A C2-rated researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Professor Mwabvu specializes in the taxonomy, faunistics, and phylogenetics of flightless soil macroinvertebrates, as well as their response to habitat transformation.
“Being NRF rated is a recognition of the work that I have done with my research group and collaborators and emphasizes the point that success can only be achieved when people work together. As such, getting an NRF rating is always a proud moment for all, including the institution that offers material and financial support to researchers. It also means that I can mentor willing younger academics at UMP and contribute to the growth of the brand.”
Professor Mwabvu earned his NRF rating based on his research on the taxonomy and distribution of four giant millipedes found in Africa and the Middle East. His research methods included both morphological and molecular taxonomic techniques, which allowed him to accurately distinguish between different species and identify possible evolutionary relationships among them.
“I have described several new species of millipedes and recorded new distributions. The research demonstrated that biological diversity is poorly known and that more taxonomic research is required to document unknown diversity.”
Professor Mwabvu's research has expanded significantly in recent years, moving beyond his initial focus on millipede taxonomy and distribution to encompass a wider range of soil organisms. Over the past five years, he has conducted extensive research into the diversity of ants, insects, and spiders in various vegetation types, with a particular emphasis on those impacted by anthropogenic activities.
“Most of this work involved postgraduate students and collaborators from more than six research and higher education research institutions in South Africa, Africa, and the Middle East.”
Professor Mwabvu In the field conducting research.
Besides recording new distribution patterns of species, one of their key findings has been that some disturbed habitats have a greater number of species of soil arthropods than undisturbed habitats.
“These findings go against the popular belief that all disturbances reduce biological diversity. Thus, our findings question the traditional approaches to the conservation of biodiversity, which pushes for the exclusion of humans in conservation areas.
Our finding further demonstrated that although soil arthropods are indicators of habitat disturbance, species respond differently to these disturbances. These findings are particularly important because they have implications for biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.”
Academic achievements
Professor Mwabvu has been in academia for 28 years. His formative years were at the University of Zimbabwe where he facilitated learning in zoology in the BSc and Honours programmes.
He moved to Midlands State University and later to Africa University before joining the University of KwaZulu-Natal, and finally joined UMP in 2016 as a Senior Lecturer in Biology.
His extensive research in this area has resulted in several highly cited publications, attesting to the importance and impact of his work. Furthermore, his research has facilitated the establishment of fruitful collaborations with scientists from across Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
“I have sat on and chaired some committees at School, Faculty, and Institutional level. I have also set up a community engagement group with colleagues in our faculty and sourced material donations for schools around UMP as part of our engagement efforts. During this seven-year journey at UMP, my research has increased my output of postgraduate students and research papers.”
Growing with UMP
Professor Mwabvu holds a strong belief that clear codes of conduct for both employees and leaders are crucial in ensuring workplace ethics and leadership, particularly in diverse settings. He advocates for the protection of the dignity and rights of all individuals and emphasizes the importance of making fair and transparent decisions, thereby creating a positive and inclusive workplace environment.
“My view is that it is the leadership that sets the tone for ethical conduct and respect for the values in the institution. Thus, fairness, accountability and consistency should be synonymous with ethical leadership.”
He describes his journey at UMP as an exciting one, marked by the institution's significant growth in academic programmes and student enrolment. He feels privileged to have witnessed and been a part of this transformation, which has been an amazing experience.
“I have contributed in a small way towards some of these positive changes and learned a lot along the way by assuming responsibilities in the academic units.”
Professor Mwabvu says the most exciting part of his journey at UMP has been the introduction of the BSc General programme in 2019, where he was tasked with leading the programme.
“I also cherish the opportunity that I had to study towards and complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education for Academic Developers. These achievements would not be possible without the support from the institution, colleagues, postgraduate students, mentees, and interns,” he says.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.