Latest news with #Makhubela
IOL News
10-07-2025
- Science
- IOL News
The Soweto geologist uncovering the Earth's secrets
Tebogo Makhubela, a South African geologist recipient of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder Awards, dims the head lamp fixed on his safety helmet as he poses for a portrait inside the The Rising Star cave, in The Cradle of Humankind. In the 1997 action film "Dante's Peak", Pierce Brosnan plays the role of a volcanologist sent to investigate seismic activity beneath a long-dormant volcano. Years after its release, the story inspired South African Tebogo Makhubela to become a geologist, the 35-year-old said. Winner of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder awards, Makhubela leads a research team working to uncover ancient clues to human evolution. His turf lies below the surface of the Earth in the limestone caves of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg. Speaking from inside The Rising Star cave, one of the numerous caves in the area, Makhubela said he and his colleagues have only "scratched the surface" of the site, which dates back five million years. In an unassuming savannah field, hidden under a rocky patch of grass, the cave is where scientists in 2013 discovered Homo naledi, an ancient human relative that lived about 300 000 years ago. "With this cave we've only studied 30 percent... To do the remaining 70 percent we need 20 years minimum," said Makhubela, wearing a dark green overall and a helmet fixed with a torchlight. And with many other caves to study, Makhubela's research isn't close to an end. "I will actually retire before we finish. Hence, I need to train a lot of students to take over from me." Makhubela, who lectures at the University of Johannesburg and supervises four PhD students, hopes more young scientists will join him on his mission -- one he believes is crucial to understanding the history of humankind and its environment. "Geology helps us understand Earth, our planet, how it works, how it was formed, its composition and its processes," he said, sitting on a rock next to his yellow backpack filled with notebooks, pens, measuring instruments and water. His own speciality is geochemistry and geochronology, or more simply, determining the age of fossils and environmental changes over time. One hurdle, he said, is that geology is not well known and some young people would rather "chase what is popular". "Right now we're living in the age of artificial intelligence. (But) you don't have to run and go study computer science or IT because you want to be relevant to the times," said the geologist. "If you're more passionate about natural science, go for it. Because if you do it well, there will be a place for you." Born and raised in Soweto, the sprawling township once home to Nelson Mandela, Makhubela was the first in his family to go to university. His mother never went to school and worked as a street vendor while his father moved away when he was 10, he said. As a bright young student, he was pressured to study engineering and work in South Africa's lucrative gold mining industry. But he decided on another path. "Curiosity inspires me, honestly. I have a lot of questions," he joked, describing what motivates him. And a decade after making that bold decision to forgo a future in mining and pursue his passion in geology, Makhubela is proud of his accomplishments. "I've got a very thriving, fulfilling career, one which is winning me international awards," he said. He's even become a superhero, featuring as a character in a South African comic book and animation series to inspire children about the wonders of science. | AFP
eNCA
03-07-2025
- eNCA
Authorities search for solution as homes get swallowed by sinkholes
CENTURION - Sinkholes are posing a major safety threat around parts of Gauteng. They have swallowed homes in Khutsong, Ekurhuleni and roads have been collapsing in Centurion in east of Tshwane. A significant part of Gauteng contains dolomite, which can dissolve in water and lead to surface collapse. It is a known hazard. This rock according, to Tebogo Makhubela, a National Geographic Explorer, is billion years and covers almost a two third of the province on both surface and sub-surface. This dolomite does not just dissolve on its own another contributing factor is excessive water that affects the rock. This can be from rain but also water from sewage systems, leaking taps. Makhubela said. Geologically speaking there are a lot of areas globally that are not ideal for building infrastructure and residential buildings but this is where civil engineering comes in.
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Science
- New Straits Times
Soweto geologist uncovering the Earth's secrets
IN the 1997 action film "Dante's Peak", Pierce Brosnan plays the role of a volcanologist sent to investigate seismic activity beneath a long-dormant volcano. Years after its release, the story inspired South African Tebogo Makhubela to become a geologist, the 35-year-old told AFP. Winner of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder awards, Makhubela leads a research team working to uncover ancient clues to human evolution. His turf lies below the surface of the Earth in the limestone caves of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a Unesco World Heritage site about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. Speaking from inside The Rising Star cave, one of the numerous caves in the area, Makhubela said he and his colleagues have only "scratched the surface" of the site, which dates back five million years. In an unassuming savannah field, hidden under a rocky patch of grass, the cave is where scientists in 2013 discovered Homo naledi, an ancient human relative that lived about 300,000 years ago. "With this cave we've only studied 30 per cent... To do the remaining 70 per cent we need 20 years minimum," said Makhubela, wearing a dark green overall and a helmet fixed with a torchlight. And with many other caves to study, Makhubela's research isn't close to an end. "I will actually retire before we finish. Hence, I need to train a lot of students to take over from me." Makhubela, who lectures at the University of Johannesburg and supervises four PhD students, hopes more young scientists will join him on his mission – one he believes is crucial to understanding the history of humankind and its environment. "Geology helps us understand Earth, our planet, how it works, how it was formed, its composition and its processes," he said, sitting on a rock next to his yellow backpack filled with notebooks, pens, measuring instruments and water. His own speciality is geochemistry and geochronology, or more simply, determining the age of fossils and environmental changes over time. One hurdle, he said, is that geology is not well known and some young people would rather "chase what is popular." "Right now we're living in the age of artificial intelligence. (But) you don't have to run and go study computer science or IT because you want to be relevant to the times," said the geologist. "If you're more passionate about natural science, go for it. Because if you do it well, there will be a place for you." Born and raised in Soweto, the sprawling township once home to Nelson Mandela, Makhubela was the first in his family to go to university. His mother never went to school and worked as a street vendor while his father moved away when he was 10, he said. As a bright young student, he was pressured to study engineering and work in South Africa's lucrative gold mining industry. But he decided on another path. "Curiosity inspires me, honestly. I have a lot of questions," he joked, describing what motivates him. And a decade after making that bold decision to forgo a future in mining and pursue his passion in geology, Makhubela is proud of his accomplishments. "I've got a very thriving, fulfilling career, one which is winning me international awards," he said. He's even become a superhero, featuring as a character in a South African comic book and animation series to inspire children about the wonders of science.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- Science
- IOL News
Meet the geologist uncovering Earth's secrets in South Africa
Tebogo Makhubela, a South African geologist recipient of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder Awards Image: MARCO LONGARI / AFP In the 1997 action film "Dante's Peak", Pierce Brosnan plays the role of a volcanologist sent to investigate seismic activity beneath a long-dormant volcano. Years after its release, the story inspired South African Tebogo Makhubela to become a geologist, the 35-year-old told AFP in an interview. Recipient of one of the prestigious National Geographic 2025 Wayfinder Awards, Makhubela leads a research team working to uncover ancient clues to human evolution. His turf lies below the surface of the Earth in the limestone caves of South Africa's Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Johannesburg. Speaking from inside The Rising Star cave, one of the numerous caves in the area, Makhubela said he and his colleagues have only "scratched the surface" of the site, which dates back five million years. In an unassuming savannah field, hidden under a rocky patch of grass, the cave is where scientists in 2013 discovered Homo naledi, an ancient human relative that lived about 300,000 years ago. "With this cave we've only studied 30 percent... To do the remaining 70 percent, we need, I would say, 20 years minimum," said Makhubela, wearing a dark green overall and a helmet fixed with a torchlight. And with many other caves to study, Makhubela's research isn't close to an end. "I will actually retire before we finish. Hence, I need to train a lot of students to, of course, take over from me." Chasing dreams Makhubela, who lectures at the University of Johannesburg and supervises four PhD students, hopes more young scientists will join him on his mission -- one he believes is crucial to understanding the history of humankind and its environment. "Geology helps us understand Earth, our planet, how it works, how it was formed, its composition and its processes," he said, sitting on a rock next to his yellow backpack filled with notebooks, pens, measuring instruments and water. His own speciality is geochemistry and geochronology, or more simply, determining the age of fossils and environmental changes over time. One hurdle, he said, is that geology is not well known and some young people would rather "chase what is popular". "Right now we're living in the age of artificial intelligence. (But) you don't have to run and go study computer science or IT because you want to be relevant to the times," said the geologist. "If you're more passionate about natural science, go for it. Because if you do it well, there will be a place for you." First at university Born and raised in Soweto, the sprawling township once home to Nelson Mandela, Makhubela was the first in his family to go to university. His mother never went to school and worked as a street vendor while his father moved away when he was 10, he said. As a bright young student, he was pressured to study engineering and work in South Africa's lucrative gold mining industry. But he decided on another path.
IOL News
29-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Johannesburg to host WUWM conference, focusing on Africa's fresh produce ambitions
The conference, themed 'The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,' is being organised by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. Image: Supplied Johannesburg is set to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference from May 14-16, 2025, at the Sandton Convention Centre. The event aims to highlight Africa's growing significance in the global fresh produce industry while addressing critical issues such as food security, climate change, and the modernisation of markets. The conference, themed 'The African Edition: Shaping the Future of Fresh Produce through Sustainability, Innovation and Inclusivity,' is being organised by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the African continent. It is expected to draw industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators from over 200 member countries. Discussions will focus on global agriculture value chains, Africa's potential for exports and imports, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve market efficiency. Joburg Market plays a central role in South Africa's agricultural economy. In the 2023/24 financial year, it reported sales of R11.3 billion and processed 1.4 million tons of produce. The market holds a 46% share of the national market, surpassing competitors in Tshwane, Durban, and Cape Town. It handles 600 000 transactions monthly, sources produce from over 8 000 producers, and serves 14000 daily buyers, with a registered buyer database of 100 000. Employing over 6 000 people, the market remains a vital economic contributor in a country facing high unemployment. Sello Makhubela, the CEO of Joburg Market, explained the city's strategic position. 'As South Africa's economic hub and home to Joburg Market, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate meaningful discussions on food security, sustainability, and the modernisation of wholesale markets,' he said. Sello Makhubela, the CEO of Joburg Market, explained the city's strategic position. Image: Supplied In an interview, Makhubela further explained the conference's importance. 'We're bringing the world to Africa, and we want to learn from the world to advance as Africa,' he said. He highlighted the event's potential to foster international trade partnerships and establish Africa as a significant player in the global fresh produce 60% of the world's uncultivated land located in Africa, he noted the continent's vast potential for agricultural expansion. 'Africa has an opportunity to use that land to cultivate and start delivering fresh produce worldwide,' Makhubela added. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the WUWM connects over 150 wholesale markets and 30 retail and street markets globally, promoting sustainable food distribution and innovation. The Johannesburg conference will include sessions on logistics, cold chain solutions, and digital trading platforms, drawing insights from leading markets in France and Spain. Upgrading infrastructure, including cold storage and banana ripening facilities, is a key component of Joburg Market's 'Smart Fresh Produce Market Strategy.' Upgrading infrastructure, including cold storage and banana ripening facilities, is a key component of Joburg Market's 'Smart Fresh Produce Market Strategy.' Image: Supplied Joburg Market faces strong competition from private markets and retailers with sophisticated distribution centers, which have led to a decline in the market share of national fresh produce markets due to insufficient infrastructure investment. To address this, the market is seeking R3.2bn through public-private partnerships to expand its trading space by 45 000 square meters, improve cold storage capabilities, and diversify into agri-business and value-added services. The strategy incorporates clean energy solutions, waste management systems, and advanced trading technologies, with the aim of increasing throughput by 20%, enhancing profitability, and ensuring compliance with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point standards. 'These enhancements will create jobs, strengthen food security, and improve affordability,' Makhubela said. New agro-processing facilities are expected to increase sales volume, while digital solutions such as cashless payment systems and online trading platforms will streamline operations. The market's transformation program also aims to support small-scale farmers by providing access to its platform, addressing supply-demand imbalances that are worsened by climate change and high prices. Makhubela underscored Africa's crucial role in global food security, particularly in rapidly growing urban centers like Johannesburg, where access to affordable food is essential for the increasing population. 'We need more farmers to increase accessibility and lower prices,' he said, pointing out that current prices are unsustainable for many, especially low-income households. The conference will tackle these issues, exploring methods to scale up production and improve logistics for perishable tensions, including tariffs and restricted access to markets like the United States for exports such as avocados, present significant challenges. 'Resolving political tensions and fostering partnerships are crucial,' Makhubela said. He stressed the importance of the American market and the need for African governments to address trade barriers. The outcomes of the conference are expected to contribute to G20 discussions on food security later in 2025, amplifying Africa's voice on the global stage. The South African government is actively encouraging trade within Africa, and Joburg Market is aligning its Smart Market Strategy to support these efforts. While some countries, such as Botswana, maintain import restrictions, broader continental initiatives aim to facilitate open borders. 'Free trade across Africa is essential for our market's growth,' Makhubela said, noting that the market's 16 agents, including six black economic empowered agents, are vital for promoting inclusivity. Joburg Market's modernization plans are ambitious but face hurdles. The R3.2bn capitalization program is still under review. 'This is a ripe opportunity for investment with good returns,' Makhubela said. The conference will also address macro-environmental challenges, such as climate change and increasing competition, which threaten the sustainability of wholesale markets. Joburg Market's strategy Aldo underlines the need to develop of human capital and the integration of systems to maintain competitiveness. 'Johannesburg is proud to serve as the gateway to Africa for this gathering,' Makhubela said. The event will also play a role in shaping the future of fresh produce markets through innovation and analysts view the conference as a critical juncture for Africa's fresh produce sector. 'Africa's agricultural potential is undeniable, but it needs investment in infrastructure and technology to compete globally,' commented Thandiwe Nkosi, an agricultural economist at the University of Pretoria. She noted that Joburg Market's scale and strategic vision position it favorably to lead this transformation, provided it secures the necessary funding. As Johannesburg prepares to welcome delegates from around the world, the focus is on Africa's capacity to convert its extensive resources into tangible economic benefits. For Makhubela, the conference is more than just a forum for discussion; it is a catalyst for action. 'We want practical outcomes,' he said. 'This is about building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation to ensure Africa's fresh produce markets thrive.' BUSINESS REPORT
