w UNIZULU strengthens ties with KZN-EDTEA – University Of Zululand

| A node for African thought

UNIZULU strengthens ties with KZN-EDTEA

The Department of Agriculture at the university of Zululand hosted  a Site Visit  with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (KZN-EDTEA)  on the  progress update for a UNIZULU Technology Transfer Fund Project. This project is led by   Prof G.E. Zharare a lecturer and a Plant scientist. The other members involved in the project are Thulani Nxumalo  (Agronomist and Agricultural Advisor stationed in Jozini), George Wilsenach  a lecturer and Agribusiness specialist in the department of Agriculture  in UNIZULU. This venture is on commercialization of vegetable oils from fruits of two similar plants, Strychnos madagascariensis (uMkwakwa) and Strychnos pungens. The project received funds from the Department of economic development as seed money.

Prof Bryon Brown, the Director in the Research office at UNIZULU was in attendance as well as  the deputy dean for Faculty of Science , Agriculture and Engineering Prof Inocent  Moyo and  Bonisiwe Ndlovu the officer for IP, Innovation & Funding.

 Prof Zharare highlighted the  background of the project, and the progress that has been achieved thus far. The background included the possible methods of oil extraction from the seed coat that surrounds the seeds and the problems  that need to be solved to facilitate the commercialization of oil extraction from the two plants.

The methods of extraction involve drying the seeds from which the skin will be separated from the seeds and  oil extracted from the seeds by pressing using a screw press or by solvent methods. Alternatively, the skin it scraped off from wet seeds into  a puree which is then dried off and oil is extracted from the dried puree by solvent or by pressing.

Solvent extraction pathway

Since the oil has not been extracted before, Prof Zharare and his team are working on optimising the extraction protocols for the oils, and on potential uses of the oils.  Mangosuthu University of Technology’s TIA technology station is collaborating with the team on assessing the uses of the soils.

The team is also working on establishing vegetative propagation of the plants to facilitate establishment of plantations of plants with the desirable traits for oil production.

Prof Zhara articulated that the project is to benefit the local community in

uMkhanyakude district where there is an abundance of Strychnos madagascariensis. “The intention is to eventually set up an oil extraction plant in uMkhanyakude district and to market the oil or products from the oil on benefit sharing basis whereby the locals will act as harvesters of the fruits  or out growers of the plants. ”Prof Zharare said,

The meeting come to an end   with a visit to the lab where experiments are being conducted to optimize the protocols  for pre-extraction and extraction processes.

  • Precious Shamase

46 thoughts on “UNIZULU strengthens ties with KZN-EDTEA”

  1. Thanks for your interesting information. Explore the world of Sprunki ,a music creation game inspired by Incredibox. Download the game, meet characters, join the community, and create amazing music mixes. Discover fanart, lore, and more!

  2. Using available items such as floating logs to cross the river is an important part of the game crossy road, as it helps players find the safest way to continue their journey.

  3. Players control a character who automatically sprints forward and must hop over obstacles, slide under barriers, and use other mechanics to avoid crashes in challenging locations. foodle

  4. Play online games for free In RymGames. On site you can play interesting and exciting games, racing games, shooting games, games for girls, games for two, old games. Have fun!

  5. It’s great to see University of Zululand strengthening ties with KZN EDTEA. If you’re looking for a fun way to unwind after a busy day, check out FNAF.im for some exciting games to enjoy!

  6. Thank you for sharing this thought-provoking piece! Your perspective is refreshingly unique, and you’ve managed to present complex ideas in an accessible way without oversimplifying. I particularly appreciated the examples you used to illustrate your points – they really helped solidify the concepts. This article has genuinely shifted my understanding of the topic and given me much to reflect on. Looking forward to reading more of your insightful work in the future

  7. I appreciate the author for such useful content. Here are some sites that I think are good and I want to share them.
    Driven Mad
    Visit drivenmad.org and experience an exciting survival adventure game!
    Ragdoll Hit
    ragdoll-hit.net brings you unparalleled physics-based fun!
    Level Devil
    Challenge yourself at http://www.level-devil.org! This extremely difficult platform game will test your patience and skills.
    Monkey Mart
    monkey-mart.cc is a cute and fun management simulation game!
    Blocked Blast
    http://www.blockedblast.com offers an addictive puzzle-solving experience!
    Sprunkin
    http://www.sprunkin.org will take you into a fantasy world full of pumpkin monsters!
    Poly Track
    http://www.poly-track.cc is a visually stunning racing game!
    My Perfect Hotel
    http://www.myperfecthotel.me lets you become a hotel management master!
    Slice Master
    http://www.slice-master.online provides the satisfaction of precise cutting!
    Retro Bowl College
    http://www.retro-bowlcollege.com takes you back to the golden age of American football!

    Rune Slayer
    http://www.runeslayer.co is an immersive open-world RPG experience on Roblox where players forge alliances and strengthen their characters to survive in a dangerous wilderness.

  8. Chinese Zodiac:https://www.chinesenewyear.news/en/zodiac/zodiac/
    CPF Generator:https://cpfgenerator.org/
    Online Play Sprunki Games:https://sprunskigames.com/
    Online Fiddlebops Games:https://www.fiddlebops.games/
    Online Incredibox Banana:https://www.incredibox-banana.com/

  9. 🎮 Discovered this charming animal and food themed matching game at onetpuzzle! It feels so rewarding to connect the tiles and clear the board. Works smoothly on both mobile phones and computers. Perfect for quick gaming sessions when you need a break. https://onetpuzzle.org

  10. The search feature on MapQuest is really fast. Whether it’s looking up a specific address or finding nearby restaurants or gas stations, everything loads quickly.

  11. In the context of professional development, tools like the Grade Calculator can be instrumental. They assist individuals in assessing their performance and identifying areas for improvement, thereby facilitating continuous growth in dynamic work environments.

  12. Basket Random Unblocked 76 is an entertaining basketball game featuring quirky physics and unpredictable gameplay that makes each match uniquely fun. With its accessible controls and amusing animations, it’s perfect for quick gaming sessions during breaks or whenever you need a moment of entertainment. Check out basket random unblocked 76 to start playing this addictive basketball simulation right away!

  13. This project sounds fascinating! The idea of turning fruits from Strychnos plants into vegetable oils is really unique. I’m curious, how do they plan to make the extraction process efficient? Have they run into any unexpected challenges with these plants?

  14. This project sounds fascinating! The idea of turning fruits from Strychnos plants into vegetable oils is really unique. I’m curious, how do they plan to make the extraction process efficient? And what kind of challenges do you think they’ll face in getting these oils to market?

  15. Thank you for your interest in the ebeam machine. Your feedback highlights the efficiency and precision of this innovative electron beam technology. Users have noted its remarkable ability to enhance productivity while ensuring superior quality in various applications. Additionally, the ebeam machine’s user-friendly interface facilitates seamless operation, making it an asset in any industrial setting. We appreciate your input and are delighted to hear about your positive experience, as it reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced solutions in the world of electron beam equipment. If you have any further suggestions or questions, please feel free to reach out.

  16. Thank you for your interest in our urine test strip. These strips are an invaluable tool for quick and accurate home testing of various health parameters. Utilizing advanced reagents, they provide reliable results for parameters such as pH, protein, glucose, and ketones with just a simple dip. The color chart included allows for easy interpretation of results. Many users appreciate the convenience and precision these strips offer, making it effortless to monitor their health. Overall, our urine test strips are highly effective for proactive health management, delivering professional-grade insights from the comfort of your home.

  17. The hollow fiber spinning machine is an impressive piece of equipment that significantly enhances the production efficiency of hollow fibers. Its advanced technology allows for uniform spinning, resulting in high-quality fibers with excellent durability and performance characteristics. The machine is easy to operate, featuring user-friendly controls that streamline the spinning process. Additionally, its compact design saves valuable floor space, making it ideal for both large-scale and smaller production settings. Overall, this machine is a valuable investment for manufacturers seeking to improve their output and maintain high standards in fiber quality.

  18. The lateral flow strip cutter is an essential tool for any laboratory looking to streamline the preparation of diagnostic tests. Its precise cutting capabilities ensure uniform strips, which is crucial for maintaining consistent test results. Overall, this cutter significantly enhances productivity and accuracy in lateral flow assay workflows.

  19. The lateral flow cassette is an efficient and user-friendly device for rapid diagnostic testing. Its design allows for quick and reliable results, making it an invaluable tool in both clinical and home settings. The clear visual indicators minimize the risk of misinterpretation, enabling users to easily read the results. The cassette requires minimal training, which makes it accessible for a wide range of users. Overall, its accuracy and convenience significantly enhance the testing experience, promoting timely decision-making in various health-related scenarios. I highly recommend the lateral flow cassette for anyone in need of fast and reliable testing solutions.

  20. The https://bloodplasmaseparator.com/ is an essential tool for any laboratory or medical facility focused on blood analysis and component separation. Its advanced technology efficiently separates plasma from blood samples with minimal hemolysis, ensuring high-quality results for further testing. User-friendly and designed for precision, the separator operates smoothly, providing reproducible outcomes and saving valuable time in the lab. I was particularly impressed with its compact design and ease of maintenance, making it a reliable addition to our equipment. Overall, this blood plasma separator delivers excellent performance and meets the rigorous demands of our clinical applications.

  21. lateral flow dispenser

    The lateral flow dispenser is an essential tool for anyone requiring accurate and efficient testing. Designed for ease of use, it ensures consistent and precise sample application, minimizing the risk of contamination. Its ergonomic design allows for comfortable handling, making it suitable for both laboratory and field settings. The dispenser effectively streamlines the testing process, increasing throughput while maintaining reliability. The calibration feature guarantees accurate results, which is crucial for diagnostics. Overall, the lateral flow dispenser stands out as a professional-grade solution for rapid testing applications, delivering quality and efficiency in every use.

  22. So, let’s break this down: a bunch of smart folks at UNIZULU are trying to figure out how to extract oil from fruits that sound like they belong in a wizarding world. And they’re not just playing with plants for fun, they want to actually help the locals—kudos for that! Reminds me to check out Dirs.cc for some nifty tools that can help with various projects like that. Anyway, best of luck to the team! Dirs.cc

  23. This is great news! Seeing UNIZULU partner with KZN-EDTEA on this innovative project is really inspiring. Sounds like they’re seriously exploring the potential of local plants. I wonder if they will use a special Buzz Cut filter to show the final products!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *