- Dr, Lecturer and researcher, University of Mpumalanga
Dr Ndhlovu is a Lecturer in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences. He has developed a strong and growing research profile through scholarly publications, competitive research funding, postgraduate supervision, international academic engagement, and recognition through an NRF Y2 Rating. His research integrates Indigenous Knowledge with scientific approaches to investigate medicinal plants, their therapeutic and socioeconomic potential, and the conservation and sustainable utilisation of indigenous plant resources.
His research achievements include the UMP Faculty Emerging Researcher of the Year Award (2024), the Best Post-PhD Oral Presentation Award at the SAYAS 2024 Conference, and a Poster Award at the 73rd International Congress of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in Naples, Italy (2025). His research is supported by competitive funding, including an NRF Post-PhD Grant (2025–2027), as well as previous NRF Thuthuka and Water Research Commission-funded projects addressing childhood diseases, food and nutritional security, and the sustainable utilisation of indigenous resources.
Dr Ndhlovu’s international research profile is further strengthened through his appointment as a Regional Representative of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) and as a member of the Steering Group of the African Research Network (ARN) for 2026–2027. He also serves as an Editor for BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. Dr Ndhlovu holds a PhD in Indigenous Knowledge (Ethnobotany) from North-West University.
Experience
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2021–presentDr, University of Mpumalanga
Education
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2022North West University, PhD
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2018North West University, MSc in IKS
Publications
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2025The Contribution of Underutilized Fruits and Vegetables to Enhanced Food and Nutrition Security: A Review,
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2024Phytochemical characterization and biological properties of Arctotis arctotoides (Lf) O. Hoffm related to the management of Pythium root rot disease,
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2024Review of Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood): Distribution, Utilisation, Ecology and Population Genetics,
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2024Uses of African Plants and Associated Indigenous Knowledge for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus,
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2024Ethnobotanical appraisal of wild fruit species used in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa: A systematic review,
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2024Ethnobotanical Investigation of Mimusops zeyheri, an Underutilized Indigenous Fruit Tree in Gauteng Province, South Africa,
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2024Secondary metabolite profiling in Leonotis nepetifolia leaf acetone and ethanol extracts using UPLC-qTOF-MS,
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2024Ethnobotanical Investigation of Mimusops zeyheri, an Underutilized Indigenous Fruit Tree in Gauteng Province, South Africa,
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2024Metabolomic and chemometric profiles of Tribulus terrestris L. from three different locations in Mpumalanga province, South Africa,
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2024Ethnobotanical appraisal of wild fruit species used in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa: A systematic review Author links open overlay panel,
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2023Assessing the impacts of commercializing medicinal plants on livelihood outcomes: evidence from indigenous knowledge holders in South Africa,
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2023UPLC–QTOF/MS tentative identification of phytochemicals from Vernonia amygdalina Delile acetone and ethanol leaf extracts,
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2023The Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Sustainable Utilisation and Conservation of Medicinal Plants,
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2023Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by indigenous knowledge holders to manage healthcare needs in children,
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2023Ethnomedicinal and Other Ecosystem Services Provided by Threatened Plants,
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2022How do medicinal plants contribute to the treatment of childhood diseases in rural areas of North-West Province?,
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2022Ethnobotanical use-pattern for indigenous fruits and vegetables among selected communities in Ondo State, Nigeria,
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2022Herbs and Spices’ Antimicrobial Properties and Possible Use in the Food Sector,
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2021Determinants of household income and willingness to pay for indigenous plants in North West Province, South Africa: a two-stage heckman approach,
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2021Ethnobotanical review of plants used for the management and treatment of childhood diseases and well-being in South Africa,
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2021Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants used to treat and manage childhood diseases in North West Province, South Africa,
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2021Commercialization potential of six selected medicinal plants commonly used for childhood diseases in South Africa: a review,
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2020Ethno-veterinary plants used for the treatment of retained placenta and associated diseases in cattle among Dinokana communities, North West Province, South Africa,
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2020An Exploratory Study on the Diverse Uses and Benefits of Locally-Sourced Fruit Species in Three Villages of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa ,
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2020Utilization pattern of indigenous and naturalized plants among some selected rural households of North West Province, South Africa,
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2020Herbal-based cosmeceuticals and economic sustainability among women in south African rural communities,
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2019Plant species used for cosmetic and cosmeceutical purposes by the Vhavenda women in Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa,
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2019Medicinal plants used for skin-related diseases among the Batswanas in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, South Africa,
Grants and Contracts
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2022NRF Thuthuka
- Role:
- Funding Source:
- Nathinal research foundation
Professional Memberships
- South Africa asscioation of Botany
Contact Tshepiso for
- General
- Media request
- Speaking request
- Consulting / Advising
- Research collaboration
- Research supervision
