The DSI-NRF CIMERA team recently travelled to the Limpopo Province, the northernmost part of South Africa. It is well known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and significant mining industry.

On both days of the stakeholder engagement, visits began with a warm reception from the geology department staff and students, setting a welcoming tone for the visit. The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) team members Ms Mandisa Cele and Ms Malegotla Fing joined us, and the morning sessions featured presentations of the University’s Geology department’s overview. Prof Nikki Wagner, Director of DSI-NRF CIMERA, gave an update on the group’s growth and future plans.

DSI-NRF CIMERA-funded students from both universities presented their research. The highlight of the stakeholder engagement visit was the public lecture by Prof Susan Webb from the University of Witwatersrand on “Modelling and drilling the largest magma chamber on earth: Integrating geophysical and drilling data for a better understanding of Bushveld Complex geometry,” which sparked interest among the students and may have even inspired some geology students to explore geophysics.

The university stakeholder engagement visits concluded with a tour of the department’s facilities and equipment, providing valuable insights into the department’s research capabilities.