Opening the ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, described the event as “a recognition of exceptional scholarship and a career dedicated to expanding the boundaries of knowledge. The title of Professor acknowledges years of sustained research and carries with it the responsibility to lead with intellectual rigour, ethical integrity, and social purpose,” he said, noting UMP’s rapid growth since its establishment in 2013.
Professor Mwabvu's inaugural lecture, Life on Land: Why Soil Macroinvertebrates?, examined the essential role these organisms play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity.
A committed taxonomist with a particular focus on millipedes said his work is guided by a vision of a sustainable and equitable world. His research aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
“This goal calls for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, the responsible management of forests, and the halting of land degradation and biodiversity loss,” he explained.
“Soil macroinvertebrates are the unseen engineers of the natural world. They decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and maintain soil structure and fertility. Without them, terrestrial life as we know it could not persist.”
Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC): Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele.
Professor Mwabvu highlighted that many African terrestrial biomes are biodiversity hotspots, yet face severe threats from human population growth and habitat transformation. These changes particularly affect species with narrow habitat preferences and limited ability to disperse, such as flightless soil macroinvertebrates.
“Taxonomic research on soil macroinvertebrates is limited, despite their vital role in soil processes. They are indicators of environmental change, a food source for animals and humans, and even feature in traditional medicine,” he said.
He stressed that taxonomy, while often seen as painstaking, is fundamental to conservation. “Without accurate classification, our conservation efforts rest on shaky ground.”
Pointing to the fact that roughly 80% of soil species richness is made up of insects, centipedes, and spiders, he urged greater investment in surveying habitats, compiling species checklists, and mapping distributions.
“This is about more than naming species; it’s about understanding the balance of life beneath our feet and its link to life above ground. With habitat loss and a shortage of taxonomists, we must act now to protect this biodiversity.”
He identified habitat destruction, climate change, and harmful farming practices as key threats, and called for stronger partnerships with farmers to promote soil-friendly methods.
“Conservation starts where we live and work – in gardens, farms, and fields. By protecting soil macroinvertebrates, we protect the very basis of life.”
Impact of agriculture and other distabances
Professor Mwabvu also discussed the practical benefits of these organisms, from their role in natural pest control to their use in traditional remedies.
“For centuries, millipedes have been used in African traditional medicine for treating wounds, while spiders help control pests without the need for chemical pesticides.”
He concluded by emphasising the value of combining traditional taxonomic techniques with modern molecular tools. “We need both the microscope and the DNA sequencer to see biodiversity clearly and respond to today’s environmental challenges,” he said, adding that the future of conservation depends on inspiring the next generation of scientists.
We must encourage more young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to enter this field. Diverse perspectives and fresh ideas are vital to safeguarding our natural heritage.”
The lecture underscored UMP’s contribution to taxonomy, and highlighted the impact of agriculture and other disturbances on biodiversity and soil health.
“The story of soil macroinvertebrates connects the visible with the hidden, the past with the future, and people with the planet. If we ignore what lies beneath, we endanger everything that depends on it.”
The lecture examined the role organisms play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity.
About Professor Mwabvu
Professor Tarombera Mwabvu is a taxonomist with a deep interest in soil macroinvertebrates, especially millipedes. He joined UMP in July 2016 as part of the founding staff of the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences.
In 2018, he received a C2 rating from the National Research Foundation (NRF), was promoted to Associate Professor, and named UMP’s Researcher of the Year. In 2024, he retained his C2 rating and was promoted to Professor.
He has collaborated with researchers across South Africa, New Zealand, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, and has served as an external examiner and moderator for national and international universities. He has also reviewed funding applications for bodies including the NRF and the British Ecological Society.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by CL Photography. Copyright @UMP