Latest news with #NMU
The Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- The Herald
How booming elephant numbers are reshaping SA's savanna trees
Venter said: 'This can potentially lead to long-term population declines or local extirpations of trees that need to be large to reproduce, such as the marula. 'From observation, 10 years ago there were quite a few large marula trees on Madikwe and most are dead now.' Prof Herve Fritz, of NMU's Sustainability Research Unit and REHABS International Research Laboratory, said: 'What the study offers is more precise information as to what to monitor in ecosystems where the architecture and type of modification of trees is a critical indicator of change, in addition to the effect on or disappearance of specific iconic trees. 'The concern is that there are signs at Madikwe that we are getting close to a serious change in the ecosystem.' Referring to the 85 elephants that died at the reserve during the drought in 2024, Venter said some people argued that if you let nature take its course and a number of elephants died when the habitat deteriorated, then the ecosystem would, in time, restore balance. 'The problem with this is an ethical issue. 'When you are dealing with the confined system of a fenced reserve, where the elephants cannot migrate as they would have done historically, it is morally questionable to allow them to starve to death. 'The hard truth is that the 85 elephants that died don't even make a dent in the elephant population at Madikwe, where there are too many for the reserve. 'Hunting is definitely not an option. Ethics and politics aside, you cannot control this number of elephants with hunting. 'Contraception will help and translocation to far larger areas with low elephant densities is an option, but it is a major operation that is also limited to how long elephants can remain in the transport truck — generally limited to a distance of ±1,000km.' Expanding protected areas was often flagged as a solution, Venter said. For the past 30 years, Madikwe and the Pilanesberg Game Reserve planned to connect the two reserves and create a wildlife area of more than 200,000ha, but they had achieved only a ±7,000ha expansion as they encountered various challenges, including landowners who did not want to sell and communities who could not agree to combine their areas. Several reserves, including Madikwe, were established in the 1990s and are approaching 40 years old. Most introduced the big five and Madikwe brought in about 250 elephants. In 1995, the government put a moratorium on elephant culling. Madikwe's large founder population grew, and it now faces an acute ecological crisis caused by decades of indecision on elephant management. 'Madikwe offers a strong example of what can happen in other enclosed protected areas if populations and ecosystems are not carefully managed,' Fritz said. 'The evidence from this research provides some ecological foundation for urgent, science‑based management decisions with targeted interventions to prevent further habitat collapse and animal suffering.' The Herald
Business Wire
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Elegen and Nutcracker Therapeutics to Pilot First Fully Cell-Free Manufacturing Process for RNA-based Personalized Cancer Therapeutics
BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elegen, a global leader in next-generation DNA manufacturing, and Nutcracker Therapeutics, a global leader in next-generation RNA design and manufacturing, today announced the launch of a pilot program to demonstrate the industry's first fully synthetic, cell-free manufacturing platform for RNA-based personalized cancer therapeutics (PCTs). The pilot marks another step toward making PCTs more accessible, timely, and scalable. As late-stage PCT clinical trials progress and therapy developers work to create the next generation of PCTs, the speed, reliability, scaling and cost of traditional production methods pose a major challenge. Specifically, the first step of DNA template production is hindered by the use of bacterial cells in the process, which can be unreliable and introduce contamination that must be removed. The second step of GMP-grade RNA production from the template is impeded by a slow, unreliable, and inefficient process in which only one therapy can be made per GMP suite. Consequently, PCT production is slow, very costly, and does not scale for individualized therapies — a new manufacturing paradigm is needed. Nutcracker Therapeutic's NMU-Symphony™ system, the second generation of its Nutcracker® Manufacturing Unit (NMU), brings the fastest, most scalable, and cost-efficient GMP RNA manufacturing platform available today. Fully enclosed and built for speed, it reliably delivers clinical-grade PCTs consistent with just a three-week overall turnaround time, from RNA sequence design to released nanoparticle formulated drug product — cutting traditional timelines in half. By incorporating Elegen's cell-free GMP-ready DNA template production, the combination of the two platforms will enable an even faster and more scalable synthesis of longer, more complex neo-antigen sequences, while eliminating risks of bioburden and endotoxin contamination. With a faster, more reliable and lower-cost solution, Elegen and Nutcracker Therapeutics aim to democratize PCTs, making them accessible to more developers and saving critical time for cancer patients, where even days can make a meaningful impact. 'Integrating cell-free DNA with cell-free biochip-based RNA production gives researchers and partners worldwide access to a more reliable, streamlined, and cost-effective platform to rapidly test and advance new therapies,' said Matthew Hill, founder and CEO of Elegen. 'By eliminating cells from the process, we can accelerate the development and evaluation of new therapeutic modalities, helping patients receive treatment as quickly as possible.' 'We're not just improving our manufacturing process, we're laying the foundation to democratize PCTs with truly scalable solutions,' added Benjamin Eldridge, co-founder and chief technology officer of Nutcracker Therapeutics. 'Achieving that vision means giving developers the ability to produce clinical-grade RNA without investing hundreds of millions in infrastructure. This is a key step toward our mission of delivering scalable, low-cost, and rapid formulated RNA manufacturing for individualized therapies.' Elegen's cell-free ENFINIA DNA with an unparalleled combination of speed, length, accuracy and complexity integrates seamlessly with Nutcracker Therapeutics' existing RNA-based PCT development process, which leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies through its CodonCracker™ RNA design software, the NMU-Symphony™ microfluidics biochip-based system, and ProcessVision™ technology for real-time performance and quality monitoring. Combined, Elegen and Nutcracker Therapeutic's technologies enable the efficient, flexible, and GMP-ready production of individualized nanoparticle-formulated RNA therapeutics. About Elegen, Inc. Elegen brings unique insights and technical innovation to create high-quality synthetic DNA faster, catalyzing the next revolution in the life sciences. Elegen uses proprietary cell-free technologies to build longer, higher-quality DNA on a faster timeline for agricultural, chemical, healthcare and pharma industries. Founded in 2017, Elegen is privately held and based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter). About Nutcracker Therapeutics, Inc. Nutcracker Therapeutics, Inc., is a biotechnology company that combines advanced engineering with high-precision biosynthesis to unlock the promise of RNA for therapeutic developers. The company's mission is to democratize safe and effective RNA-based personalized therapeutics through its complete technology platform, which encompasses the design, delivery, and manufacturing of RNA molecules. Armed with this high-tech advantage, Nutcracker Therapeutics' unique scalable RNA platform significantly reduces costs and cycle times, while maintaining the highest quality. For more information, visit
The Herald
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
NMU honours 12 alumni for their exceptional contributions to society
From rural classrooms and township rooftops to global boardrooms and international stages, the 2025 Nelson Mandela University Alumni Awards honoured 12 outstanding alumni whose stories speak not only to success — but to the enduring legacy of transformation, excellence and service. Now in its 15th year, the awards recognise remarkable personal and professional achievements of past graduates who are living the values of NMU and its predecessor institutions. 'This year's recipients reflect what it truly means to use education not only to rise, but to uplift others,' alumni relations director Paul Geswindt said. 'Their lives are stories of perseverance, purpose and profound care — for their communities, professions, and for the futures they are helping to build.' The university also paid tribute to the rich legacy of its founding institutions — then University of Port Elizabeth, Port Elizabeth Technikon and Vista University (PE Campus) — each of which contributed to the tapestry of transformation that is now NMU. Vice-chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa acknowledged the alumni for journeying with the university and for strengthening its networks nationally and globally. 'We acknowledge the foundations upon which our university was established, and we celebrate all our alumni and friends, including those from our founding institutions, because without knowing your history, you cannot find your future,' she said. 'So, we honour these alumni, the professors and vice-chancellors who have built this institution, and the strong foundations on which we currently work. 'We share in their vision and are proud of the values entrenched in building our new-generation university.' That legacy is reflected in Dr Paul Dalmeyer, recipient of a Special Award for his lifetime contributions to reproductive medicine and medical education. It is also championed by Khaya Matiso, whose decades of leadership in higher and technical education have opened doors for thousands of students. It also shines through Hayley Ward, SA's top squash player; through Atherton Mutombwera, whose biotech start-up made international headlines; and Babalwa Nkwentsha, who is shaping policy and programmes impacting more than 25,000 young people. The 12 awards presented included six Rising Star, four Achiever, and two Special Awards, spanning fields such as biotechnology, construction, public health, education, sport, finance and youth development. Hospital pharmacist and digital health advocate Brent Sin Hidge, who accepted a Rising Star Award at the Boardwalk International Convention Centre on Friday night, said he was speechless when he received the email informing him of the recognition. 'This award isn't just for me. It's a testament to the incredible people who believed in me. 'To my former lecturers at NMU ... you didn't just impart knowledge; you ignited a passion and saw potential in a young student. 'Your dedication to teaching and your unwavering support laid the foundation for everything that followed.' He recounted his mother's sacrifices, the influence of his lecturers, and his hope that his work would help build 'a sturdy tree, one whose shade the next generation — including my daughter — can rest under'. For fellow Rising Star recipient, quantity surveyor and technical director: mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection services lead at AECOM Africa, Khanyisa Mabala, the evening was a full-circle moment. 'I would have never imagined accepting an award like this, in this very hall,' she said. She also gave a powerful tribute to her late father, who took her on construction site visits at the age of 11: 'My role model had already told me I belonged. 'So, when I entered a male-dominated industry, I wasn't seeking validation, I already had it.' She paid homage to the lecturers at NMU who 'saw something in me long before I saw it in myself', including her mentor, Prof Gerrit Crafford. Ultimate Education Group MD and creator of the SABC2 show Ultimate Maths , Shaun Jacobs, recalled the defining moment that changed the course of his career. 'I think it was during my third year; we were sent on an excursion to a rural school just outside Gqeberha. 'The aim was to understand the diversity of SA's education system. 'What I experienced that day shook me. It lit a fire in me. It opened my eyes to the inequalities so many learners face daily,' he said. 'That one day became the foundation of my mission: to make high-quality education accessible to every learner in SA. 'That rural school visit still comes up in stories around the braai, because it wasn't just a field trip, it was the beginning of my calling.' Accepting his award, Ryan Le Roux acknowledged family and friends who had been his greatest support, including Pastor George Georgiou and Prof Jean Greyling for their role in starting the Leva Foundation. After graduating, Le Roux spent five years playing rugby in Europe, all while quietly carrying a growing conviction that he needed to come home and make a difference. And so, he did. He began teaching and coaching until he realised that those he was helping were already privileged and would thrive regardless. 'It was during my time at NMU that these words of Mandela took root: 'Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice'.' Chapu Chartered Accountants Inc founder Rhangani Mbhalati, who grew up in a village in Tzaneen, uses his firm to create jobs, mentor youth and build economic inclusion from rural Limpopo to Rwanda. 'This recognition is both an honour and a deeply personal milestone,' he said. The Herald
Daily Maverick
01-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
NSFAS fails to pay accommodation rent, opening window for landlords to evict students
With the National Student Financial Aid Scheme repeatedly missing accommodation payments, landlords burdened by unpaid bills are evicting students, leaving many stranded during critical exams. Some accommodation providers have begun evicting students after the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) failed to pay rent for months. Since the start of 2025, NSFAS has delayed making payments a number of times, pushing landlords to their limits. In March 2025, while under pressure, the scheme brought its payment date forward from 4 April to 31 March 2025, but many providers still haven't been paid. NSFAS pleaded with accommodation providers not to remove students, but for many, patience has run out. Kagisho Mamabolo, CEO of the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA), which represents developers and operators managing more than 80,000 student beds nationwide, told Daily Maverick that, as of 3 April, NSFAS still owed landlords R27-million in payments related to 2024. That amount had since increased owing to delayed payments from 2025. The new arrears have largely been attributed to NSFAS's new payment system, which involves using outside service providers – what it refers to as 'solution partners' – to check whether accommodation options are accredited. Mamabolo said landlords have to wait for these solutions partners to get their money and this is where the delay occurs. In an SABC interview on 27 April, Mamabolo said the majority of the accommodation providers have not been paid on time. 'With the NSFAS situation, if you are paid today as a landlord, you are not guaranteed next month you're going to be paid. So we are in a situation where we chase our payments month after month, and we don't think NSFAS will resolve it this year,' Mamabolo said. Mamabolo also told Daily Maverick that the matter of NSFAS paying money to students from TVET colleges to pay the landlord is a breach of contract. Earlier in April, students were paid R13,800, meant for allowances, but after some time NSFAS communicated that students must pay R10,800 to landlords. 'NSFAS has violated its own lease agreement with landlords. There is nowhere in the lease agreement that the tenant should pay. We are asking NSFAS how practical is this, because it is not the tenant who is violating the lease agreement, it is the funder who failed to pay rent,' Mamabolo said. Students' ordeal Daily Maverick spoke to NSFAS-funded students from Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) who were kicked out of their accommodations. One NMU student, who asked to remain anonymous, said: 'We received a message from a group saying NSFAS did not pay for the two previous months and they said they will evict us because they could not sustain us. I and a few were kicked out even though some students stayed. 'This has affected me immensely. I found a student that I am now living with, but I am close to writing my examination and I worry because how am I going to study without a place to stay? This has really affected me because I have no relatives in Port Elizabeth [Gqeberha].' Another third-year NMU student faced eviction after their landlord demanded they leave due to non-payment by NSFAS. 'We left the residence and students from EFF were contacted to come and assist us by liaising with the institution. We ended up staying at the residence,' the student said. In Nelson Mandela Bay, The Herald recently reported that landlords are threatening to evict hundreds of students over three months of unpaid rent from NSFAS. In Tshwane, a TUT student, who also wanted to remain anonymous, described her ordeal. She said her landlords told her to pay R10,000 if she wanted to stay because NSFAS had not paid yet. 'The contract I had with the landlord said if NSFAS failed to pay within the first month, they are supposed to evict me, but they did not. We then waited for NSFAS and the rent money accumulated. Later, they told me I have to move out because NSFAS hasn't paid… 'I was under a lot of pressure and panicking… The landlord said I have to pay the R10,000 or stay and the money will accumulate, so I moved out,' said the student. A Tshwane accommodation provider, who wanted to remain anonymous fearing victimisation from NSFAS, told Daily Maverick that NSFAS blindsided accredited private providers by limiting TUT housing options to two residences with a total of 2,000 beds, excluding hundreds of accommodation providers who have housed students since February 2024. 'The situation is very dire. A lot of our accommodation providers are owed monies from last year and NSFAS said they cannot accredit these people because they did not follow a process, yet we got offer letters from NSFAS through solution partners to accommodate students… 'There is electricity, WiFi, transport services, caretakers, maintenance – we can't carry housing students anymore to the next month without payments because now we don't have money. Our properties are getting deregistered by the bank and they're getting repossessed,' said the accommodation provider. NSFAS response NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi told Daily Maverick that the scheme acknowledges the delays but insists that verification is necessary and payments will be made. 'We deeply value the role that accommodation providers play in supporting our students… The verification process is inherently complex, involving multiple checks to ensure compliance with NSFAS and government regulations. 'This process is meant to ensure that NSFAS does not pay ghost students, who are neither funded by NSFAS nor enrolled in any public university or college. The verification process is currently ongoing for all the claims that are currently unpaid and feedback is provided to all landlords through our solution partners,' said Mnisi. Mnisi explained to Daily Maverick that TUT was designed to serve a specific need with a defined capacity, and the decision to limit accommodation funding to 2,000 beds was based on anticipated student demand. 'NSFAS will not make a decision to 'cut off' accommodation without clear communication and agreement with the institution involved, particularly when such accommodation is still necessary. 'The principles of supply and demand are also applicable in this context. If there are any legitimate students from the University of Tshwane who are currently without accommodation, we encourage them to consult the university immediately for further assistance,' said Mnisi. DM
The Herald
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Bay ready to host over-40 interprovincial cricket tournament
Great excitement surrounds the over-40 interprovincial cricket tournament taking place in Nelson Mandela Bay from May 18-24. The annual tournament will be hosted by NMU, Gelvandale Cricket Club and Despatch Cricket Club. EP veterans chairp Nevin Nel says they are ready to showcase the premier competition. 'Veterans cricket is the fastest-growing entity in SA. However, we lack sponsors, and that leads to many promising players withdrawing from the sport,' Nel said. 'Veterans cricket started in 2019 in SA and we started in 2021 in the Eastern Cape. Every year, there is a club championship and interprovincial tournament like the one we are having here and a World Cup. 'There are also over-50 and over-60 sides and we are aspiring for over-70s as well,' Nel said. The pink ball games promise to bring much enjoyment, and Nel urges young and old to come with their families and enjoy the games Roger Moult, veteran cricket SA chair, also hopes the people of the Bay come out in their numbers. 'We have many stars taking part in the tournament like former Springbok rugby player Louis Koen, Lundi Mbane of Border, Dewald van Rooyen of Port Elizabeth Cricket Club [PECC], Ryan Nomdoe of Despatch, and Kelvin Hooke of Heatherbank,' Moult said. SA are the defending World over-40 champions after defeating New Zealand in the final in Cape Town last year. 'After this tournament in the metro, a team will be selected to represent the country in Karachi in December,' Moult said. The Over-50 World Cup was held in Sri Lanka in February, with t he SA team finishing ninth. Being the defending champions in the over-40 division, Moult says they are looking forward to giving a good performance overseas. Eastern Province captain Nathan Jones was part of the SA team that lifted the World Cup in Cape Town last year. Dean Kendall, manager of the EP team, says the player to look out for is Nathaniel Howard of Union Uitenhage. Eight teams will compete in the tournament in two groups. There will be 45-over matches as well as T20s. The provinces taking part are EP, Boland, Border, Dolphins, Easterns, Lions, Titans and Western Province. Arshad Khan, EP veterans vice-chair and tournament director, says it's all systems go, and they are looking forward to a successful event. Moult added that the love of the game drives the players. There is no funding available, and each player must provide their own finances. There are now more or less 2,000 players in the system. The Herald
