitments has been challenging, but it has strengthened my resilience and passion for education.
In addition, Lonwabo, who lives in Barkly East in the Eastern Cape, has a background in electrical engineering, with a diploma and Trade Test Certificate.
“This qualification will bring me closer to my dream of becoming a vocational educator, helping shape the future of technical education in South Africa,” he says.
Read article: Nelson Mandela University News
Perseverance and hard work leading to success
Caitlyn De Beer from Bethelsdorp is an inspiration to many. She persevered, working and studying full-time, as well as having a baby and completing her Advanced Diploma in TVT in one year, passing all her modules and completing her qualification.
“I am excited and looking forward to my graduation day. I would love to teach computers’ subjects and information processing at a TVET College, and especially Dower Campus College.
"My fellow peers in the community really need access to these faculties but they feel discouraged because they don't have enough motivation.
“Seeing a coloured girl from their community following her dreams and reaching for the stars, will give them that extra push to keep going and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I love teaching!
Caitlyn, 24, has a Management Assistant National Diploma and Certificate, and was so excited in April 2023 to apply to study the next year.
Graduate shines, despite loss and depression
.jpg)
.jpg)
Fighting depression, while mourning the tragic death of her brother, graduate Nukeri Rivoningo,25, proved that, despite tragedy, there is always light at the end of the darkest tunnel, as she successfully completed her studies.
This April, Nukeri becomes the first graduate in her family, and proudly returns to her village, in Tzaneen in Limpopo, with a bachelor’s degree in social work achieved Cum Laude.
Nukeri was also recognised by the prestigious Golden Key international Honour Society, for her outstanding academic performance.
Reflecting on this hard-earned milestone, Nukeri admits, she doesn't even know how to celebrate the journey, which was filled with emotional highs and lows, moments of surrender and countless hurdles”.
For Nukeri, social work wasn’t just a degree – it was a calling, an opportunity to make an impact in her community.
"I've always wanted to pursue a career, that involves connecting to people, understanding their struggles and offering support," she said.
Coming from a disadvantaged household, her childhood was marked by long periods of separation from her mother, who worked away from home for months at a time.
"I am here today because of my aunt, if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I would be here," said Nukeri.
Until 2023, in her third year of study, Nukeri’s academic journey was steady, then suddenly her world turned upside down.
Sisters graduating - a quiet triumph wrapped in courage
For Idah Hlabangwane and her younger sister Nyathela, this graduation season at Nelson Mandela University is more than just academic achievement; it’s a miracle dressed in black gowns and bright futures.
Ten days apart, both women are walking across the stage, not just as first-time graduates, but as survivors of a journey that has tested them, transformed them, and ultimately, made them whole.
At 24 years, Nyathela finally walked up the stage to be hooded as a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biokinetics graduate, whereas her older sister (30) will graduate with a BA in Media, Communication and Culture.
Together, they have overcome poverty, personal heartbreak, near dropouts, and life-threatening illness to break generational chains — and rewrite the story of their family.
“I didn’t avoid university because I wasn’t capable,” Idah often says. “It just wasn’t an option back then.”
After matriculating in 2015, the only thing on her mind was putting food on the table.
From vending in the streets to working construction jobs and cleaning homes, Idah hustled hard to support her family. It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave her purpose, until the day someone called her “stupid.” That moment stung deeply.