Kaya 959 Drive 959 with Glen Lewis

Make It Make Sense - Hartebeespoort Dam And The On-Going Battle Of The Hyacinths

Loading player...
The Hartebeespoort Dam is one of SA’s most beloved recreational and leisure spaces. The dam in recent years has struggled significantly with the infestation of the Hyacinth plant, which rapidly grows and covers its water surface, and affecting the dam’s natural eco-system and local tourism. The megamelus bugs are the insect army that has been deployed onto the dam by the Centre for Biological Control (CBC) at Rhodes University to tackle the dam’s decades-long infestation, which has shown much success. Last year around October, the bugs managed to bring down the Hyacinth coverage to just 5% of the dam. However, as 2025 kicked off, 40% of the dam is covered again. Dr Kelby English from the CBC at Rhodes university, helps us make sense of the situation affecting the much loved dam.  
27 Jan 2025 English South Africa Music · Comedy

Other recent episodes

Drive Moment - Local Elections

The president has announced the local elections will take place in November, it seems far but campaigns are underway and we would like to know from you - Do you know who your ward councillor is - what is your personal relationship with what is going on in your neighbourhood?
7 May 12 min

Pro Tip - Going Green, Don't Get Left Behind, How To Turn Your Home Green

Sustainability often gets spoken about in big global terms, solar farms, electric cars, eco-cities, but for most households, especially in South Africa’s township communities, it starts much closer to home. It lives in how we use electricity during load shedding, how we manage water when supply is uncertain, and how…
6 May 8 min

Drive Moment - The Quiet Exit: Signs A Breakup Plan Is Already In Motion

Breakups don’t usually arrive with sirens and flashing lights. They’re quieter than that. Sometimes it’s just a shift , a change in tone, in energy, in the way someone looks at you or doesn’t. Nothing dramatic has happened, yet something feels different. And you can’t quite tell if you’re imagining…
6 May 12 min

Make It Make Sense - What Is The Role Of Unions In The Fast Growing Gig-Economy?

From the picket lines of apartheid resistance to modern boardrooms negotiating wages, unions have been less of a background noise and more of a bassline shaping South Africa’s labour force. But today’s economy is shifting gig work, outsourcing, silent contracts, invisible workers. In a world where work is changing shape…
4 May 18 min
All episodes