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10 November 2023 | Story André Damons | Photo SUPPLIED
Muthianzhele Ravuluma receives an award from Prof Sebastian Leuzinger from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.
Muthianzhele Ravuluma receives an award from Prof Sebastian Leuzinger from the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand.

A PhD student from the University of the Free State (UFS) has won the International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) Young Minds award for the Best Paper and Best Poster Presentation during the 12th International Workshop on Sap Flow, which was held in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Muthianzhele Ravuluma from the Department of Soil, Crop, and Climate Science who is working on his PhD in Agrometeorology, presented a paper on “Sapflow Dynamics of Young and Mature Pomegranate Trees Under Irrigation” during the four-day symposium that took place between 30 October and 3 November 2023. Agrometeorology is the study of the soil, plant and atmosphere continuum. In simple terms, it is called agricultural meteorology, which is the study of the influence of weather and climate on agriculture.

Encourage do and learn more 

“I feel thankful to being given an opportunity like this, and winning the award was a surprise. Still, I am happy and grateful for the support from my promoters and the Pomegranate Water Use Project members. This encourages me to do more and to learn more about new technologies in the field of agriculture,” he says. 

Ravuluma travelled to New Zealand with his promotor Dr Phumudzo Tharaga to present his research and to learn from other researchers is the field. His research looks at the water use of pomegranate trees under irrigation in a Mediterranean climate. 

A proud Dr Tharaga says he is happy to know that the guidance he has been giving to Ravuluma is fruitful and improving his academic and research capabilities. “I feel proud as a supervisor, which makes my dream come true of ensuring that all postgraduate students can showcase their work on international stages,” says Dr Tharaga. 

Hosting next symposium 

Together with Prof Rob Skelton from Wits University, they also successfully bid to host in the 13th International Sap Flow Workshop in South Africa – beating China and the US in the process. All three colleagues will collaborate as conveners of the workshop in South Africa during October/November 2026. 

“It is an honour to be recognised and entrusted by the international community of scientists who would like to showcase their work in South Africa. As the convener of the conference, I am happy that it will be hosted in our country for the first time since the inception of the Sap Flow Working Group. Scientists and researchers in South Africa will be able to interact with their peers from different parts of the world,” concludes Dr Tharaga.

Dr Phumudzo Tharaga congratulates Muthianzhele Ravuluma on winning the  prestigious award.

Dr Phumudzo Tharaga congratulates Muthianzhele Ravuluma on winning the  prestigious award. 

News Archive

UFS golden voices release first extended play
2016-08-29

Description: debut EP entitled Simplify Tags: debut EP entitled Simplify

CJ van Wyk, Naledi Mohapi, Samuel Akach and Jaco ‘Stix’
Steyn at the launch of their debut EP entitled Simplify.
Photo: iFlair Photography

“If you are determined, hardworking and have perseverance, it will be totally worth it. Just enjoy the ride.”
After almost two years together, Simple Stories are proud to present their debut EP, Simplify.

An out-of-the-box unique sound

The group, consisting of CJ van Wyk, Jaco Steyn, Naledi Mohapi and Samuel Akach, all students from the University of the Free State, has evolved immensely over the time they have been together. With their music genre - ‘Don’t put us in a box’ - they have managed to steal the hearts of many.
The group’s reason for issuing the EP is to start out small and give people a taste of their music. “We create our own unique, fresh sound that people can still relate to,” they said.

Talks about the present and future success

Right now, the band enjoys performing one of their original songs, ‘Cool Kids’, their second single that was released in July.
For all those aspiring to start their own band, “It is not going to be easy. It’s a huge decision to make, a tough career to take on, and a lot of sacrifices have to be made.”
When asked to define success, the band simply said, “Success is something that we are continuously striving for. It’s not a word that we take lightly and not a destination that you just reach.”

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