Featured Research: People & Society

Talking Point

South Africa and international financial institutions: a liaison group could recalibrate relations

Since the onset of the COVID pandemic in 2020, South Africa has borrowed a total of about US$7 billion (about R106 billion). The money has come from the International Monetary Fund, the New Development Bank, the African Development Bank, and the World Bank.

Talking Point

Africa is beset with coups and conflicts: how the trend can be reversed

On the evening of 15 February 2022, reports emerged that key police and military officials in Djibouti were put under house arrest, reportedly amid fears of a coup d’état. This was the latest in the string of successful and attempted coups in Africa – from Mali to Madagascar and Guinea to the Central African Republic (CAR).

Talking Point

What South Africa has learnt about COVID and what the next steps could be

After around two years of hyper vigilance and restrictions, pandemic fatigue is beginning to set in. Globally, there are waves of protests against public health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including vaccination. At the same time, countries are easing restrictions or lifting them all together. Does this spell the end of the COVID-19 pandemic?

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University of Pretoria-led study reveals COVID-19 Delta variants transmitted from humans to animals

A team of UP scientists has published the only study from Africa that entailed genomic One Health investigations to reveal that Delta variants of COVID-19 were transmitted from humans to animals.

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Research on genetic health of forest fig trees

Ficus trees are an essential source of food in forests because they produce fruit year-round. However, South African forests have been fragmented into tiny pieces since before the ice ages.

Talking Point

Planned seismic survey by Shell has kicked up a storm in South Africa. Here’s an explainer

The planned seismic survey off South Africa’s Wild Coast by energy company Shell has unleashed public outrage in the country and beyond. The survey’s aim is to search for oil and gas deposits. Environmental and human rights organisations and fishing communities are trying to block the move in court.