Nust researcher hailed

Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter
PARLIAMENTARIANS have heaped praises on National University of Science and Technology (Nust) researcher Buhle Francis for her findings on the effects of the poisonous Opuntia Fulgida or Cactus Rosea plant that has invaded Matabeleland South. The parliamentarians praised Francis while debating a motion by Zanu-PF legislator Cde Annastancia Ndhlovu on the need for the government to release $2,5 million for the eradication of the plant.

Francis, a research fellow and lecturer at the Nust Institute for Developmental Studies also conducted an environmental workshop for members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Environment, Water, Tourism and Hospitality Industry to educate them further on the deadly plant.

Mutasa Central legislator (MDC-T) Trevor Saruwaka said the research by Francis helped them understand the deadly plant.

“There was a researcher who made it possible for all of us to be able to see the plant in picture and when people saw the pictures, I saw the connection with the problem for those people who are facing this plant on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

“So I would like to thank Buhle Francis who is a lecturer at Nust for taking the initiative to research and document the information for us to be able to understand this plant.”

MDC legislator Jasmine Toffa said the research findings made them understand the plant’s origins in Mexico.

“Mr Speaker Sir, I would also like to join Hon Saruwaka in congratulating and giving credit to Buhle Francis who did this research from the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo. She did it with minimal resources,” Toffa said.

“She was not funded by anyone.  She used to go out to Gwanda in her car, it is a Datsun, it is an old car. Honestly, she went out there with little resources.”

He added: “Mr Speaker Sir, Buhle Francis presented this presentation in South Africa at a workshop or seminar and her work was acknowledged as she was given an award for being the best environmental scientist in the whole of Africa.

“That is our very own and a woman for that matter and we need to acknowledge, salute and give her credit.”

Cde Ndhlovu who chairs the committee said the plant, an alien invasive species, had colonised about 3,000 hectares across six districts namely Beitbridge, Gwanda, Insiza, Bulilima, Mangwe and Matobo.

She said the worst affected districts, Gwanda and Beitbridge have seen the total area of pasture and arable land being reduced by 0,1 percent, equivalent to 2,355 hectares.

Cde Ndhlovu said the weed has invaded 27 wards and severely affected the livelihoods of the 1,500 households in 50 villages.

This was after the Environmental Management Agency had appeared before the committee last month and said that $2,5 million was needed to eradicate the plant.

Francis won the best research paper accolade for her research during the 8th Annual Aisa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) conference held at the University of Johannesburg in February.