Prof Mmaditshaba Rapatsa-Malatji, Associate Professor at UL, devotedly working to advance sustainable aquacultural practices to ensure food security
By Keletso Makgopa | ulpublications@ul.ac.za
With a passion for aquaculture that lights up the halls of the University of Limpopo (UL), Associate Professor Mmaditshaba Rapatsa-Malatji is a shining example in her field
At only 34 years old, she is one of the youngest associate professors at UL, and her work is making waves far beyond the confines of the campus. As an emerging researcher in the School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Prof Rapatsa-Malatji is driven by a mission to revolutionise fish farming into one of the sustainable farming practices within the aquaculture fraternity.
The dedicated academic is one of the people who view aquaculture, or aquafarming, as more than just the science of breeding, raising, and harvesting aquatic organisms like fish, shellfish, and algae. For them, it’s a lifeline for the future of the planet’s food security. Prof Rapatsa-Malatji’s research dives deep into this field, focusing on innovative ways to optimise fish diets. By exploring alternative protein sources, such as insect meals, and natural food sources like periphyton and bioseston, she is continuously contributing towards enhancing fish growth and performance while in a more cost-effective manner.
She explains, with a vision for a greener, more sustainable world, that some of her methods “reduce reliance on commercial feed, lowering costs and improving aquaculture’s environmental sustainability.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the National Research Foundation (NRF) awarded her a Y2 rating, a prestigious recognition that marks her as a promising young researcher on the path to becoming a leading international expert in aquaculture. “The Y2 rating reflects my early-career achievements, quality research outputs, and emerging impact in sustainable aquaculture practices,” she says.
The youthful Professor’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Earning her PhD from UL at just 26, Prof Rapatsa-Malatji faced fierce competition for research funding in aquaculture—a field with limited resources but boundless potential. “With high demand and scarce funding opportunities, it was crucial for me to develop outstanding proposals to succeed,” she recalls.
Amongst funders that funded her work thus far, include NRF Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). “The research funding ensured that I could pursue my work without limitations, allowing innovation to thrive and possibilities to expand beyond the expected scope, advancing the field of aquaculture and preserving food security for the future,” she remarks with gratitude.
Prof Rapatsa-Malatji is an advocate for young researchers, encouraging them to believe in their potential and to boldly pursue their dreams. “Seek mentorship and build sound peer support. This comes in handy when the going gets tough,” she advises, sharing her wisdom as a young female academic navigating the highs and lows of academia. She urges them to attend conferences, publish their research, and network with other academics. “This can lead to collaboration opportunities and recognition. Also, remember that rejections and setbacks are part of the academic journey; use them as learning experiences to improve your work.”
Her enthusiasm for emerging aquaculture trends that prioritise sustainability and efficiency is contagious. “One area that fascinates me is the use of insect meal as an alternative protein source in fish diets, which offers a sustainable and high-quality substitute for traditional fishmeal,” she notes. This passion aligns seamlessly with her research goals of making aquaculture both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
Prof Rapatsa-Malatji’s work distinguishes her as not just an average researcher, but a pioneer. Her exploration of periphyton-based aquaculture, which uses natural periphyton to cut costs and boost sustainability, is just one example of how she is pushing the boundaries of her field. She stays on the cutting edge of the industry by continuously immersing herself in the work of her peers by reading leading journals such as Aquaculture, Aquaculture Nutrition, and Aquaculture Environmental Interactions, and by attending international conferences. “Workshops also help me gain hands-on experience with new methods,” she adds, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and skills.
Prof Rapatsa-Malatji has successfully published her research in highly influential journals and collaborated on a tilapia culture manual that has gained widespread use amongst local farmers, government extension officers, and academics across Southern Africa.