Unisa’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) proudly congratulates Prof Tlou Julius Tjelele, a specialist in rangeland and pasture science in the Department of Animal Health and Agriculture, on the approval of the Bush Encroachment Research Chair.

The chair, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and the Agricultural Research Council, has secured R5 million with additional co-funding through the catalytic niche areas consortium, bringing the total investment to R10 million over a period of three years (2026–2029).

This prestigious research chair forms part of the Cluster of Excellence for Integrated Rangeland Systems, a national initiative aimed at strengthening resilient rangeland ecosystems that support sustainable livestock production and rural livelihoods in South Africa and beyond.

Addressing a critical environmental challenge

Rangelands, which cover approximately 80% of South Africa’s terrestrial area, play a vital role in supporting ecological balance, economic activity and community livelihoods. However, these ecosystems are increasingly under threat due to bush encroachment, a rapid expansion of woody plant species in grassland and savanna systems.

This phenomenon is driven by a combination of factors, including overgrazing, climate change and fire suppression, and has significant consequences for ecosystem functioning. Bush encroachment reduces forage availability, degrades soil quality and limits livestock productivity, placing additional strain on already vulnerable communities, particularly in resource-constrained rural areas.

A multidisciplinary and inclusive research approach

Under Tjelele’s leadership, the Bush Encroachment Research Chair will establish a multidisciplinary research platform that integrates scientific, indigenous and community knowledge systems. The programme will draw on expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including

• rangeland science
• geographical information systems and remote sensing
• animal nutrition, breeding and genetics
• soil science
• sociology and agricultural economics
• data science and modelling

Key research focus areas will include

• mapping and monitoring the rate and extent of woody plant encroachment.
• investigating ecological and socio-economic drivers.
• assessing impacts on forage production and grazing capacity.
• developing context-specific management and restoration strategies.
• advancing policy-relevant research and innovation.
• integrating indigenous knowledge and community-based approaches.
• leveraging big data, remote sensing, and modelling technologies.

Beyond research, the chair will play a critical role in capacity building and human capital development, supporting the training of honours, master’s and doctoral students (a total of 20), as well as six postdoctoral fellows. It will also foster research networks and strengthen collaboration across institutions and sectors, including, but not limited to local universities, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (both provincially and nationally), the University of Namibia, the National Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Botswana, the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the University of Reading and the North Dakota State University.

A strategic milestone for CAES and Unisa

Reflecting on this achievement, Tjelele notes: "This programme provides a strategic opportunity to advance high-quality research in rangeland science at a national scale, addressing key priorities aligned with Unisa’s catalytic niche areas, the National Development Plan, Africa Agenda 2063, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals." He adds: "It will further contribute to human capital development and strengthen thought leadership that is fit for purpose in rangeland ecology and management."

The establishment of the Bush Encroachment Research Chair marks a significant milestone for CAES, reinforcing its commitment to research excellence, sustainability, and societal impact.

* By Gugu Masinga, Marketing and Communications Specialist, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences