NRF Women's Month 2026: Thembelihle Mbele

Every research journey starts with a question. This Women’s Month, the NRF celebrates women driven by curiosity — researchers whose questions, ideas and determination are expanding our understanding of the world around us. From exploring the unknown to deepening our existing knowledge, curiosity remains at the heart of discovery. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Ms Thembelihle Mbele is a Doctoral candidate in the Plant Sciences Department (Qwaqwa-Plant-Animal Interactions Research Lab) at the University of the Free State. She received funding from the NRF for her Honours and is currently funded for her Doctoral studies. Her research focuses on expanding biological control efforts targeting invasive wattle species in the grassland biome.

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

My relationship with the National Research Foundation (NRF) began in 2020 when I received funding to pursue my Honours degree. This support opened doors to valuable opportunities that have significantly contributed to my academic and professional development.

Completing my Honours degree enabled me to qualify for an internship at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), where an Honours qualification was a minimum requirement. The experience I gained during my internship strengthened my passion for research and motivated me to continue my academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree.

Upon completing my Master’s, I was determined to develop my research skills further through a PhD. Once again, NRF provided funding for my Doctoral studies.

NRF funding has contributed a lot to my growth as a researcher. It has provided me with an opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop advanced research skills, and explore new areas of expertise. I am deeply grateful for the NRF’s continued investment in my academic journey and its role in helping me achieve my career aspirations.

What is your research focus or area of expertise?

My current research project focuses on expanding biological control efforts targeting invasive wattle species (Acacia spp.) in the grassland biome.

South Africa’s grasslands are some of the most biodiverse biomes on the continent, supporting a disproportionate share of the country’s endemic flora while also serving as the primary water catchment zones for major river systems. The encroachment of invasive wattles into these landscapes carries major consequences, including displacing native vegetation, reducing water yields and degrading overall ecological function.

My project employs classical biological control, which involves releasing host-specific natural enemies to suppress invasive plant populations. These agents are specialists: they have co-evolved with the target plants and will not feed on other non-target species. The approach is therefore not only nature-based and self-sustaining, but ecologically safe – unlike traditional control methods that use chemical herbicides.

The outputs of my research will have nationally significant management applications and contribute to the long-term protection of these vulnerable habitats.

What sparked your curiosity about your field of research, and what continues to keep you curious?

My curiosity about my field of research began during my internship at SANBI. The work I did made me develop an interest in understanding how invasive alien plants affect natural ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them. I wanted to understand why some species become invasive, how they spread so successfully and what can be done to manage them sustainably.

As I progressed through my studies, I became particularly interested in biological control as an environmentally friendly and long-term approach to managing invasive plants.

What continues to keep me curious is that there is always more to learn. I am especially motivated by the opportunity to generate knowledge that can contribute to protecting biodiversity, improving ecosystem health and supporting sustainable land management. Knowing that my research has the potential to make a meaningful impact keeps me motivated and eager to continue exploring this field.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about your field of research?

Invasive alien plants are not just an environmental problem but also have significant social and economic impacts. These species can reduce biodiversity, degrade ecosystems, decrease water availability, lower grazing capacity and negatively affect agriculture and livelihoods. Their impacts are often gradual and therefore go unnoticed until they become widespread and costly to manage.

By increasing public awareness of the impacts of invasive alien plants and the role of biological control, we can encourage greater support for sustainable management strategies that help protect biodiversity, natural resources, and ecosystem services for future generations.

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