Research technician at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, Dr Matabaro Ziganira, earned a doctorate in Biological Sciences after investigating the past and present distribution of freshwater molluscs in KwaZulu-Natal.
Ziganira’s research addresses knowledge gaps in freshwater mollusca and contributes to the conservation efforts to monitor threatened freshwater habitats.
Titled: ‘Assessment of Past and Present Distribution of Freshwater Molluscs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, particularly at River Eco-Status Monitoring Programme Sites’, Ziganira’s thesis analysed 124 years of historical data alongside recent surveys, providing foundational and updated information to support biodiversity conservation policy and decision-making, including for threatened taxa and invasive species.
The River Eco-Status Monitoring Programme is a South African national initiative managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation to assess and track the ecological health of the country’s river ecosystems.
“In South Africa, nearly 71% of freshwater ecosystems are considered endangered or critically endangered because of human activities,” said Ziganira. “These ecosystems are very important for our survival and provide critical services to humanity.”
His findings align with global observations of biodiversity decline, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, driven by climate change and human activities including river pollution, disconnection and sand mining. He stressed the need for improved biomonitoring programmes and greater financial support for natural history museums.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and now living and working in Pietermaritzburg, Ziganira was drawn to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) by its proximity and vision to be the ‘Premier University of African Scholarship’. The friendliness and understanding of staff made the University feel like home, and he also completed his undergraduate and master’s studies at the Institution.
Inspired by Africa’s natural wonders since childhood, Ziganira’s curiosity about the natural world led him to study Ecological Sciences, a field that applies knowledge of nature to issues affecting society.
More than a decade after completing his master’s degree, he returned to academia while balancing full-time work and being a father of three. He is proud to have completed his PhD within three years, with two articles already published in peer-reviewed international journals, two more in progress and presentations at one international and five local conferences.
Ziganira overcame challenges through prayer, emotional release, physical exercise and support from friends and family. He remained focused on his study plan while making time for his family, gardening, reading, charity work and exercise.
“With more than 16 years of professional work experience in the industry, completing my PhD study goes beyond proving a point,” said Ziganira. “It’s a statement that ‘when talent does not work hard for you, your hard work does’.”
Ziganira thanked God and Jesus Christ, his wife, Mrs Ronnie Ziganira, their sons Imani, Baraka, and Kobinali, their extended family, and his supervisors, Professor Colleen Downs, Dr Matthew Burnett and Dr Igor Muratov.
He also thanked the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, UKZN, the National Research Foundation and the Ford Wildlife Foundation for supporting his research.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini