Health and Environmental Sciences master’s graduate, Ms. Mahlape Patricia Letsoela, is dedicated to addressing the Bloemspruit water crisis by developing innovative solutions to combat water scarcity and environmental degradation.

CUT celebrated the academic accomplishments of the Class of 2025, awarding degrees and diplomas to 627 graduates during the Spring Graduation Ceremony held on 5 September 2025. The conferrals included 542 undergraduate degrees, 69 master’s degrees, and 16 PhDs across various faculties.

Among the distinguished graduates was Ms. Mahlape Patricia Letsoela, who earned her master’s degree in Health and Environmental Sciences with a dissertation titled “Water Quality of the Bloemspruit Stream in the Outskirts of Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.”

Ms. Letsoela’s research tackles one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges: water scarcity and pollution. With growing dependence on surface water for domestic, agricultural, and recreational use, particularly in informal settlements, her study offers crucial insights into the quality of water in the Bloemspruit stream and its tributaries.

Her research goes beyond surface-level analysis, investigating the impact of water quality on aquatic microorganisms and fish populations, key components of the local ecosystem and important food sources. Alarmingly, she found elevated levels of pollution, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities such as agriculture. Most notably, her findings revealed high concentrations of pharmaceuticals and herbicides, posing serious risks to both human health and the environment.

Letsoela explained that her motivation stemmed from the reality that many South Africans rely on surface water for daily use. “I had to assess the quality of water to ensure that it is safe for people and the organisms they consume,” she stated. Her research not only assessed chemical and microbial contaminants, but also examined their effects on aquatic organisms, which serve as bioindicators of water health and contribute to the local diet.

As South Africa continues to grapple with the twin challenges of water scarcity and environmental degradation, studies like Ms. Mahlape’s are invaluable. They illuminate the scope of the problem and propose evidence-based solutions to protect public health and preserve vital ecosystems.

The Central University of Technology (CUT)’s commitment to addressing critical societal challenges through research and innovation is exemplified by graduates like Ms. Mahlape Patricia. Her work continues to make a meaningful contribution to safeguarding natural resources and ensuring a healthier future for all South Africans.

Uploaded: 09 September 2025