School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
We have the finest world-renowned water and sanitation professionals at UL
Welcome to the Department of Water and Sanitation at the University of Limpopo. We thank you for your interest in our programme. The University of Limpopo prides itself on being the only institution that offers water and sanitation science degrees within the country.
In the context of global change, water and sanitation issues are increasingly becoming problematic due to the increased pressure exerted on water resources. The purpose of the programme is to produce innovative and solution-oriented scientists who are able to practice in the water and sanitation ctors.
The purpose of the programme is to produce innovative and solution-oriented scientists who are able to practice in the water and sanitation ctors. The graduates will contribute meaningfully through research and development to the body of knowledge of the entire water sector. Water and sanitation science practitioners are in high demand in water and sanitation departments, science councils, municipalities, catchment management agencies, water boards, and consulting companies. The University of Limpopo will produce graduates who are able to address emergent challenges, which will require new paradigms and directions.
We have a team of dedicated staff to train our students to their best level through our new problem-based BSc programme in water and sanitation sciences. The programme is closely aligned with the National Water Resource Strategy-2 from the National Department of Water and Sanitation, which reflects the action plan strategies that set out how the department will achieve the goals and vision of the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP). This qualification is accredited with SACNASP; it will enable the registration of graduates as candidate scientists, and after the required exposure to industry, they will register as professional water resource scientists. The students are afforded opportunities to visit wastewater and treatment plants and commercial laboratories as part of the off-site practicals to get a perspective on industry demands and problems.
Prof Mamasegare Mabel Mphahlele-Makgwane holds a BSc Honours, an MSc and a PhD (both in Chemistry) and has previously worked at Aspen Pharmacare as a Senior Validation Analyst. Notable achievements include representing South Africa at the prestigious sixth HOPE meeting in Tokyo, Japan (2014) and scholarly visits to the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna, Russia. She serves on university committees and as a reviewer for the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Registration forms
Motivation for extended of registration
DownloadApplication for M and D Renewal of Registration
DownloadRequest for M and D Registration Extension
DownloadCPASA for Masters & Doctoral
DownloadMasters and Doctoral Progress Evaluation Report form (for Supervisors)
DownloadMasters and Doctoral Progress Evaluation Report form (For Students)
DownloadApplication for admission for first entering Honours, Masters or Doctoral degrees
DownloadExclusion Appeal Form
DownloadRecognition of subject / module Form
DownloadChange of Qualification Form
DownloadTeaching and Learning Methodology
In line with the Quality Enhancement Project of the CHE, the UL2020 Strategic Plan and the Academic plan, the Teaching and Learning policy of the University of Limpopo as well as the Faculty of Science and Agriculture Teaching and Learning strategy, teaching and learning has been prioritized in order to improve the throughput rate of students. Teaching and learning for the approved BSc (Water and Sanitation Sciences) is organised to follow a combination of Problem based Learning and outcomes-based student-centred approach: learning and assessment are guided and shaped by learning outcomes which are described in terms of higher order knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, in line with SAQA NQF level descriptors. In order to meet the learning outcomes of the programme, as well as meet the Universities mission statements of “relevant high quality higher education and training”, and as “meeting the developmental needs of the students and the communities” the teaching and learning strategy is to align theory with practical and field work at various water service authorities and water boards with relevant collaborators, and ensure that the students have the knowledge, skills and competencies to advance the water and sanitation field of practice.
Students will be taught using traditional approach in the first and second year and be introduced into PBL approach as from second year towards third and fourth year. Due to the large group number of the class, modules will be taught using lectures, discussion, presentation, case-studies, group activities and self-study. Lectures will provide foundation knowledge in the topics, whereas the discussion, case-studies and group activities will allow students to broaden their knowledge through argument and self-study. Practical sessions in water quality, chemistry, microbiology, biology and physics laboratories will provide the students with practical knowledge of the disciplines and enhance their problem-solving, research, oral communication and report-writing skills. Students will also be afforded opportunities to visit wastewater and water treatment plants and commercial laboratories to get a perspective of industry demands and problems.
Philosophy and principles of PBL
Various scholars believe that PBL is all about activating methods and working of the students brains.
Confucius
- I hear and I forget
- I see and I remember
- I do and I understand
Principles of PBL
- Point of reference: WoW (professional tasks, projects…)
- Focus: whole task (integration KSA, real life and challenging)
- Learning by doing (assignments, practical examples…)
- Focus on learning process of student (educational vision, teacher roles…)
Admission Requirements
Selection criteria
Admission to the BSc in Water and Sanitation Science Programme is at the beginning of the year only. There is no intake in June (or second semester).
Categories of applicants considered:
- New and recent matriculates
- Graduates (UL and other universities)
- Transfers applicants
- International applicants
New and recent matriculates
Admission requirement is the National Senior Certificate with minimum total score points of 26, divided as follows in the table below:
Admission requirements:
Subjects |
Minimum Subject Points |
Physical sciences |
5 |
Life sciences |
4 |
Mathematics |
5 |
English |
4 |
Any two additional subjects to contribute to the minimum APS total |
|
APS Total |
26 |
Where applicants to the programme do not meet the admission requirements as stated above, the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the University will be used to consider the applicant for admission, or to provide the applicant with advanced standing within the programme.
Percentage range vs level code:
Level code |
% Range |
7 |
80-100 |
6 |
70-79 |
5 |
60-69 |
4 |
50-59 |
3 |
40-49 |
2 |
30-39 |
1 |
0-29 |
Process of selection
Selection will be done based on the points that the students have obtained in the required subjects. A score of level 4 in two language subjects will be considered throughout i.e. if a student has obtained high percentage (a minimum of level 5) in Life Science, Mathematics and Physical Science will not be penalized for low English mark (level 4).
The order of selection will be as follows:
- Students who have obtained level 7 in all major subjects will be selected first. Those that have obtained level 4 in English will still be considered in this category (and all other categories).
- Students who have obtained level 7 in Life Science and Mathematics and Level 6 in Physical Science and the minimum of 4 in English will be selected as the second category to fill up the spaces.
- The levels will be reduced according to Table 1 until all space have been filled
Selection Order:
Order of selection |
Life Science |
Mathematics |
Physical Science |
English |
First group |
7 |
7 |
7 |
7 (4) |
Second group |
7 |
7 |
6 |
6 (4) |
Third group |
7 |
6 |
5 |
5 (4) |
Fourth group |
6 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Fifth group |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
NB. Where students have the same total score, the ones on the higher end of the range will be considered first e.g. if two students obtained 7 (80-100%) a student with 95% will be selected before a student with 85%.
Graduates from the University of Limpopo and other University
- University of Limpopo graduates and student from other Universities will only be considered.
Process of selection
The Matric rating will not be taken into consideration because of Degree or Diploma Certificate; however, the student must have done the four compulsory required subjects at Matric level which are Life Science, Mathematics, Physical Science and English.
- Average performance per modules will be considered.
- The total points for all the modules will be added and divided by the number of modules that the student did to obtained an average
- A minimum average score of 12 points qualifies the applicant for consideration
- The average of the final year modules should be 60% and above
- Time taken to complete the degree will qualify the applicant for additional points:
- A three or four-year Science degree completed in minimum time = +1 point
- A health science related degree completed in minimum time = +2 points
- Honours degree achieved in minimum time = +1 point
- Master’s degree achieved in minimum time = +1 point
The table below will be used to allocate points to modules passed:
Rating Scores for Graduates applicants:
Average percentage obtained |
Score |
70-74 |
16 |
65-69 |
12 (Qualify to be considered) |
60-64 |
8 |
55-59 |
4 |
<54 |
0 |
Transfer applicants
- These are the students who qualified to do Water and Sanitation Science based on their Matric results and could not admitted in Water and Sanitation Science because the Quota was full.
- The applicant should be a registered student at the University of Limpopo or any other Institution of Higher Learning who wish to change the course to Water and Sanitation Science as a transfer’s student.
- The applicant is expected to fill in the Change of Qualification form which is also be found at the Secretary of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
- The form must be submitted to the Department of Water and Sanitation Secretary accompanied with the following documents:
- Copy of Matric certificate
- Copy of ID
- Motivation letter to explained why changing the qualification
- Latest results of the qualification that the applicant enrolled
- None of the subject which the applicant has done will be accredited if that applicant is been taken to study Water and Sanitation Sciences.
International applicants
Foreign applicants will be subjected to the University international admission policy.
Possible Career Opportunities
Students who study any of the disciplines in the department can choose from a wide range of career options that include Government Departments, Private Firms and Non- Governmental Organizations
- Government Departments: Several governments Departments dealing with issues of agricultural and rural development have career opportunities for agronomists, horticulturists, pasture scientists or soil scientists. These include Departments of Agriculture, Land Affairs, etc. Job titles includes Agronomist, Soil Scientist, Horticulturist, Plant breeders, Crop protectionist, Land Reform Advisors, Project Manager, Value Chain Manager, Extension Officer, Environmental Officer, Seed quality Control Officer etc
- Private Firms: specialising in the Agribusiness Industry also offer opportunities especially for students who specialise in Agribusiness. Farm management positions also typically require Agronomist and the likes
- Non-Governmental Organisations – Job titles include Researchers and Project Assistants or Managers.
- Research Institutions – Those who are interested in research and academia can follow a career in Research in various areas of specialization related to agriculture
- Institutions of higher learning: Universities, Colleges
Research Focus Areas
Agronomy, Agroforestry, Climate Change, Food Security and Climate Smart Agriculture
Departmental Committees
Academic Staff
Name |
Qualifications |
Specialisation |
Contact/s |
Prof MM Mphahlele-Makgwane |
BSc, BSc Hons (UL), MSc (NMU), PhD (UNISA) |
Advanced nanomaterials for treatment of wastewater pollutants via photo-degradation and adsorption processes. Remediation and beneficiation processes of acid mine drainage. |
Office Tel: 015 268 4031 |
Prof MJ Moloto |
BSc, BSc Hons, (UL), MSc (UWC), PhD (UNIZULU) |
Nanotechnology and Inorganic chemistry synthesis; Semiconductor nanoparticles synthesis, applications and surface interactions; Incorporation of nanoparticles in polymer fibers and composite materials; Tests for nanoparticles against microorganisms; Applications include antibacterial, antifungal and water treatment, photocatalysis and wound healing using nanoparticles embedded polymer fibers; Polymer fibers and their composites for wastewater treatment and insect/pests repellents. |
Office Tel: 015 268 4194 Email: makwena.moloto@ul.ac.za |
Prof FI Mathivha |
BESc, MESc, PhD (UNIVEN)
|
Surface water hydrology. Modelling of Hydrological extremes events. Remote sensing and GIS applications in hydrology and water resources management. Climate change impacts on hydrological processes. |
Office Tel: 015 268 3436 Email: fhumulani.mathivha@ul.ac.za |
Dr TN Selepe |
BSc (UL), ND (WITS Tech), B Tech (VUT), BSc Hons, MSc, PhD (UNIZULU) |
Water Microbiology: Green technology on wastewater treatment using microbial of bioflocculants and nano-biopolymer. Wastewater treatment technology. |
Office Tel: 015 268 3987 Email: tlou.selepe@ul.ac.za |
Dr KP Matabola |
BSc, BSc Hons (UL), MSc (UNISA), PhD (UFS) |
Polymer composite. Membranes for water treatment. Membrane treatment demonstration. Electrospinning of polymer nanofibers, polymer-functionalized Nanoparticles |
Office Tel: 015 268 2109 Email: kgabo.matabola@ul.ac.za |
Dr T Ngulube |
BSc Honours Environmental Management, MSc & PhD Environmental Sciences |
Application of composite adsorbents in the treatment of water. Remediation and beneficiation processes of acid mine drainage. |
Office Tel: 015 268 4890 Email: tholiso.ngulube@ul.ac.za |
Mr MH Modipane |
BSc (UL), Hons. Dev. Planning and Man. (UL), M Town Planning (UP), MBA (UL) |
Infrastructure planning, design for the environment. Membrane bioreactor and nitrification in the conventional activated sludge. |
Office Tel: 015 268 3704 Email: matome.modipane@ul.ac.za
|
Ms MG Montwedi |
BSc, BSc Hons, MSc (NWU) |
Water quality research. Wetlands services and functions, one health approach. Determining the relationship between pollutants found in the air and in water Occurrence of antibiotics in drinking water. |
Office Tel: 015 268 4201 Email: masego.montwedi@ul.ac.za |
Ms N Nxusa |
BSc, BSc Hons (UNIZULU), MSc Eng Civil Engineering (UKZN) |
Surface water quality modelling. Potable water treatment; Wastewater modelling. Wastewater reuse and resource recovery.
|
Office Tel: 015 268 2131 Email: nomandla.nxusa@ul.ac.za |
Ms LS Selane |
BESc, MESc (UNIVEN), MBA (UL) |
Evaluating water supply and accessibility to rural communities in Limpopo Province. |
Office Tel: 015 268 482131 Email: lebogang.selane@ul.ac.za |
Support Staff
Initials & Surname |
Qualifications |
Contact/s |
Ms MG Ramonyai |
BSc, BSc Hons Microbiology (UL) |
Office Tel: 015 268 4653 |
Ms KG Mojapelo |
BSc Community Water Services and Sanitation (UL) |
Office Tel: 015 268 3788 |
Mrs KP Makhado |
BSc, BSc Hons, MSc Chemistry (UL) |
Office Tel: 015 268 4653 |
Ms CD Molope |
National Diploma Water Care (TUT) |
Office Tel: 015 268 4890 |
Ms KP Mokase |
National Diploma Management Assistant (Waterberg TVET College) |
Office Tel: 015 268 4890 |
Prof. M.M Mphahlele-Makgwane
Head of Department, Department of Water and Sanitation
DEPARTMENT CONTACTS
Head of Department
Prof. M.M Mphahlele-Makgwane
Tel: 015 268 4031
Email: mabel.mphahlele-makgwane@ul.ac.za
Office No: 0004 – Water and Sanitation Building
Secretary
Ms. MA Mamabolo
Tel: 015 268 4890
Email: portia.mokase@ul.ac.za
Office No: -0001- Water and Sanitation Building