Who are you ?
Fhumulani Mathivha. I’m a new generation of academic programme lecturer at the University of Venda and my PhD project is on forecasting extreme hydrological (drought) events in Luvuvhu River Catchment in Limpopo Province of South Africa.
How research can help development in Africa ?
Every area of life is researchable and research seeks to make things better. Therefore, research can help develop Africa and make Africans to be more self-sufficient. For example, minerals are abundant in Africa but Africans do not process those minerals, they are instead processed outside the continent. If research is conducted on how to develop more processing and refinery factories in Africa, it will help the African communities to become more self-sufficient.
For you, what are the priority of development in Africa ?
Africa should prioritise education and conservation in order to eradicate poverty in the continent.
Do you have examples of education project you’d like to see in streets, bush or schools ? (It can be for adults or children)
Because my work is mainly focused on water resources, i would like to see more educational project in schools, streets and within communities. This projects should aim to educate people on water resources conservation.
How ecological issues could be more integrated in your country ?
Education whether formal or informal. If ecology is integrated into the foundation phase curriculum, then I feel like that would be one way of making people be aware of ecological issues and the significance ecology as a system in their day to day lives.
Limpopo Province include 2 Biosphere Reserves, does local communities know about Biosphere Reserves ?
I dont think communities are aware that they reside in such important ecological reserves.
Have you ever participate to events or do you work with Biosphere Reserve agents ?
I have done some research work relating to agriculture in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, however, I’ve not participated in any events as i’ve not seen any public invitation to such events.
In the recent news, what did you enjoy ? (It can be local, international, musical, cultural, ecological etc)
The possibility of EU to be visa free to South African (*Laughs)
Do you have anything to say to the world ?
We (the human species) need to be aware that we only have one planet with no substitution, therefore, we must protect it at all cost.
