Lumko Mboyi: A Scientist Rooted in the Land

"Nature and scientific inquiry have always been a part of me as I grew up exploring the rangelands when we were sent to herd cattle and sheep by our grandfather in Bizana," reflects Lumko Mboyi, an Eastern Cape-born natural scientist. His earliest lessons in ecology and biology were not taught in a classroom but learnt through lived experiences and adventure in the wild. As a young boy, his world was one of discovery, exploring natural ponds and legends of their wonder! He’d look under rocks, searching for scorpions and other critters, driven by an innate curiosity about the world around him.

Lumko surveys the grasslands in the Eastern Cape , where Mexican Feather Grass is taking hold.

"My mind has always wanted to understand more about the world around me, as any young boy would."

This connection to the earth, born from curiosity and wonder, shaped his life in amazing ways. But it was a school trip to a Nature Reserve that transformed curiosity into something deeper. The curiosity and passion kept him grounded, always looking to nature for answers. Over time, that bond with the natural world became a constant in his life, guiding him and influencing everything he did.

Today, Lumko is researching the invasion of Nassella tenuissima, or Mexican Feather Grass – an aggressive species threatening South Africa’s grasslands. His work is part of a larger effort to understand and manage invasive plants that disrupt ecosystems and livelihoods.

But the road to becoming a scientist required more than just passion. Lumko was drawn to mathematics, natural science, and physical science in school, knowing they would sharpen his ability to ask and answer complex questions. The subjects were demanding, but he excelled, fueled by an unwavering determination to carve a path in environmental science.

An Academic Journey Rooted in Real-World Challenges

Lumko’s undergraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal provided a strong foundation in environmental science, but his real learning began in the field. Early work experience as a young scientist deepened his understanding, particularly in invasion biology, where he saw firsthand the impact of invasive species on ecosystems.

His passion for the field grew when he pursued an Honours degree at the University of South Africa, focusing on the management of Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) invasions. The research hit close to home – these fast-spreading trees threatened the grasslands, water supply, and the livelihoods of rural communities where he grew up.

Now, as he completes his Master’s at the University of the Free State (UFS), his focus has shifted to invasive grasses – the Mexican Feather Grass – in grassland ecosystems – an issue he describes as "scarier than it sounds." Each step in his academic journey has reinforced his commitment to understanding and managing the threats posed by invasive species.

This long patch of Mexican Feather Grass shows how it continues to expand across the landscape.

Lumko’s Investigation into the Growing Threat of an Invasive Grass Species

Lumko’s research is centred around the threats posed by the invasive grass species Mexican Feather Grass, which originates from South America. The grass has infamously spread across the world as an attractive ornamental landscaping grass, and in some areas of Australia, it is still being sold for landscaping purposes. However, its arrival in South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War was to provide supplemental feed for horses.

"It has been a thorn in the foot of farmers ever since as it forms invasion monocultures and outcompetes other palatable and desirable grasses," says Lumko. This means that the Mexican Feather Grass spreads aggressively, creating dense, single-species areas that prevent other nutritious and beneficial grasses from growing. As a result, livestock have fewer high-quality grazing options, making it harder for farmers to maintain healthy pastures.

As sheep graze, invasive grass quietly alters the landscape.

Farmers on the Frontline of an Ecological Battle

"Previously, the government had an aggressive eradication programme, but it has been on pause for almost 30 years. As a result, Nassella tenuissima has proliferated even more aggressively, particularly in the Eastern Cape Maloti Drakensberg region," adds Lumko.

Lumko shared that farmers believe that in addition to its effective wind propagation, the species is spreading through the wool production economy. As they exchange rams for genetic improvements, the seeds, which easily attach to wool, are transported to new areas beyond the known populations.

"Some farmers have started to neglect entire camps as they just cannot put up a fight with the sea of invasion on their grasslands, as it limits the number of stock they are able to keep over time or they maintain the same stock levels and start to degrade the remaining camps making these camps more prone to invasion," he adds more.

This vicious cycle is not only eroding the environmental health of the region but also threatening the socio-economic viability of farming there.

Lumko’s research aims to map the distribution and impacts of Mexican Feather Grass, bringing much-needed attention back to the problem and how it threatens both agriculture and biodiversity.

"As we embark on this research, the plight of farmers trying to keep up with the invasion while also trying to run a sustainable farming business is really concerning."

According to Lumko, the situation has been exacerbated by the unavailability of the only registered chemical for controlling the species. This has negated years of investment by farmers in their efforts to eradicate the species, leaving many feeling despondent.

A Shared Fight to Protect Farmlands

However, there is a silver lining: in the Barkly region of the Eastern Cape, where the species is most threatening, farmers have come together to fight the problem. Neighbours collaborate, ensuring that if one farm treats its infestation, others do the same. Otherwise, "It would be like pouring money down the drain," says Lumko. This collective action has strengthened community ties in many areas. Yet, in regions where some farmers still underestimate the long-term threat of this grass species, tensions have arisen.

"This speaks to a need for more awareness, government support, and civil society action before one of the best wool-producing regions in South Africa becomes a monoculture of Mexican Feather Grass." Lumko hopes that his research will reignite efforts to combat this invasion, both through government intervention and grassroots awareness campaigns.

Dedication, Balance, and the Science of Life

As the fight against invasive grasses continues, Lumko remains deeply committed, not only to his research but also to his role as a leader in conservation. However, balancing research and leadership is no easy task. As he completes his Master’s at UFS while serving as the Director of Ecology at Conservation Exposure Education and Training (CEET), he constantly navigates prioritisation dilemmas. On one hand, he has a duty to complete his research; on the other, he must secure funding and opportunities for CEET’s teams. This balance requires a deep passion for his work and the willingness to sacrifice personal time.

Outside of being a scientist, Lumko cherishes time with his family, watching over livestock in the rural landscapes, walking on the beach and immersing himself in nature. "I feel that being a natural scientist is a calling, as one cannot separate themselves from nature. Sometimes, I feel like I am always doing my hobby, tackling big and small environmental questions at home and in the office."

His children have inherited his curiosity, always asking about insects, birds, and monkeys near their home. His biologist brain automatically kicks in, ready to share knowledge. Beyond science, Lumko enjoys reading and discussing entrepreneurship and personal development with friends, broadening his perspectives beyond environmental science.

For Lumko, science is not just a career – it’s a way of life: "If I were not a scientist, I would be dead. " His advice to aspiring young scientists is simple: "Make sure that asking questions is your best friend."