Prof. Thulani Makhalanyane Delivers Inaugural Lecture

text: Maambele Khosa photo: Ignus Dreyer
Microbial communities, though invisible to the naked eye, shape the world in profound ways. These communities –composed of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms–are essential to the health of our planet and ourselves. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, microbes are involved in sustaining life, driving ecological processes, and even influencing human health. This was the backdrop against which Prof. Thulani Makhalanyane delivered his thought-provoking inaugural lecture on October 8th, 2024, at Stellenbosch University.
Marking his first year at the university, Prof. Makhalanyane’s lecture, titled 'Unveiling the hidden world within us: What environmental microbiomes can teach us about ourselves,' explored how these microbial communities are active, essential contributors to ecosystems and human health. His research focuses on how environmental changes impact the diversity and functionality of these microbes, which are critical to processes like carbon cycling, nutrient exchange, and even human digestion.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Makhalanyane offered a powerful metaphor: 'The planet is a sick patient, and microbiome scientists are its healers.' This vivid image highlights the urgency of understanding and safeguarding microbial communities to heal the damage caused by human activity. His work on microbial ecosystems, particularly in the Southern Ocean, contributes to addressing pressing global challenges, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 14—Life Below Water.
Through his research, Prof. Thulani Makhalanyane shows that microbiome scientists are indeed the healers of this planet, offering hope and solutions to some of the most critical issues facing our world today. In understanding microbes, we begin to understand ourselves and the delicate balance required to sustain life on Earth.
This news piece was published in the gem, Oct/Nov 2024

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News date: 2024-10-31
Links:
https://issuu.com/the.gem/docs/3rdedition_the_gem_newsletter_a4_v2?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ