Research
Ten-year study shows South African school reading literacy is slow to improve
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2016 report paints a concerning picture of primary school-level reading literacy in South Africa, with no significant progress made since the last report in 2011...
Herding for Health
The Herding for Health Project initiated by the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria is a One Health, pro-poor, rural development project which aims to respond to pressing challenges at the livestock/wildlife interface.
Unravelling the mysteries of meerkat behaviour
Researchers at the University of Pretoria form part of the Kalahari Meerkat Project in the Northern Cape's Kuruman River Reserve, which has studied groups of wild meerkats for over 20 years.
UP launches new Centre for mother and child health
After 20 years of contributing in the lives of pregnant women, newborn babies and infants; the South African Medical Research Council's (MRC’s) Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Unit will finally become a fully fledged...
A lifelong quest to reduce infant deaths
For most doctors in training, obstetrics is hectic and too busy, but for Dr Felicia Molokoane it is a calling. Her bold career choice has led to her being part of groundbreaking research on the effects of HIV treatment on the growth of babies.
Locally made low-cost device reduces stillbirths by half
Researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) have just finished testing a device that could prevent thousands of still births every year. The Umbiflow is a low-cost, low-tech device that detects problems with pregnancies...
Kangaroo Mother Care: UP’s low-tech solution is saving premature babies
Premature babies all over Africa and in developing countries around the world have a greater chance of survival today thanks to the work of University of Pretoria (UP) researchers. Drs Anne-Marie Bergh...
UP trains healthcare professionals to reduce maternal deaths
The newly launched Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care at the University of Pretoria (UP) has access to a treasure trove of expertise and data gathered over the last two decades.
From audits to action: UP data is saving moms and babies
UP researchers have been working with the South African government to collect data on mother, newborn and child deaths across the country since 1997. Now all this data is being put to good use as the Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and...
How giraffes keep it cool
The African landscape would be incomplete without the majestic silhouette of the giraffe to adorn the savannah sunset tableau. Researchers at the Centre for Veterinary Wildlife Studies at the University of Pretoria...
Indigenous bacteria gives maize crops a helping hand
A local bacteria that grows around plant roots could help SA farmers save money by improving maize yields and reducing crop water stress.
Decolonising archaeology at UP
What does decolonising archaeology mean? Professor Innocent Pikirayi and Dr Ndukuyakhe Ndlovu from the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Pretoria have set out to answer this question.
Painting a new picture of South African rock art
Archaeology researchers at the University of Pretoria are finding new ways to interpret the ancient rock art found in overhangs and on rock walls around South Africa.
Tapping ancient water for the present
Researchers at UP’s Department of Anthropology and Archaeology are piecing together how communities living in the 11th-16th century CE city of Great Zimbabwe sourced and managed their water resources.
UP researcher traces new maps of ancient networks
Mapping trade networks in the Mapungubwe state is revealing complex political and social structures and changing researchers’ ideas of how the Great Kingdom was structured and operated.
On the edges of Mapungubwe’s influence
New research and excavations in the Limpopo Valley are providing an unprecedented understanding of the 13th century Mapungubwe state and turning Western ideas about political structures in Africa on their heads along the way.
Past and present stories of Africa
New techniques, new attitudes and new perspectives mean that the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Pretoria is blazing a new trail and setting the standard for how archaeology should be done in southern Africa.
Complying with international safety standards for pesticides will make our fresh produce safer
The food safety research team at the DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security has proposed changes to current pesticide control that would help bring the standard of local fresh produce to the same level of compliance as exported fresh produce.
Fresh produce from informal traders: Is it safe to eat?
Unlike restaurants or conference venues that must be formally licensed to prepare and serve food, catering for local church weddings or funerals does not need to comply with specific health and safety standards.
Managing food losses from farm to table
When consumers see fresh produce on the market shelf or on their plate, they often have very little idea of the losses incurred on the journey from the farm.