NRF 25 years: Dr Retang Mokua

This year, the NRF is celebrating a major milestone in our history as we commemorate 25 years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. It gives us great joy to share the accomplishments and impact of the many students and researchers we have supported during various stages of their careers. We thank all participants for submitting their stories and we hope you enjoy reading about their journey with the NRF.

Dr Retang Mokua is a postdoctoral Fellow at the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON). She also received funding from the NRF for her Honours and PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

My career journey began in a somewhat unexpected way, or perhaps I was just unsure of my path and let Fate take its course. However, I always knew I wanted to be a scientist.

Initially, I had planned to study dentistry but couldn’t secure admission due to a late application. As a result, I enrolled in a general BSc program at the University of Pretoria, which later evolved into a BSc in Geology. I completed my BSc in Geology in 2007 and then pursued my Honours degree in 2011 after a two-year break for an internship at the University of Johannesburg. I was fortunate to be one of the six recipients of NRF funding in my Honours class, marking the beginning of my journey with NRF.

Although I enjoyed my career as a geologist, I felt that I hadn’t yet found my true calling. That’s when I applied for a DAAD scholarship to pursue an MSc in hydrogeology and hydrology at the Technical University Darmstadt in Germany in 2014. It was during this time that I began to truly enjoy my career and felt fulfilled.

Subsequently, I decided to pursue a PhD in Hydrology, which I completed in 2022 at the University of the Western Cape, with all of my studies being funded by NRF. I never imagined myself becoming a hydrologist, nor did I even know what it entailed when I was growing up. However, I believe that destiny led me to this path, and I have never been happier.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

I proudly call myself a product of the NRF. I have a special connection with the NRF, which began in 2010. After initially being rejected for Honours funding, I reapplied with the assistance of my lecturer, Prof Bruce Caincross from the University of Johannesburg. As a self-funded student, receiving the NRF bursary was a lifesaver and made my academic year much smoother. Although my MSc was funded by DAAD, I believe that it wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation provided by the NRF.

In 2017, I was selected for a Professional Development Program (PDP) PhD through the South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), marking the continuation of my journey with the NRF. My NRF-funded PhD journey was fulfilling, and I received the support I needed for its success (special thanks to Dr N. Allsopp, Prof D Mazvimavi and Dr Julia Glenday). It enabled me to publish newsletters and scientific articles that aimed to educate people of all ages about hydrology and the importance of water.

Currently, my NRF-funded project allows me to engage with communities and learners to educate them about environmental science, water quality, and river flows. As a young research professional, I am now supervising MSc students, and I hope to use my knowledge and skills to motivate and help them achieve their goals.

What is your research focus on/what is your area of expertise?

My current research is with NRF-SAEON where I am currently stationed at the Ndlovu Node in the Kruger National Park.

My research is focused on evaluating the impact of current changes in vegetation on river flows in the Mariepskop Mountains. I am investigating how the transition from forest plantation to native savanna grassland vegetation has influenced river flows over time and using hydrological modelling to illustrate the effects under various scenarios.

My areas of expertise are water quality, surface and groundwater hydrology, stable isotopes and hydrological modelling to list a few.

Why is your work/studies important?

My work is crucial as it contributes to sustainable water management at both local and regional levels. The hydrological models we create are utilised by water managers to make informed decisions about water resource allocation and to ensure water security. These models also play a vital role in addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources, particularly in areas facing water scarcity and poor water quality.

As part of catchment management, we assess water quality in rivers, springs, and groundwater, especially in headwaters such as mountainous areas, to maintain a healthy ecosystem for communities downstream and aquatic life. Additionally, we study the impact of vegetation cover, particularly commercial forests, on river flows. This is essential for applying proper forest management strategies that support both economic and environmental objectives without the need for forest removal.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

My proudest academic achievements include completing my PhD despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I am proud to have been the only South African to receive the Sivapalan Young Scientist Award in Montpellier (France) in 2022. I was also the only South African awarded the DAAD scholarship in 2014 for my MSc, and the first South African to study at the Institute of Applied Geosciences of the Technische University of Darmstadt in Germany.

So far, I have published three peer-reviewed journal articles from my PhD research and presented at prestigious international conferences across Europe and Africa – all thanks to the support I have received from NRF, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS).

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