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New research bites back at rodent problem in townships

29 August 2025 | Story Precious Shamase

Pictured are Prof Steven Belmain, Dr Hayley Thompson, and Prof Lourens Swanepoel during their visit to South Africa to kick off a collaborative One Health research project aimed at addressing rodent-related health risks in townships – an initiative that unites local and international experts in the pursuit of safer, community-driven solutions.

A collaborative research project is underway in South African townships to combat the pervasive rodent problem and its impact on human health. Led by Prof Peter Taylor, Professor-in-Residence in the UFS Afromontane Research Unit and affiliated with the UFS Department of Zoology and Entomology, the initiative brings together experts from the UK's Natural Resources Institute (NRI), including Prof Steven Belmain and Dr Hayley Thompson, and South African institutions such as the UFS and the University of Venda.

This 'One Health' approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. The team visited laboratory facilities at the UFS campuses in Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa, the latter being near Phuthaditjhaba township – a key research site alongside Lwamando in Limpopo.

The multidisciplinary project involves local farmers and university departments, integrating expertise in advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry, molecular virology and microbiology, genome sequencing, and parasitology. Social scientists, such as Dr Shingirayi Chamisa, a lecturer in the UFS Department of Industrial Psychology, are also involved to understand community perceptions and current rodent control methods, including the impact on mental health.

The research will investigate the health risks associated with rodent infestations, including food contamination with poison residues and fungal toxins, and the transmission of disease to humans and livestock through direct contact or parasites. Practical trials will evaluate methods to reduce food contamination.

Significantly, the project will explore novel and humane rodent control strategies, such as contraceptive baits, offering a safer alternative to rodenticides. Recent concerns about rodenticide-related deaths in townships have increased pressure for safer, ecological solutions.

This research holds significant promise for developing sustainable and effective solutions to mitigate the negative impact of rodent pests on the health and livelihoods of township residents. The international and local collaboration, guided by a holistic 'One Health' perspective, marks a crucial step towards addressing this challenging issue. Prof Taylor expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic engagement of all collaborators, highlighting the potential for a truly transdisciplinary project to find meaningful and ecologically sound solutions to rodent-borne pathogens and food contamination in South African townships.

News Archive

Kovsie student trailblazing to literary stardom

2013-10-24

Ace Moloi with a copy of his book In Her Fall Rose a Nation
Photo: Jerry Mokoroane
24 October 2013

Ace Moloi proves that ambition and self-belief are key ingredients in achieving your dreams. At merely 21-years of age, this Kovsie student made his entrance onto the literary scene with the launch of his first novel. In Her Fall Rose a Nation tells the story of a young girl who leaves her rural home to further her studies in the city. Loosing herself in the excitement of student life, she gets kicked out of university. As a result she has to find refuge in the streets that devour her last bit of hope of rising again. The novel, published by New Voices Publishing, was introduced to an eager audience at the Bloemfontein Campus.

Moloi, a third-year Communications student and prime of House Tswelopele, says his book is a unique offering that will inspire and intrigue.

"The inspiration behind this project emanates mainly from the realisation that as much as we bemoan the lack of reading among young people – particularly in the townships and rural areas – we haven’t taken the initiative to write books that will speak to them and their day-to-day circumstances."

The talented writer, who is also a content contributor for News24 and a former IRAWA Post news editor, says he has been influenced by the writings of extraordinary individuals such as Kwasi Koranteng, Steve Biko and Dr KPD Maphalla. It took him three years to write the book, Ace says, mentioning that it first started as a Sesotho novel, that was later turned into English.

Already working on his second manuscript, Prey and Predators, Ace’s message to fellow students is to never underestimate the power of dreams. "By nature, dreams are unique, and so is yours. Own it up. Defend it. Realise it. Most importantly, never allow anyone to make you feel guilty for having great ambitions, for without ambition there is no meaning at all to life."

* In Her Fall Rose a Nation sells for R100 and can ordered from Ace at ace.moloi@gmail.com. The book can also be ordered online for R150 from New Voice Publishing online bookstore at www.newvoices.co.za.

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