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Full life cycle cultivation of three local kelp species (Ecklonia maxima, Laminaria pallida and Macrocystis pyrifera) in an aquaculture setting in Small Bay of Saldanha Bay, South Africa
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2026) Botes, Lizeth; Schalkwyk, Musadiq; Moosa, Waqeefah
Seaweed farming is a growing global industry with significant potential for environmental and economic benefits. While East and Southeast Asian countries dominate current production, interest and investment in kelp farming are expanding to other regions, including Africa. In South Africa limited information is available on the cultivation potential of the three local west coast kelp species Ecklonia maxima, Laminaria pallida and Macrocystis pyrifera. This study was conducted as part of the South African Kelp Farming Project (SA KFP) and is the first full life cycle cultivation of the three species in an aquaculture setting over the same 8-month period in Africa. All three kelp species were grown in the hatchery/nursery to ~ 1 cm in 49 days (at 15 ℃, a 16 h L:8 h D photoperiod, GeO2 in the first two weeks, half strength PES from the second week onward, spore concentration of 2000 spores mL−1 for E. maxima and L. pallida, and 5000 spores mL−1 for M. pyrifera). To overcome sedimentation and biofouling pressure at the grow-out site, an at-sea weaning step was introduced where juvenile sporophytes were grown for ~ 2 weeks to 2.0–2.5 cm. Results of the 6-month grow-out period demonstrated that all three species can be cultivated in an aquaculture setting but that a good understanding of the spatiotemporal variations in environmental and biological factors at any particular site is critical before full-scale operations are attempted. The methodologies used in this study provide a foundation from which a kelp farming industry in South Africa could potentially develop and improve on.
Comparison between model global AWaRe-based quality indicators and quality indicators developed to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing in primary healthcare in South Africa
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026) Chigome, Audrey K.; Cook, Aislinn; Heath, Annie; Djukic, Filip; Johnson, Yasmina
Background/objectives – Bacterial antimicrobial resistance represents a significant global public health challenge. Researchers from City St Georges, University of London, UK, developed global model sets of quality indicators, based on WHO AWaRe guidance, to improve future primary healthcare (PHC) prescribing. These were subsequently adapted to the PHC context in South Africa as an exemplar for developing countries. The study aimed to compare nationally adapted indicators in South Africa with global model indicators to improve future prescribing. Methods – Comparative analysis of the two sets of quality indicators, developed using the same Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) Appropriateness Method (RAM). For the 62 overlapping indicators rated in the second round of the RAM for both sets, the median appropriateness and feasibility ratings, and the level of consensus, were compared. The contextual appropriateness, feasibility, and adaptation of the indicators across public PHC facilities in South Africa were assessed to identify factors that could affect implementation. Results – Of the 62 overlapping indicators, only six (9.7%) were rephrased for the South African RAM to reflect local guidance. Fifty nine (95.2%) indicators were rated appropriate for the global RAM while all indicators (100%) were rated appropriate for South Africa. For the global RAM, 23 (37.1%) indicators were rated feasible while 60 (96.8%) indicators were rated feasible for South Africa. Seven (11.3%) indicators were rated both appropriate with agreement and feasible with agreement for the global RAM. Forty six (74.2%) indicators were rated both appropriate with agreement and feasible with agreement by the South African panelists, including seven indicators rated both appropriate and feasible by the global panel. The South African indicators adapted from the global set covered seven categories: respiratory tract infections, lower urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, diarrhea and enteric fever, bacterial eye infections, and dental infections, as well as general indicators. Conclusions – The South African indicators for public PHCs facilities, adapted from the model global set, show that local adaptation is imperative to reflect differences in national treatment guidelines between countries, prescribing cultures, epidemiology and infectious disease burden. Ongoing barriers include a reliance on paper-based records and poor-quality routine healthcare data.
Can hydroponic fodder be used to fill the seasonal fodder gap for pastoral livestock in Namaqualand, South Africa?
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026) Kekaya, Imanathi; Samuels, Igshaan; Cupido, Clement; Müller, Francuois
Livestock production in Namaqualand’s semi-arid rangelands is constrained by seasonal fluctuations in forage quality and water scarcity. This study evaluates (1) the seasonal nutrient changes of available natural veld forages and their capacity to sustain livestock across different rainfall regions, and (2) the potential of hydroponically grown barley fodder as a supplemental feed resource. Forage samples from Steinkopf communal rangelands revealed significant (p < 0.05) seasonal decline in crude protein concentration (13.9% to 5.8%) from the wet season to the dry season, with energy concentrations insufficient for livestock requirements. Concurrently, hydroponic trials using four water sources (borehole, municipal, distilled, and nutrient solution) demonstrated that barley fodder produced a high protein content (14.2%–18.8%) but with a limited energy value. While hydroponic fodder cannot fully replace natural forage, it effectively mitigates dry-season protein deficiencies. Strategic integration of hydroponics with mineral supplementation is recommended to enhance livestock productivity, especially in water-limited agropastoral systems.
Grazing management systems across biomes and land tenure in South Africa
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2026) Ntombela, Khululiwe Primrose; Samuels, Igshaan; Finca, Andiswa; Letsoalo, Ngoako Lucas
Grazing management in South Africa often distinguishes between rotational and continuous grazing. However, due to the country’s complexity and diversity of rangelands and land tenure, there is a need for a detailed and nuanced understanding of grazing management practices beyond these dualistic descriptions. This research aimed to describe grazing management practices of livestock farmers with different land tenure in five South African biomes. A case study approach with descriptive analysis was used for the study. A total of 66 interview responses were summarised from the Grassland, Savanna, Nama-Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Albany Thicket biomes. Twelve grazing management systems were identified, with herding, the 3-camp rotation and group camp approach as the main implemented systems across biomes and land tenure. These grazing management systems were associated with increased rangeland resting periods, reduced selective grazing and livestock protection. Intensive and technological grazing systems were practised on private farms, while traditional grazing systems were mainly practised on land reform and communal lands. The study recommends that South African agricultural policies and programme development need to take into consideration the complexity of rangelands, land tenure and grazing management systems in order to improve the sustainability of agricultural production in the country
Liturgical cosmologies of Alexander Schmemann and Gordon W. Lathrop: a comparison
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) du Plooy, Andre Jean; Engdahl, Hans
Gordon Lathrop (a Lutheran theologian) and Alexander Schmemann (an Eastern Orthodox theologian) are influential scholars in the field of liturgical theology. Schmemann does not refer to the concept of liturgical cosmology in any of his work. However, in exploring liturgical cosmology, they both have a thorough understanding of the relationship between worship and the cosmos. Although they share some common ground, their approaches and emphases differ significantly.