The Ocean's Echoes: Culture and Conservation Intertwined in Relebohile's Research

What if the ocean could speak – what stories would it tell about the communities that rely on it, the creatures that live within it, and the knowledge passed down across generations?

The hidden world beneath the waves – a glimpse into the marine ecosystems that continue to inspire Relebohile’s scientific journey.

For Relebohile Lesuthu-Ntoyi, a PhD candidate at Walter Sisulu University currently at the very outset of her environmental DNA (eDNA) research journey, this seemingly simple question is not just poetic. It’s a scientific inquiry that builds on years of work with traditional healers, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems.

Relebohile comes from Mehloloaneng village in Matatiele, tucked away in the northern reaches of the Eastern Cape. Her formative education took place at Mokheseng Senior Secondary School, which she describes as one of the most underprivileged schools in the province. Reflecting the experiences of many young people in her community, her career dreams were shaped by limited resources but strong family support.

“My grandmother's belief in me as a future doctor inspired me to pursue a career in medicine,” she shares.

However, her plans shifted when her Physical Science teacher left during her final year and wasn’t replaced due to low enrolment. This unexpected setback meant she didn’t qualify for her initial goal of medical school. Undeterred, Relebohile demonstrated her resilience by accepting a place in a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, viewing as a strategic stepping stone towards a fulfilling scientific career, fully determined to make the most of the opportunity.

What she didn’t expect was a moment that would spark a completely new passion, one that would ultimately shape her academic trajectory and research focus. During her first semester, an excursion to the ruggedly beautiful Hluleka Nature Reserve, nestled along the Wild Coast, captivated her, igniting a fascination that reached far beyond the confines of the classroom. “This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of the rocky shores and sparked my interest in marine sciences,” she says.

Relebohile captures the ocean through her lens – a moment that reflects the beginning of her deep curiosity and growing passion for marine science.

A later visit to the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Grahamstown, where she observed DNA analysis of marine species firsthand, further deepened her fascination for science. It wasn’t long before her studies naturally steered towards zoology and marine science.

Relebohile at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), where her exposure to DNA analysis deepened her drive to pursue marine biodiversity research.

Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science

Now beginning her PhD, Relebohile is exploring the potential of environmental DNA, or eDNA. This innovative technique offers scientists a non-invasive way to identify the presence of various organisms simply by analysing the trace genetic material they naturally shed into the surrounding water. Her interest in this emerging field was sparked during a valuable internship at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), where she learnt how eDNA could be used to study marine biodiversity – especially in areas like the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape. “This area of research holds great potential for exploration, as it remains largely unexplored,” Relebohile adds passionately.

Relebohile and a colleague conduct sampling work along the coastline as part of their research fieldwork.

But her current work doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s deeply connected to her previous research. This earlier work focused on Indigenous Knowledge Systems, particularly in ethnozoology – a fascinating discipline that examines the historical, economic, sociological, anthropological, and environmental aspects of the relationship between humans and animals. During her honours and master’s degrees, she engaged directly with traditional healers to document their knowledge and practices concerning the use of marine animals in traditional medicine. She compared how these species are used by both inland and coastal communities, analysed price differences, and studied the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on traditional medicine supply chains.

One of the most striking findings from this research was that the majority of traders selling marine species for traditional medicine were surprisingly based inland, rather than directly along the coast where these species originate.

“This indicates that distance does not affect the use of marine resources,” Relebohile explains. Inland towns also showed greater species diversity than coastal areas. Species like crayfish eggs, for example, were used to support fertility and conception,” she adds.

According to Relebohile, this kind of data is vital for conservation and sustainable development efforts. It addresses a critical gap in our basic understanding of the marine species essential to traditional healing practices. Comprehending these species – where they thrive, their diversity, and how they support livelihoods – is essential for biodiversity monitoring, marine spatial planning, and resource management.

Amongst other important findings of the research is the stark reminder of the significant risks of associated with overharvesting and subsequent depletion of marine species due to unmonitored harvesting activities. It shows the critical importance of actively preserving indigenous knowledge systems to these resources. Furthermore, the research highlights the economic significance of marine traditional medicine, demonstrating its potential to serve as a vital bridge connecting traditional cultural practices with informed policy-making decisions.

Marine species for sale as traditional medicine – a powerful intersection of cultural heritage, economic survival, and conservation urgency.

Valuing and Sustaining Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Through this immersive work, Relebohile began to see traditional knowledge in a whole new light. She began to recognise it not merely as historical practice, but as a dynamic and inherently sustainable system of resource management carefully passed down through generations.

A moment that remains vivid in her memory is an interview she conducted with an elderly traditional healer. This wise woman eloquently described how her own grandmother had instilled in her the principles of harvesting marine species with deep respect for the ocean's delicate balance.

“She spoke of the spirits of the ocean and emphasised harvesting with care and gratitude, and avoiding collecting certain species on days when she felt the sea was ‘resting,’” Relebohile recounts.

This profound view deeply motivated her to approach her research as a vital way to actively honour and diligently preserve a rich and living cultural heritage that is intertwined with the natural world.

Indeed, Relebohile’s research is more than a purely academic enquiry. It’s about building a crucial and enduring bridge between the often-disparate worlds of science and community wisdom, between the urgent needs of future and invaluable lessons of the past.

“I hope that my research will have a positive impact on society by promoting the sustainable use and conservation of marine resources that are vital to traditional medicine and local livelihoods,” she says with conviction.

Her work offers policymakers a practical and insightful path to effectively integrate cultural practices into broader biodiversity protection strategies and powerfully highlights the critical need to conserve the fragile ecosystems. And importantly, the intricate knowledge systems that have sustained them for generations.

"It can also assist policymakers in creating environmental regulations that recognise and respect traditional knowledge."

Relebohile’s World Beyond Research

Outside the lab and fieldwork, Relebohile finds joy and balance in reading the Word, maintaining an active lifestyle through regular exercise, and indulging in the mental challenge of what she playfully considers her reign as “the queen of Sudoku.” She also harbours a keen appreciation for photography and capturing the beauty of nature in everyday life around her.

Reflecting a deep-seated desire to contribute positively, she muses that if her path hadn’t led her to science, she would undoubtedly be a dedicated philanthropist.

To students interested in science, she offers this valuable and encouraging advice:

“Stay curious and continue asking questions. Embrace public speaking as it is crucial to effectively communicate your scientific findings to both fellow researchers and the public.  Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect and grow your professional network. Enjoy the journey of exploration.”

Relebohile’s inspiring story serves as a powerful reminder that scientific discovery is not always about high-tech labs or distant expeditions. Sometimes, the spark of innovation and understanding ignites with the simple act of listening – to the enduring encouragement of a grandmother’s wisdom, to the ancient and persistent rhythms of the sea, and to the invaluable knowledge held by those who have maintained a deep and intimate connection with the natural world for generations.

At the heart of discovery – Relebohile explores the invisible world of biodiversity, blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science.

Connect with Relebohile on LinkedIn

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