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26 August 2022 | Story NONSINDISO QWABE | Photo Boitumelo Molefe
Prof Geofrey Mukwada
Prof Geofrey Mukwada from the Department of Geography on the Qwaqwa Campus delivered his inaugural lecture, which focused on elevation-dependent warming in the Drakensberg Mountain region.
South Africa is generally regarded as a thirsty country due to water scarcity nationally. Even a rise of 0,5 °C in climate temperatures could have devastating effects on the environment.

Delivering his inaugural lecture on 22 August 2022 – a first for the Qwaqwa Campus in many years – Prof Geofrey Mukwada of the Department of Geography at the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa Campus painted a picture of the long-term effects of climate change on ecological, social, and economic aspects of the environment. The effects of climate change are being felt in all regions of the world, and the Drakensberg region in particular is beginning to bear the brunt.

Elevation-dependent warming a threat to socio-ecological systems

Introducing his topic, The last days of plenty: an assessment of elevation-dependent warming in the Drakensberg Mountain region between 1980 and 2018 and its potential implications for social-ecological systems in the region and downstream communities, Prof Mukwada said ‘last days’ was a euphemism used figuratively to imply the impending loss of environmental resources in the mountains because of climate change.

According to Prof Mukwada, elevation-dependent warming in the Drakensberg would pose serious implications for the overall rural livelihoods, regional trade, and biodiversity conservation.

“The Drakensberg Mountains is made up of a chain of several mountains and is home to a lot of activities. It is important for rural livelihood, including agriculture, cultivation of different forms, fisheries, and tourism, and if the climate is therefore changing and elevation-dependent warming is taking place, we see a threat to socio-ecological systems in many ways.”

In his lecture, Prof Mukwada discussed the three-decade-long investigation to determine if elevation-dependent warming is taking place at several points of the mountains, and to assess its environmental implications for the region and downstream communities. Using a time-series analysis standardised precipitation and evaporation index (SPEI) and monthly maximum temperature and locational and elevation data, the investigation monitored climate change trends between 1980 and 2018.

Development of research-based solutions

He said results did not confirm the existence of elevation-dependent warming in the Drakensberg Mountain region, but statistically significant evidence has shown that the region is becoming warmer and facing increasing aridity.

“It is worrisome in the sense that even such a small change can have devastating effects on the environment.”

In order to avert these problems, Prof Mukwada said a special climate adaptation plan for the region was necessary. The university plays a key role in this, as it can provide guidance on the process of redefining knowledge, scientific understanding and truth, in order to promote sound mountain development interventions and programmes. “We need to shift towards research-based solutions.”

Prof Mukwada is a C2 NRF-rated researcher with expertise in the application of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) in integrated scientific and multidisciplinary environmental research.

News Archive

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS
2006-09-04

During the ceremonial kick-off of the biggest construction project in the history of the UFS were from the left: Ms Vuyiwe Mkhupha (Manager of   Sikeyi Construction), Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS) and Prof Steve Basson (Head of the UFS Department of Chemistry). Photo: (Gerhard Louw)

R40 million construction contract with black empowerment group starts at UFS   

The biggest construction contract in the history of the University of the Free State (UFS) to the value of R40 million has started on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.  The contractors are Ströhfeldt Construction, in a joint venture with Sikeyi Construction, a black empowerment partner.

The contract comprises the extensive modernising, refurnishing and extension of the Chemistry Building.  This is the highest amount the UFS has ever spent on the refurnishing of a building. 
 
A number of initiatives have contributed to the fact that the UFS Department of Chemistry is one of the foremost chemistry departments in the country:
 

  • Expensive equipment and apparatus to the value of almost R20 million were acquired by the department the past year;
  • The basis of this is a strategic partnership with Sasol, the biggest research and development company  in the country;
  • The purchase of the most advanced 600MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectro meter in Africa;
  • The purchase of a single crystal X-ray diffractometer; and
  • The purchase of a differential scanning calorie meter, used to test the effect of heat on chemicals.  This apparatus comprises of the most advanced detectors in the world.

“Natural scientists need the necessary equipment, apparatus and laboratories to be able to exercise world-class science.  Three years ago the UFS top management made a strategic decision to focus strongly on research and on our  laboratories and lecture halls,“ said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS, during the launch of the Chemistry Building’s refurbishment.

“I regard this project as a symbol of our investment in science and the academy,“ said Prof Fourie.

Prof Fourie said that the UFS spent almost R100 million in the last 5 years to renovate the Main Campus.  New buildings such as Thakaneng Bridge were built and other such as the Reitz Dining Hall was renovated and converted into the Centenary Complex.  “These projects, together with the refurbishment of the Chemistry Building, also show how the UFS contributes to the development and growth of not only Bloemfontein, but also how we invest in the Free State,“ said Prof Fourie.

According to Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Planning and Special Projects at the UFS, the current building originally comprised of the Moerdyk Building built in 1949 and a newer wing built in 1966.  This building became too small and obsolete and a new part is now being added to the eastern side.
  
According to Ms Pelzer a great deal of the project comprises the dramatic upgrading and modernising of laboratories, existing mechanical systems and the installation of new systems.  “The nature of the work of staff and students demands sophisticated mechanical systems such as air conditioning, fume hoods, the provision of gas, etc and therefore these received specific attention.  The research laboratories, lecture laboratories and office areas will also be separated for safety and greater efficiency,” said Ms Pelzer.

“Interesting design solutions for the complex needs of the department were found and I foresee that the building and its immediate environment will be an adornment to the Main Campus after its expected completion in 2008,” said Ms Pelzer.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel:  (051) 401-2584
Cell:  083 645 2454
E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
14 September 2006

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