Yoliswa Mkhize completed her undergraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and has been doing research at the University of Pretoria (UP) for just over a year.

She chose to conduct her research at UP because of its strong relationships with leading innovative organisations, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where she works.

“This collaboration provides a rich environment for advancing cutting-edge research in precision agriculture,” she says. “Furthermore, the University's commitment to producing well-rounded, creative graduates who are responsible, productive citizens and future leaders aligns with my personal and professional goals. My research, which focuses on offering timely, accurate and affordable solutions, embodies this innovative spirit and aims to make a significant impact in the field of precision agriculture.”

Her research in precision agriculture, specifically in weed detection, contributes to the betterment of the world by promoting more sustainable and efficient farming practices.

“By precisely identifying and targeting weeds, we can reduce the need for broad-spectrum herbicide applications, which decreases environmental pollution and preserves soil health,” Mkhize explains. “This approach not only enhances crop yields and agricultural productivity, but also supports long-term food security and reduces the ecological impact of farming, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system.”

Her research matters because it offers solutions to one of the greatest fears of the foreseeable future: food insecurity and, by extension, unemployment.

Mkhize is part of the precision agriculture research team at the CSIR which conducts cross-group research. Weed detection is one of the group’s primary activities as its work may help farmers to maintain as much of their yields as possible.

“My supervisor at the CSIR, Dr Sabelo Madonsela, and myself planned and cemented the research ideas,” Mkhize says. “I then worked with Professors Moses Cho and Abel Ramoelo with analysis and technical skills.”

A recent highlight of her research was the discovery that weed detection can be mapped using biomass during the crucial early-growth stage of maize. This idea has the potential to be expanded to other crops, thus opening up the opportunity to do more work and possibly offering solutions for a wider range of crops.

Mkhize’s academic role model is Prof Cho because of his “openness to share not only his journey as a researcher but how his life and life lessons have influenced who he is”. She adds that this has enabled him to come up with ideas and solutions in areas of his life like his research, status and reputation.

She hopes to find solutions that have an impact on the lives of farmers, employees and the crop agriculture field at large.

“I want to acquire as much skill as possible in geoinformatics so that I can offer cutting-edge solutions.”

To school learners and undergraduates who are interested in her field, Mkhize says: “Open your mind and stay creative. However, work hard, as this will open up opportunities for you. More and more technological advancements are being accessed, which accelerates the rate of methodology development, so look around to determine where the industry is heading and how you can use this to bring change to agriculture.”

She enjoys writing, doing exercise and listening to music, and is interested in mental health improvement, data analysis and gardening.