Geologist Explores New Depths in Marine Geoscience

Ms Henna Draycott.

When Ms Henna Draycott began her honours degree at UKZN she didn’t think she would continue her academic journey beyond that achievement. But, as life often has a way of unfolding in unexpected and inspiring directions, her path soon shifted.

Under the mentorship of Professor Andrew Green, a seasoned expert in Marine Geosciences, Draycott discovered a newfound passion for research. It wasn’t just the subject matter that captured her attention, it was the intellectual stimulation of lateral thinking, the encouragement to challenge long-held ideas, and the thrill of working in a field that stirred her curiosity.

For her Master of Science in Geology, Draycott delved into a topic that questions the very foundations of coastal engineering: the Bruun Rule. This decades-old theorem has long been used to predict coastal erosion, yet its universal application has raised concerns.

Her research sought to evaluate its accuracy by applying it to shoreface data collected off the coast of Mozambique. By comparing how the rule performed, she found compelling evidence that the Bruun Rule should not be applied as a one-size-fits-all approach!

Instead, her findings suggest that coastal management practices need to evolve with more nuanced, region-specific data - especially in Africa, where the natural environment presents a unique opportunity for scientific advancement.

Draycott’s interest in Marine Geoscience was driven by the intrigue of the unknown. Unlike terrestrial environments, the marine world has long posed challenges for researchers owing to limited access and the difficulty in interpreting data. But with advances in technology, the tides have turned. Draycott found this promise of discovery and the cutting-edge nature of marine research irresistible.

Beyond the academic rigour, her work has meaningful real-world implications. By questioning outdated coastal engineering practices, Draycott’s research aims to promote safer, more accurate and more scientifically sound standards.

Looking to the future, Draycott is focused on laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and dynamic career. She values the importance of mentorship and collaboration - principles that shaped her own academic path - and hopes one day to give back in the same way, empowering others to pursue their passions through education and research.

She credits much of her success to the mentorship of Green, who not only guided her academically but also taught her the value of being teachable and open to growth. ‘An important part of succeeding,’ she says, ‘is not wanting to gain something by yourself, but rather to be teachable - recognising wisdom and using guidance as a stepping stone to develop your own niche and outlook.’

Draycott thanked her community of family and friends who shaped her resilience and drive and helped her persevere through challenges and celebrate achievements.

Outside academia, Draycott enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with loved ones and exploring South Africa’s rich cultural landscape. She has also recently taken an interest in critically reviewing health and wellness information, delving with a scientist’s eye into the evidence behind popular trends and examining the medical research that often gets lost in the noise of social media.

She had this advice for fellow students: ‘Trust the process. Life gets better with dedication to what we want to achieve. And remember - no man is an island. We must work together for greatness.’

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied

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PhD Research Investigates Radioactivity in Materials used in SA’s Building Industry

Dr Olusegun Omogunloye in the field.

Dr Olusegun Omogunloye has been awarded a PhD in Physics from UKZN for research that estimated radionuclide contents in river sediments and cement used in the modern South African building industry and the related radiological hazard indices.

As a lecturer in the Department of Physical Sciences at Agagu University of Science and Technology in Okitipupa, Nigeria, Omogunloye was looking for a suitable university to read for his doctorate.

‘UKZN has always ranked among the top five universities in Africa, with top-notch faculty members, research facilities and excellent laboratories,’ he said. ‘I decided that if I left Nigeria for any country in Africa to study for my PhD, South Africa would be my destination.’

Omogunloye, supervised by Professor Naven Chetty, said the environment contained varying degrees of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs), which differ by geographical location and are enhanced by human activities such as industrialisation. NORMs present in various environmental set-ups such as building materials, air, water, crops and soil; and various materials used for building construction purposes have been positively identified as primary sources of radiation in the environment.

‘My PhD focused on environmental radiation and health physics, and estimated the radionuclide contents and radiological hazard indices of the NORMs in samples of some materials used in modern South African buildings,’ he said.

Omogunloye has a passion for interdisciplinary research, especially related to human health. He mentioned the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), especially SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. ‘These SDGs help member states ensure that their citizens have suitable, safe and healthy communities to live in,’ he said. ‘My research has been instructive from the building materials radiation safety viewpoint as it assessed the radiological risk parameters in building materials.’

Omogunloye’s dissertation not only contributes to an understanding of the radiological risks associated with different materials used for building construction purposes in South Africa, but also provides fundamental data for the activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides 226Ra, 238U, 232Th and 40K in studied samples within the study area.

His studies revealed that the assessed radiological risk parameters of the studied building materials fell within the recommended safety limits. ‘This is significant from the perspective of environmental health and radiological protection,’ he said. ‘The methodology and findings can also inform similar studies in other regions, enriching global awareness of the safety standards of materials.’

Omogunloye is now looking for a postdoctoral fellowship opportunity in radiation waste management and treatment and would like to return to Nigeria to pass on the knowledge he has gained.

He thanked his supervisor Professor Naven Chetty and co-supervisor Dr Abiola Ilori of the School of Chemistry and Physics on the Pietermaritzburg campus as well as the Department of Physics at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Nigeria, for giving him access to their Environmental Radiation Laboratory.

‘It has been a long, worthy academic journey,’ said Omogunloye. ‘I give all the glory to God; and I thank my wife Omolere; my siblings Adewale, Adekunle, Gbenga, Taiwo and Kehinde; and my parents. I thank you all.’

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied

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‘Eureka Moment’ Leads to Mechatronics Master’s Degree

Master’s graduate, Mr Siyabonga Masiza.

Mr Siyabonga Masiza has graduated with a Master’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering, for work done on the mechanical design of a modular, low-cost and lightweight myoelectric prosthetic hand.

Masiza was supervised by UKZN’s Professor Riaan Stopforth and Dr Daniel Kirkman.

‘It all started when I did my vacation work at Smiths Manufacturing,’ said Masiza. ‘I was exposed to the real-world application of different engineering concepts and spent some time in the mechatronics department. That was when I had my eureka moment and realised that I loved the idea of combining mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer engineering to form functional mechatronics systems. I knew I was going to do my master’s in mechatronics.

‘UKZN has a strong reputation for Engineering research and innovation, which aligns with my passion for developing technologies that improve the quality of life,’ said Masiza.

His research focused on designing and optimising a myoelectric prosthetic hand for individuals with amputation below the elbow (ie one that uses surface electrodes and actuators to open and close).

The prosthetic hand was designed to be affordable, lightweight and modular, making it suitable for both everyday activities and competitive situations. Key objectives were to improve grip strength, adaptability, modularity and ease of maintenance while keeping costs low.

‘I also explored a purely mechanical version - a prosthetic hand with no actuators or electronics - to provide more affordable solutions for individuals with upper limb amputations,’ said Masiza.

The myoelectric prosthetic hand - TOUCH HAND 6 - was designed as an entry in the 2024 Cybathlon international competition, the “Olympic Games” for prosthetic devices, where it secured 10th place out of 16 countries. 

‘The Cybathlon competition tests the capabilities of prosthetic devices through a series of tasks that emphasise sensory feedback, palm rotation and adaptability to various object sizes, shapes and weights,’ explained Masiza, who was one of three UKZN master’s students who worked on different components of the hand.

He said he was fascinated by the intersection of robotics, biomechanics and human-centered design. ‘I have always believed that the future is human, with machines integrated for the purpose of serving humans. At this stage, however, this type of technology is still expensive so there is a need for affordable prosthetic solutions, especially in developing regions. This inspired my research to create a functional, low-cost alternative to expensive commercial prosthetic hands.

‘Seeing how technology can restore independence to individuals is a powerful motivator!’

Masiza’s research contributes to the field of prosthetics by offering a more accessible and efficient alternative to current designs. By integrating mechanical optimisation, 3D printing and innovative grip mechanisms like a novel fin ray thumb, his design enhances functionality while reducing cost and complexity.

‘This could significantly improve the lives of amputees who struggle to afford high-end prosthetics,’ he said.

Masiza plans to expand his expertise in mechatronics and human-machine interaction, possibly through a PhD or learning first hand from experts in industry: ‘The future is exciting,’ he said.

He paid tribute to his supervisors who were instrumental in guiding his research; thanked his colleagues at the Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology (SMART) Lab who contributed to the success of TOUCH HAND in the Cybathlon competition; and acknowledged all sponsors whose support made this research and participation in the Cybathlon possible.

During his master’s, Masiza opened a small 3D printing business aimed at providing 3D printing services to students, which helped fund his studies and allowed him to focus on his research.

‘With a strong undergraduate foundation in Mechanical Engineering and with my MSc in Mechatronics, I am eager to apply my knowledge to real-world challenges,’ said Masiza. ‘My passion lies in integrating mechanical design with automation, control systems and robotics to develop innovative and practical solutions across various industries.

‘This past year has been the most academically intensive of my life, but that’s what we live for - pushing boundaries, solving challenges and growing through the process. I look forward to contributing to cutting-edge technologies that drive efficiency and improve everyday life.

‘As the Hungarian-American physicist Theodore von Karman said: “Scientists discover the world that exists; engineers create the world that never was”.’

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Geology Graduate Unearths New Insights on Namibia’s Ancient Coastline

Ms Marinja Bester.

A childhood fascination with rocks led Ms Marinja Bester to undertake cutting-edge research on one of the world’s most unique coastlines and earn herself a Master of Science in Geology from UKZN.

Bester’s academic journey is rooted in early inspiration and driven by a deep love for the natural world. Her interest in geology was sparked in high school when her mother introduced her to the Discipline, taking her to the UKZN Science Centre. It was there that she first met Science Centre Co-ordinator Dr Tanja Reinhardt, who ignited her growing passion.

As an undergraduate, her exposure to sedimentology and marine geology under the guidance of Professor Andrew Green solidified her direction. After a compelling honours project focused on gas pockmarks off the coast of Mozambique, continuing with an MSc under Green’s supervision was a natural next step.

Bester’s MSc research delved into the sedimentary architecture and coastal evolution of the southern Namibian coastline - a region renowned for housing the world’s largest accumulation of diamonds. Titled: “Submerged Barrier Evolution Along the Mittag Inner Continental Shelf, Southern Namibia”, her study focused on the preserved barrier and spit formations that lie submerged 55m to 100m below sea level, which have been shaped over millions of years by fluctuating sea levels, sediment supply and geological processes.

‘These preserved barrier spit formations act as a natural record book,’ Bester explained, ‘offering insight into past coastal behaviour and sea-level changes.’

Her research employed seismic stratigraphy and remote sensing technologies, complemented by core sampling, to reconstruct a comprehensive geological model of the region. Her findings not only contribute to our understanding of long-term coastal dynamics and climate patterns but also carry important implications for natural resource management - particularly in identifying diamond trap sites along the Namibian coast.

Bester’s fascination with marine geology can be traced back to childhood hikes, when she proudly filled a tiny backpack with “cool rocks” she found along the trail. Though some of these treasures were discreetly removed by her mother when the load became too heavy, the young geologist’s passion never waned. For Bester, the field of marine geology successfully combines her early love of geology with a deep appreciation for the ocean.

Since 2022, Bester has been employed by offshore diamond mining company Trans Hex in Cape Town, where she continued her studies while gaining industry experience. Next up is a move to The Netherlands, where she will work as a geologist and geotechnical engineer, contributing to the development of offshore wind energy infrastructure by assisting with the drilling and installation of pipelines connecting wind turbines to onshore substations.

Bester thanked Green for his mentorship and academic guidance. ‘He has the utmost patience for his students and will go above and beyond to assist,’ she said. Her family, too, provided a strong foundation, as did fellow MSc graduate and close friend Ms Tamera Heeralal who was a trusted source of invaluable support - and hot chocolate - during the toughest times.

Away from her studies, Bester enjoys hiking, beach outings and spontaneous adventures with friends. A firm believer in balance, she also appreciates quiet evenings at home, knitting while watching series shows on TV. She’s currently learning French and Dutch - skills that will no doubt serve her well as she embarks on her new European chapter.

‘Thank you for the opportunity to gain a master’s degree of such high quality through UKZN and for allowing me to gain valuable life and work experience,’ added Bester.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Summa Cum Laude Degree Dispels Doubts about what Career to Follow!

Mr Muhammad Azeez.

‘Throughout my schooling years, I was always confused about what career to study,’ said Mr Muhammad Azeez.

Well, with a summa cum laude Engineering degree now under his belt, it would be safe to say that Azeez opted for the right choice when he chose to study Civil Engineering at UKZN.

‘Choosing just one field seemed daunting to me,’ he said. ‘Ultimately, my family were the ones who motivated me to explore engineering. Out of all the different engineering branches, I think I chose civil engineering because of its direct impact on the running of cities, from roads to buildings to water infrastructure. I knew studying civil engineering would allow me to influence the state of essential infrastructure in our country.’

Growing up in Durban, UKZN was a natural choice of institution. ‘I think what solidified my decision, however, was the virtual open day held by the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science during COVID-19, as it showed me what studying Engineering at UKZN would be like,’ he said.

Azeez said he covered a wide variety of subjects during the course of his degree. He enjoyed his Structures modules, while his favorite module was Fluids 3, ‘which introduced me to the behaviour of water flowing in open channels like rivers, and hydrology, which helps us understand and analyse rainfall and floods,’ he said.

In his fourth and final undergraduate year of study, Azeez had to tackle a full design project and a research project. For his design project he was tasked with designing a water reservoir for the Westown development near Shongweni. This included compiling a design report, professional engineering drawings and design calculations. ‘While it was definitely stressful, it was also exciting and fulfilling to be able to apply the skills I learned over the past four years,’ he said.

For his research project Azeez investigated the use of silver nanoparticles in cement mortar linings of water supply pipes. ‘This was a very interesting experience for me as it included quite a bit of chemistry and microbiology and applying these concepts to the civil engineering field.

‘I was fortunate to have amazing supervisors for both my design project and dissertation who helped me through my projects while giving me the space to explore and discover my own solutions to problems.’

Azeez is currently working in Pretoria as a graduate civil engineer for the engineering consultancy, Zutari, as part of their Water Unit (Dams and Hydropower team). His future plans include registering as a professional engineer once he has obtained the necessary experience, and pursuing a master’s degree as he really enjoys doing research. 

He thanked his lecturers - ‘who pushed me to my limits but always knew how to get me to achieve my full potential’ - his friends and his extended family. ‘I was very fortunate to have a close-knit circle of people I could rely on both on and away from campus, which definitely alleviated some of the stress,’ he said.

In his spare time, Azeez enjoys reading books as a method to disconnect from work and to relax, as well as building Lego - ‘Yes they’re for adults as well!’ he said.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Co-Composting Human Excreta with Garden Waste Investigated in Master’s Research

Master’s graduate, Ms Sinikiwe Khumalo.

Master’s research by Ms Sinikiwe Khumalo investigated co-composting human excreta with garden waste, diverting large amounts of waste from municipal landfill and wastewater treatment plants and using co-compost to enhance the growth of plants.

Khumalo achieved excellent results for her master’s degree which was based on the circular economy.

From Delfkom in Mpumalanga, she had attended under-resourced schools, with her high school known for its high matric failure rate, however Khumalo excelled, earning the Mayor’s Award for the best student in the district.

Having taken agriculture as a subject in high school and growing up around people who relied on subsistence agriculture, Khumalo developed a love for the subject, learning that it could be an avenue for academic development. Supported by her teachers, she applied to universities to fulfil her dream of earning a degree.

The first in her family to attend university, Khumalo turned down an offer of doing a BCom at another university to study agriculture at UKZN where proximity to home and high positioning national rankings made it attractive.

Her fourth-year project involved optimising the mixing ratios of green waste and sewage sludge for co-compost production, working with Duzi Turf in Pietermaritzburg where her research demonstrated the potential to reduce pathogens to undetectable levels, the resulting compost suitable for use in agricultural plant production. She won second place in the oral presentation category at UKZN’s Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium (PRIS) in 2023. 

While she didn’t plan on progressing to postgraduate studies, the success of the project and the encouragement of Professor Alfred Odindo inspired her to do her master’s degree on a similar theme.

Despite not receiving funding for her work, a UKZN postgraduate scholarship and funding through the Rural-Urban Nexus: Establishing a Nutrient Loop to Improve City Region Food System Resilience (RUNRES) project enabled Khumalo to work on co-composting garden waste and human excreta, diverting a total of 15.6 tons of waste from Msunduzi’s municipal landfill and wastewater treatment plant. She explored turning frequency and mixing ratios to determine the best results.

Mr Jonathan Ogwang on the RUNRES team used the co-compost produced during her study for his PhD study while a horticultural sciences student at UKZN examined its effect on the growth of cannabis.

Khumalo found that co-composting dewatered sewage sludge with organic green waste significantly improves compost quality and cucumber seedling growth, outperforming commercial compost and sandy soil. Additionally, while most surveyed students at UKZN acknowledged the safety potential of treated human waste, consumer acceptance varied, with greater willingness to purchase co-compost-fertilised food depending on product type and perceived safety.

Khumalo won the first prize at PRIS 2024 and the Impact Prize for the practicality of her work. She also presented her project at the International Water Association conference, the Water Institute of Southern Africa conference, and UKZN’s Ukulinga Howard Davis Memorial Symposium.

She submitted two papers from her final-year and master’s work for publication. She is working on three more with colleagues.

Khumalo plans to enrol for her PhD under Odindo’s supervision, boosting her family’s pride. She will expand on her laboratory-based master’s study by measuring landfill emissions and examining contaminants of emerging concern to see how composting could reduce emissions. She hopes to produce scalable research that will have a real-world impact across the country.

Working as a demonstrator since her fourth year, Khumalo’s interest in academia and passion for helping students have developed, and she has received positive feedback from students, which encouraged her to pursue a career in this field.

Inspired by her church leader, Mr Jotham Mtshali, Khumalo also teamed up with her brother, an honours student at the Durban University of Technology, to begin a vegetable farming enterprise on 3.4 hectares near their home. She hopes that skills and knowledge from her younger brother, a second-year student in Animal Science at UKZN, will be useful in diversifying and expanding the farm beyond their current bean production and diversifying the farming enterprise to help support her family.

Khumalo thanked Odindo, her former principal at KwaMziwentsha High School Mr Bongani Mrwetyana-Khumalo, her mother Mrs Tobi Khumalo, her four siblings, and her church leader, Father Overseer Jotham Mtshali for inspiring and supporting her.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Balancing Act Earns Engineer Master’s Qualification

Ms Naadira Ballim with her husband, Dr Sulaiman Patel.

Ms Naadira Ballim’s graduation as a Master in Waste and Resources Management is seen as a source of inspiration for women in engineering and students pursuing studies part-time, as she juggled her full-time role as a consulting engineer with her research.

Ballim graduated from UKZN with an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering cum laude in 2018, going on to join JG Afrika as a graduate engineer. As a water engineer with the organisation, Ballim sought to expand her knowledge of the waste sector becoming involved with further wastewater and effluent projects.

With sponsorship from JG Afrika, Ballim seized the opportunity to do her master’s degree, and careful planning, with some flexibility when plans went awry, helped her manage her professional and studying workloads.

Her research component was focused on a case study of the Waste Resource Optimisation and Scenario Evaluation (WROSE) model. With the emergence of publicly available Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and industry and academic interest in harnessing their capabilities, Ballim decided to explore how AI large language models, including ChatGPT, GPT-4 and Google Bard, could be used to analyse institutional indicators of the WROSE model. Evaluating its institutional indicators was previously time-consuming and challenging, due to their qualitative nature, so Ballim applied AI models to simplify this process.

Ballim received excellent marks for her coursework, while her research may inspire the use of AI for improved understanding of environmental policies and regulations in a waste management decision support system. She is working on publishing the study due to its novelty.

This research conferred valuable skills about the effective deployment of AI tools, and Ballim learned a great deal about South Africa’s environmental legislation.

In addition to her work and studies, Ballim served as Vice-Chairperson and now Chairperson of the Pietermaritzburg Branch of the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), which involved planning events, school competitions and technical talks for the Pietermaritzburg region - tasks Ballim called extremely fulfilling.

Ballim, who received the SAICE Graduate Engineer of the Year Award for 2020, also led her chapter to receive national accolades from the SAICE National Office in recognition of their excellent work.

In 2024, Ballim was also part of the Maselulekane Candidacy and Mentorship Programme, which guided her through writing and preparing for registration as a professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

She thanked the Energy and Water Sector Education Training Authority and the Maselulekane team for their mentorship and the lessons she received and hopes to share with others.

Managing these busy years of juggling work, studies and family was challenging, and Ballim relied on her faith, family and friends to get through. Her husband, Dr Sulaiman Patel, a lecturer in Electronic Engineering at UKZN, helped Ballim share the load of all her responsibilities, and her parents provided essential support. A car accident in July 2024 led to a hand fracture, posing a challenge for the last stages of her research dissertation.

Ballim, who married during her studies, credited Patel for getting her through and thanked her parents for their guidance and encouragement. She also thanked her siblings and close friends for being an excellent support structure.

Intending to embrace her feminine and professional side while being true to herself, Ballim hopes to continue balancing her personal and professional goals, looking ahead to starting a family now that the milestone of a master’s degree is achieved.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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‘Legendary’ Chief Engineer Awarded Master’s Degree Summa Cum Laude

Mr Sanjay Narain celebrates with his wife, Indira, and daughters, Aurita (left) and Kimira.

Celebrating his 60^th birthday next year, Mr Sanjay Narain’s summa cum laude Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering is a testament not only to his hard work in completing his qualification part-time while working as a chief engineer at Eskom, but also to the age-old adage that it is never too late!

Narain’s master’s qualification topic involved simulating high-voltage insulators to determine factors including performance, design enhancements and failure mechanisms, a topic chosen because of the skills gap he observed at Eskom regarding insulators.

Supervised by Dr Mohamed Khan and Dr Andrew Swanson, Narain used the Finite Element Design technique to investigate how the simulated electric field behaviour around the insulator could affect performance or lead to improvements. His quest to find solutions was sparked by his intimate involvement with insulation for high-voltage transmission lines in his work.

One of the biggest challenges involved correlating software simulations with real-world behaviour. Narain was pleasantly surprised as the theoretical simulations coincided “beautifully” with the lab work performed at UKZN.

He submitted two conference papers from his work.

‘Sanjay is a legend at Eskom, mentoring many young engineers and excelling at what he does in Lines Engineering Services,’ said Khan. ‘It surprised me when he approached me to do his master’s degree, but what followed was not surprising - Sanjay completed his degree part-time within two years while maintaining all his responsibilities at work. When I shared his result with his manager at Eskom, she casually replied that she expected nothing less,’ he said.

Narain enrolled in undergraduate studies at UKZN in the late 1980s. He said the University felt like home and imprinted on him a memorable tertiary education experience through the friendships he formed, the Institution’s rich culture, history and tradition…and the outstanding cafeteria food!

He completed his BSc and BEng degrees at UKZN in 1987 and 1992 and since 1998 has worked to formulate new solutions and solve real world problems in his role at Eskom, saying UKZN had provided him with the engineering mindset to accomplish this.

Narain praised Khan and Swanson for their guidance, saying weekly meetings with Khan went beyond simply the subject matter and included life coaching, with Swanson’s technical expertise being indispensable.

‘Postgraduate studies are more than just technical content but rather the attitude and broader perspectives that come with the territory,’ added Narain.

Narain thanked his wife, children and other family members for being encouraging, accommodating and supportive of his studies.

He plans to pursue a PhD in Engineering, relishing every experience as an opportunity to learn something new, whether or not it applies directly to the tasks at hand.

Narain said his studies are in honour of his father, a wise man who passed away in 2001.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Advanced Plant Breeding Facilities Enable Research on Striga-Resistant Maize

Dr Nanou Emeline Dossa at her Graduation and in the field.

Dr Nanou Emeline Dossa’s PhD research through the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) at UKZN was a significant study to uncover novel genetic resources, markers and genes in maize associated with resistance to the parasitic witchweed, Striga hermonthica and Striga asiatica.

Striga poses a severe threat to maize and other cereal crops in sub-Saharan Africa, with yield losses between 10% and 100% in susceptible cultivars, affecting food security and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers.

Dossa, supported by the ACCI, the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), applied genome-wide association analysis to identify Striga resistance genes in tropical and sub-tropical maize populations. She studied S. asiatica and S. hermonthica, hoping to find genes that resist both but did not find strong genetic regions (QTLs) linked to resistance against both species simultaneously. This led her to recommend breeding maize specifically for resistance to each species, using germplasm adapted to regions where each parasite is endemic.

Her study revealed a key result: host resistance is the most effective method for controlling Striga infestation.

Dossa joined UKZN’s ACCI from Benin, where she completed her undergraduate and master’s studies at the University of Parakou and the National University of Sciences, Technologies, Engineering and Mathematics (UNSTIM). Motivated to advance agriculture to meet human needs, particularly food security in Benin and Africa, she was intrigued by plant breeding’s potential to uncover innovative solutions for sustainable food production.

She chose to study at UKZN because of its advanced technical resources that support high-level research and aimed to gain expertise to improve crop production in Benin. UKZN’s strong reputation in agriculture and related fields made it the ideal place to develop her skills. She received vital support from her supervisor, Professor Hussein Shimelis, in securing the highly competitive OWSD fellowship that made her PhD studies possible.

Working with advanced equipment and methodologies enhanced Dossa’s technical abilities and broadened her knowledge of modern plant breeding techniques. Collaborations with researchers grew her network and enriched her work, while UKZN’s academic and cultural environment offered new perspectives and ideas, shaping a global outlook.

She presented her findings at conferences and produced four journal publications during her PhD.

The transformative journey included overcoming a year-long COVID-19-related delay as she could not travel to UKZN. Once at the University, she had to adjust to a new academic and cultural setting without her familial support system.

Despite the challenges, Dossa remained focused on her goals, found support in her academic network and stayed connected with loved ones. This built her resilience and taught valuable lessons. She supported her well-being through exercise, reading and a structured routine, balancing research and rest.

Now working as a research assistant at the ACCI, Dossa is strengthening her expertise in bioinformatics and genomic selection, focusing on advanced tools that improve precision and speed in plant breeding. Her work involves international collaborations and contributes meaningfully to crop improvement for food security and sustainability. She aims to build a career in academia, combining her passion for teaching and research.

Dossa thanked her family for their tremendous support, especially her late father, Mr Dossa Lofa Paul Isidore, for laying the foundation of her education, and her mother, Ms Towadè Julienne, and siblings. She was also grateful to Shimelis for his guidance; Professor Mark Laing for his advice; the ACCI, OWSD, and SIDA for supporting her study; her former supervisor, Professor Gustave Djedatin at UNSTIM, for his encouragement and Dr Yao Nasser for connecting her to the ACCI.

She thanked God for the strength and opportunity to reach this milestone.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied

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Electrical Engineer a Generational Talent

Summa cum laude graduate, Mr Jesheran Yengopal.

A summa cum laude result and the prize for the best final-year design project in Electrical Engineering are crowning achievements along Mr Jesheran Yengopal’s undergraduate degree path and provide a solid foundation for his entry into the power generation sector and future postgraduate studies.

Yengopan’s prize-winning project produced a wireless sensor network for electrical power plant equipment monitoring.

Originally from Port Shepstone, Yengopal chose to study at UKZN thanks to the reputation of its Engineering disciplines - particularly the High Voltage Lab - the many facilities on offer and dedicated staff available to students as well as its proximity to home.

From the age of five he wanted to be an engineer as he enjoyed building things and discovering how they worked. He grew to appreciate the importance of electricity and began exploring the field of power generation, realising this was the path he wanted to follow.

Yengopal’s studies were not without challenges. In his second-year, he contracted bronchitis and pneumonia which affected his performance on one of his modules and taught him the importance of rest and recovery. The heavy workload of his third and fourth years spurred him to develop a three-week work plan, using a desk calendar to manage his time efficiently.

His final-year design project, inspired by growing up in an area afflicted by power outages due to cable theft, involved the creation of a wireless sensor network for electrical power plant equipment monitoring. Copper control cables are used to monitor stations in real-time and are targeted by criminals due to their high resale value. When stolen, a lack of monitoring makes it unsafe to operate the substation, leading to a shutdown, particularly at distribution substations where security is lacking.

He created the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) using long-range radio-frequency wireless communication as an alternative method for real-time monitoring of plant equipment. The network’s three Slave Nodes (SN) for a transformer, circuit breaker and surge arrester, allow for real-time condition monitoring of the respective pieces of the equipment while they are energised. The SNs wirelessly communicate sensor data or fault events to a Master Node (MN) in the substation switch room which uses the Internet of Things and is linked to a remote dashboard.

The dashboard displays alarms, trips and node data on graphs and gauges in real time - live condition monitoring could predict failures before they occur. Testing confirmed the system could detect, transmit and log a fault condition across 300m in about 40 milliseconds - Eskom’s protection standard is 400 milliseconds. Each node also has a self-diagnosis feature to ascertain if sensors or components are damaged and need replacement.

The WSN could be deployed at substations for advanced condition monitoring. While it will not outperform a copper cable connection, it could present a secondary method for condition monitoring in the substation if cables were stolen, preventing a shutdown.

His project was shared with Eskom staff on a global webinar that showcases Innovation in Engineering.

‘It was clear to us that Jesheran was a generational talent, and his achievements have confirmed this,’ said supervisor Dr Mohamed Fayaz Khan, who praised Yengopal’s humility and passion to improve the world through tackling serious societal problems.

His final-year project demanded most of his time, but Yengopal found time to play volleyball and prioritised visits home.

He is working on an Engineer in Training Programme at Eskom’s Research, Testing and Development department and plans to enrol for his master’s degree at UKZN next year.

Yengopal thanked his parents, sister and girlfriend for their vital belief and encouragement, as well as Khan for his mentorship through his degree and design projects.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Mechatronics Engineer Contributes to SA’s Drone Technology

Mr Nkosingiphile Langa with his brother Siphamandla (left), mum Manile and sister Nonkululeko.

Mr Nkosingiphile Langa has earned his MSc degree in Mechatronics for research focused on developing a prototype for a small aerial robot - known as a Contra-Rotating Ducted Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

‘These types of drones are efficient, stable and can be used in many applications - from surveillance to delivery,’ explained Langa, who designed and built his functional version using easily available materials and implements.

‘I showed that it’s possible to create advanced flying technology without needing a huge budget or complex equipment,’ he said. ‘The drone I developed can fly with moderate control and stability, and I also found ways to solve challenges like vibrations and power issues.’

Langa’s work helps make drone technology more accessible for local use and development in South Africa.

The young engineer was introduced to aerospace research in the final year of his undergraduate degree at UKZN. ‘I found myself genuinely fascinated by flying vehicles,’ he said. ‘There’s something inspiring about seeing machines that can take to the skies.’

With existing commitments to his undergraduate sponsor, continuing his studies through UKZN’s Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology (SMART) Lab made sense.

‘My supervisor, Professor Riaan Stopforth, has a strong background in working with flying robots, so his guidance and expertise made this journey both enriching and rewarding,’ said Langa, whose investigation fills a gap in drone technology research within South Africa as it offers a practical way for students, researchers and innovators to build and test flying robots without needing expensive equipment. It also adds to the growing body of local expertise in UAVs and robotics, which is crucial for South Africa’s technological development as a country.

‘The knowledge and methods developed during my research can be used by others in the field to improve their own designs or start new projects,’ he explained.

During his MSc, Langa had the opportunity to attend the Digital Tech Summit in Denmark, the largest deep tech conference and exhibition in the country.

Langa plans to continue working in the field of robotics and aerospace, both in research and in industry, and would like to enrol for a PhD in Mechatronics Engineering in the near future. ‘I’m passionate about solving real-world problems through technology and hope to contribute to innovative projects that have a positive impact,’ he said.

He paid tribute to his late father, who encouraged him never to stop learning and to pursue postgraduate studies.

Langa thanked all his family and friends and his supervisors, Stopforth and Dr Daniel Kirkman, for their mentorship and support. ‘I also appreciate the support from my sponsor, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the SMART Lab team at UKZN,’ he said.

Langa recently established Counter Space Learning - a non-profit organisation that focuses on community development. Under this umbrella, an initiative called Tech4Tomorrow introduces learners to robotics and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

‘I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to study at UKZN and to have been part of such a meaningful research project,’ he said. ‘I completed my undergraduate degree during the COVID-19 pandemic when learning was online, so staying on to do my MSc allowed me to refine my skills in a more hands-on environment and grow further as an engineer.

‘I hope my work inspires other young South Africans to pursue their interests in science and technology, even when the path isn’t easy. With dedication, guidance and passion, we can achieve more than we imagine.

‘If you are thinking of doing an MSc in Mechatronics, look no further than UKZN’s SMART Lab,’ added Langa.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Passion for Ocean’s Mysteries Leads Geologist to MSc

MSc in Geology graduate, Ms Tamera Heeralal.

Ms Tamera Heeralal, a graduate of UKZN’s MSc in Geology programme, is a trailblazer in the field of marine geology.

Her research on ancient diamond-bearing gravel shorelines submerged off the coast of Namibia not only contributes to the scientific understanding of sea-level fluctuations, but also highlights the importance of sustainable resource management in the context of offshore diamond exploration.

Heeralal’s decision to pursue her MSc at UKZN was motivated by the University’s distinguished marine geology programme, which is recognised as a leader in Africa. The opportunity to engage with real-world data, develop practical skills and benefit from UKZN’s strong ties with industry made the University a perfect choice.

The programme’s emphasis on marine geoscience gave her the ideal platform to dive into a field she was deeply passionate about, while honing her academic expertise and gaining hands-on research experience.

Her research - titled: “Submerged Gravel Shorelines of the Inner to Mid-Shelf Offshore Hottentot’s Bay, Namibia” - focused on ancient shorelines off Namibia’s coast and explored the history of diamond-bearing gravel that had been transported by the Orange River during periods of low sea levels.

As sea levels rose, these gravel shorelines were submerged and preserved beneath the ocean. Using cutting-edge technologies such as high-resolution sub-bottom sonar, multibeam bathymetry and data from over 6 400 boreholes, Heeralal was able to reconstruct the ancient land surface and sediment layers.

This groundbreaking work allowed her to map ancient beach systems, offering insights into how they formed, evolved and were preserved over millennia.

Heeralal’s research is not only a significant contribution to our understanding of past coastal processes but also has practical implications for the future. The study of these submerged features, including the diamond-rich gravels, provides essential knowledge about how coastlines respond to sea-level changes.

As global warming accelerates sea-level rise, understanding these ancient shorelines helps scientists predict how coastal areas might behave in the future, thus informing strategies for coastal resilience and resource management.

Heeralal’s fascination with ocean research has been a driving force throughout her career. Oceans cover some 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet 80% of the ocean floor remains unexplored. ‘We’ve mapped the moon in more detail than our own oceans, which I found truly intriguing,’ she said.

Reflecting on the significance of her research, Heeralal emphasised its relevance to both scientific inquiry and real-world applications, saying that the ability to study how ancient shorelines responded to fluctuating sea levels is invaluable in the context of climate change. By understanding past patterns of coastal erosion and deposition, we can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on coastal communities and ecosystems.

Looking ahead, Heeralal has ambitious goals for her future. Professionally, she plans to continue advancing her career in geophysics, with a focus on seismic detection and monitoring. She is also eager to pursue a PhD to deepen her expertise and make further contributions to the field.

On a personal level, Heeralal is passionate about animal welfare and hopes to get involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation. Her long-term vision is to align her professional journey with her values, creating a balanced life that enables her to make a meaningful impact on both science and society.

In her spare time, she can be found either cooking up a storm, crocheting “questionable fashion choices” for her cats (who have zero patience for fittings), or ‘playing armchair detective while binge-watching true crime documentaries, solving the case in my head before the detectives do.’

Heeralal credited her supervisor, Professor Andrew Green, for his unwavering guidance, insightful feedback and dedication to her academic and professional growth; and acknowledged the crucial role her family played in keeping her grounded and motivated throughout her research journey.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Chemist Researches Adsorption of Pollutants in Wastewater

Ms Monadia Metedad graduated with an MSc in Chemistry.

Cum laude graduate Ms Monadia Metedad has been awarded an MSc in Chemistry for research into the adsorption of pollutants in wastewater with metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and cellulosic composites.

Said her supervisor Professor Werner van Zyl: ‘Monadia is one of those rare postgraduate students who runs with the project quite independently once she understands what problem we’re trying to solve. She finds her own solutions within the framework of the project. She can be very proud of her achievement, and any chemical company she works for will benefit tremendously from her skills.’

Metedad chose UKZN as the University is close to home; and because she wanted to improve her technical and analytical skillset as well as obtain a strong research background.

Her research focused on creating composite materials comprising MOFs that were incorporated into cellulosic material. Once synthesised, she made use of the composites in adsorption studies to aid in the uptake of heavy metals, dyes and pharmaceuticals present in wastewater.

‘The area of MOF research was something that I was unaware of until Prof van Zyl proposed doing a project based on the concept,’ said Metedad. ‘Upon reading up on it my interest was immediately sparked.’

She said she found it intriguing because MOFs were a versatile and innovative area that arise from simply connecting metals and ligand molecules under different experimental conditions to create materials that possess properties crucial for adsorbents such as high surface areas and porosities.

‘I’ve always been interested in projects that make use of approaches that are targeted towards achieving environmental remediation,’ she explained. ‘It is a cause that I care about, so being able to contribute towards a solution felt less like working towards a degree and more like a self-interest-driven initiative to conserve and clean up our water resources.’

Metedad was a Sasol bursary recipient throughout her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and is now working for the company in its graduate development programme, for which she is very grateful. She is currently in the research and technology department, placed with Sasol’s analytics group, and future rotations through the company are planned.

She thanked her mother and grandmother for their support and belief in her, as well as van Zyl for making her time at UKZN seamless. ‘His guidance, faith and patience throughout the project is something I truly appreciated, as it allowed me to become a better researcher,’ she said.

And what does she do when she’s not in the lab? ‘I love everything related to motorsport, so my spare time is usually spent catching up on the worlds of Formula 1, MotoGP and IndyCar,’ added Metedad.

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Reusing Wastewater in Agriculture Inspires Cum Laude Master’s Graduate

Mr Barnabas Oluoch at Graduation and in the lab.

Buoyed by a commitment to food security and environmental preservation, Mr Barnabas Oluoch’s Master’s in Crop Science dissertation explored sustainable agriculture and the use of advanced oxidation processes to remove pathogens from wastewater for safe crop irrigation.

Originally from Kenya, where he grew up on the shores of Lake Victoria, Oluoch completed his undergraduate and honours degrees in environmental sciences at the University of Eldoret, specialising in environmental biology and health, graduating with second-class honours.

His passion for sustainability, particularly in wastewater treatment, resource recovery and agriculture, drew him to UKZN to study under Professor Alfred Odindo and Professor Stephen Ojwach. Attracted by the University’s research excellence and innovative environment, Oluoch found strong mentorship, state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative academic culture.

He sought to work at the nexus of agriculture and environmental health to contribute to crop systems that produce nutritious food, conserve resources, recycle waste and reduce pollution.

Oluoch’s research used ozone- and ultraviolet (UV)-based treatments to remove pathogens from wastewater for irrigation - critical in water-scarce regions - and supported waste reduction, sustainable water management, reduced freshwater dependence and global efforts toward a circular agricultural economy, aligning with at least three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He found that specific advanced oxidation processes effectively eliminated pathogens and improved the physicochemical properties of treated wastewater. Ozonolysis, for instance, met pathogen standards set by international bodies and increased nitrate and ortho-phosphate levels, which are beneficial for fertigation.

However, UV+Titanium - a photocatalyst - proved toxic to crop growth and consumers of crops such as Swiss chard and lettuce irrigated with treated effluent, posing health risks such as in the liver and spleen, heart injury, colon cancer, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal issues and placental dysfunction.

His strong academic performance led to three peer-reviewed publications in Heliyon, Environmental Science and Health, and Hazardous Materials. Adapting to a new academic environment in a different country had its challenges, but being goal-oriented, relying on peer support and maintaining communication with his supervisors helped him persevere.

He balanced his studies with church activities and music production, managing his time through structured schedules and clear goals while prioritising rest, reflection and spiritual grounding.

Now pursuing a PhD at UKZN, Oluoch is expanding his focus to contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in wastewater, such as pharmaceuticals, which affect crops and soil. He is working on methods to remove these and hopes to contribute to academia and sustainable agricultural development.

Oluoch thanked his family for their unwavering support, Professor Odindo and Professor Ojwach for his mentorship, UKZN friends and peers for enriching his experience, the Water Research Commission of South Africa for funding, and God for the strength and wisdom to pursue his passion.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied

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Focus on Soil Organic Carbon Variability Across Grassland Ecosystems

Mr Sfundo Mthiyane received his Master’s in Environmental Science degree cum laude.

Remote sensing and deep learning techniques were used in research to gain a better understanding of the influence of woody encroachment on the soil organic carbon (SOC) sink in grassland ecosystems.

The research was done by Mr Sfundo Mthiyane who is now celebrating graduating with his Master’s in Environmental Science cum laude.

Originally from Nseleni Township near Richards Bay, studying at UKZN fulfilled a dream for Mthiyane, who saw schoolmates attend the University and heard about their positive experiences at the Institution. The first in his family to attend university, he saw it as an opportunity to open doors for his family and community.

He appreciated the University’s educational offerings, particularly the supportive structures, such as supplemental instruction and tutoring services, and the equality between students no matter their background or race.

The practicality of environmental science drew Mthiyane to the discipline as it practically explained daily ecological phenomena. His passion for analysing data using computer-based models led him to specialise in applied remote sensing and ecology for his postgraduate studies, as he enjoyed the time spent analysing various datasets.

Mthiyane’s master’s research involved quantifying the variability of SOC across untouched and encroached grasslands in Bisley Nature Reserve in Pietermaritzburg. The elevated amounts of SOC stored by grasslands globally make them vital environments for ecological services, including climate regulation, good water quality and biodiversity. The encroachment of woody species, including trees and shrubs, into grasslands influences their structure, ecological dynamics and SOC distributions.

Mthiyane produced critical information about SOC distribution following woody encroachment that environmental managers can use to make informed decisions about the conservation area he focused on. His results revealed that encroachment amplifies SOC accumulation and is mostly concentrated in topsoil, contributing to the debate in scientific literature about SOC distribution at various soil depths.

Mthiyane’s work demonstrated the robustness of remote sensing techniques in quantifying SOC distribution in deeper soil depths after woody encroachment.

The loss of a bursary for Mthiyane’s postgraduate studies due to a submission error that affected his average marks in his honour’s year posed a significant challenge for continuing his studies, creating additional pressure as he conducted his two years of master’s research without funding.

Despite this setback, Mthiyane stuck to a firm weekly schedule to manage his work and ensure he completed his research on time. He has registered to continue onto PhD studies.

Mthiyane credited God and his church, the Cave of Adullam Apostolic Centre, for his successes. He thanked his family and especially his mother, Ms Nomusa Mnguni, for their love, support and prayers, and his supervisors, Dr Trylee Matongera, Professor Onisimo Mutanga, and Professor John Odindi for their guidance. Without their belief and support, including financial support, Mthiyane says his studies would have been impossible.

He also thanked his colleagues, Mr Ntuthuko Mncwabe, Mr Celuxolo Dlamini, Mr Bheka Mlambo and Dr Snethemba Ndlovu for their encouragement throughout his studies.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Supplied

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Summa Cum Laude Success for Passionate Geologist

Summa cum laude graduate, Ms Ishta Maharaj.

Ms Ishta Maharaj’s summa cum laude BSc Honours in Geological Sciences was the culmination of an academic journey that included a novel research project and a conference presentation on her work, which are now propelling her into further study and a career that fulfills her love of Earth’s complex materials.

Maharaj was born and raised in Durban and enrolled for her undergraduate and honours studies at UKZN to stay close to home and follow in her parents’ footsteps.

Maharaj appreciated the diversity of campus life that enabled her to meet and befriend a variety of students and create lifelong bonds, particularly among those she shared challenging geology modules with. She enjoyed studying in the Discipline and has fond memories of field trips in particular.

A fascination with the mining industry initially led Maharaj to geology, where she discovered the boundlessness of minerals in everyday life. Visits to mining sites during her honours year exposed her to the possibilities on offer as a geologist in the mining industry. She particularly enjoyed the Ore Deposits module, in which she learned about the processes and conditions necessary for economic grades of ore to form and concentrate.

Maharaj’s honours dissertation was titled: “Strain Analysis of Ocelli and Pillows in Komatiites of the Buffalo River Greenstone Belt, KwaZulu-Natal”, and was a structural geology-based project in which she concluded that ocelli - rounded, light-coloured structures within rock - can be used as a kinematic indicator, a structure providing information about the direction and sense of movement on a fault or shear zone, something not previously reported.

Maharaj was thrilled to contribute to novel science, and her supervisor, Dr Lauren Hoyer, presented this work at the 2025 Igneous and Metamorphic Studies Group Conference on her behalf. She is also preparing this dissertation for publication.

Her honours year was not taken up solely by this project; Maharaj also worked as a practical demonstrator, assisting first - and second-year students with their practicals, and supporting third-year students in the field on a nine-day trip collecting data for her dissertation.

Balancing her study and spending time with her friends and family was challenging, but significant support from her loved ones motivated Maharaj and lightened the experience. She and a group of friends began an interactive changelog to highlight weekly objectives to keep each other on track in their university and personal lives, providing support, camaraderie and improved productivity.

Maharaj has enrolled for her Master’s in Geological Sciences, using her research to identify structural basins favourable for trapping high-quality diamonds offshore in southern Namibia using Machine Learning techniques. This project is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis using data collected by the Trans Hex Group.

Maharaj thanked Hoyer for spurring her on to complete her honours project with the best results possible, for field assistance, and for creating an environment where she was comfortable asking for help.

She also thanked her supportive parents for helping her accomplish her goals and her friends, Mr Shrivaran Rangasamy and Mr Tyrese Chetty, for their support throughout her studies.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Thesis on Developing Stronger Hybrids for Africa Earns PhD for Maize Breeder

Dr Rodreck Gunundu at his Graduation ceremony and in the field.

Dr Rodreck Gunundu’s PhD study through the African Centre for Crop Improvement (ACCI) aimed to identify promising maize inbred lines and experimental hybrids to address Africa’s persistently low yields of a staple crop vital for food and nutrition security.

Gunundu combined phenotypic traits with high-resolution Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers offering a path toward developing and releasing high-yielding, single cross and three-way hybrids suited to African growing conditions where stresses such as drought, flooding, poor soils, pests, diseases and limited access to improved seed varieties reduce productivity.

His research, supported by SeedCo Limited where he has worked for over 15 years, combined traditional field evaluation with advanced genetic tools to fast-track the identification of strong-performing inbred lines and hybrid combinations. Analysing over 1 000 maize lines, Gunundu identified diverse and complementary parents using SNP markers to guide hybrid development. Several inbred lines showed strong breeding values, with some excelling in hybrid combinations and laying a foundation for further breeding. Experimental hybrids tested across Zimbabwe and Zambia included top performers with yields exceeding eight tonnes a hectare and strong stability. These are now being considered for commercial release and are expected to support more resilient, productive maize farming across Africa. Many promising lines will also be integrated into SeedCo’s breeding programme.

Gunundu completed his undergraduate and master’s studies at the University of Zimbabwe. He joined UKZN for his PhD, attracted by its strong agricultural research programme, which aligned with his career goals and offered cutting-edge, interdisciplinary training in plant breeding.

Drawn to plant breeding by its potential to address global food challenges, Gunundu aims to develop resilient, nutritious and adaptable crops. He is especially interested in integrating genetics, genomics and agronomy to create solutions that benefit farmers, communities and ecosystems.

His PhD journey included experimental setbacks, large datasets, and balancing research with professional and family life. He overcame these challenges through collaboration, mentorship and time management, often working late into the night or early mornings, especially during planting and harvest seasons while supporting his wife and two children.

‘A clear strategic plan, a strong support system and adaptability enabled me to navigate these challenges and ultimately achieve my goals,’ said Gunundu.

He will apply the knowledge gained through his PhD to advance SeedCo’s breeding programme and contribute meaningfully to global food security.

Gunundu thanked his supervisor, Professor Hussein Shimelis, for his exceptional mentorship and guidance; Dr Seltene Abady Tesfamariam for his valuable advice; his wife, Mrs Pamela Bongani and his children Munesu Jayden and Atidaishe Chiara and his extended family and friends for their unwavering support.

He acknowledged SeedCo Ltd and its Research and Development team, particularly Mr Morgan Nzwere and Dr Gorden Mabuyaye, for their funding and germplasm support. Special thanks went to Dr Jacob Mashilo, Professor Edmore Gasura, Dr Isack Mathew, Dr Admire Shayanowako, Dr Learnmore Mwadzingeni, Dr Nyasha Chiuraise, Mr Malven Mushayi, Mr Alexander Chikoshana and Mr Caleb Souta for their assistance.

Above all, he thanked Jesus Christ for His protection and love.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photographs: Sethu Dlamini and supplied

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Home Gardens a Money Saver - PhD Research Finding

UKZN lecturer, Dr Mbalenhle Gwacela, celebrates with her family (from left): Ms Makazi Gwacela, Ms Nonjabulo Mzimela, Mr Emmanuel Obaga and Mr Thamsanqa Gwacela.

The role of home gardens in enhancing food and nutrition security and addressing multidimensional poverty in rural areas in Limpopo was researched by Dr Mbalenhle Gwacela who was awarded a PhD in Food Security from UKZN.

Aligning with her interest in food and nutrition security, Gwacela found that households with home gardens experienced reduced levels of multidimensional poverty, particularly among families with older household heads and larger household sizes. She observed that older heads of households predominantly practised home gardening, while there was a lack of interest in farming among the younger generation.

Her study reinforced the ongoing structural challenges in South Africa, particularly around land inaccessibility, limited access to markets and insufficient agricultural support - all of which continue exacerbating food and nutrition insecurity.

It was a double celebration for Gwacela as apart from securing her doctorate she also became a mother for the first time!

She completed all her degrees at UKZN, from undergraduate studies in Geography and Environmental Management, to a postgraduate Diploma in Policy and Developmental Studies and a Master’s degree in Food Security, before embarking on her PhD as a developmental lecturer, determined to build a career in research and academia.

Being from St Wendolins in Mariannhill, UKZN’s Pietermaritzburg campus was ideally situated for Gwacela and offered her opportunities to specialise in studying weather and the natural environment, her initial interests.

Gwacela enjoyed engaging with the real-world dynamics of food insecurity, livelihoods and household wellbeing in South Africa, saying that understanding these dynamics is critical for developing informed, sustainable interventions that strengthen food and nutrition systems at both the community and national levels.

Her research was published in international journals during her studies, with Gwacela being able to work with international researchers through the Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS) project.

Despite the setbacks of changing her research topic several times, Gwacela’s work accelerated in 2022, and she worked hard to understand new statistical models she needed to analyse her results with the support of her supervisor, who introduced her to experts in that area.

Gwacela balanced her research with her commitment to God and her church community. She found indispensable support from her husband when the pressure of managing studies and motherhood became overwhelming.

Gwacela plans to continue publishing her findings and, through the interdisciplinary nature of food security research, hopes to collaborate across boundaries within and beyond UKZN to broaden the impact of her work.

She is passionate about advocating for food and nutrition security in southern Africa and hopes to explore the deeper complexities of the field, including the development and strengthening of policy interventions.

Gwacela thanked her family, friends and supervisor, Professor Mjabuliseni Ngidi, for their support.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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Physicist Passionate Promoter for Women in STEM

Summa cum laude graduate, Ms Saarisha Govender.

Proud graduate Ms Saarisha Govender, who earned her BSc Honours degree in Physics summa cum laude, is a passionate and driven student whose academic journey has been marked by curiosity, hard work and a deep commitment to scientific discovery.

Govender, who completed her undergraduate BSc degree at UKZN (also summa cum laude), chose to pursue her honours at the same institution mainly because of lecturers who had already left a lasting impression on her. ‘I was highly interested in the content of the modules offered in the honours programme,’ she said. ‘The deciding factor for me, however, was the lecturers involved. They had lectured me during my undergraduate degree and I felt I still had much to learn from them.’

Her fascination with physics dates back to childhood and a boundless curiosity about the natural world. ‘From photosynthesis to planets - I wanted to know it all,’ she explained. This curiosity paired naturally with her love for mathematics, and with the support of inspirational teachers and a family that valued education, a future in science became inevitable.

Govender was awarded the Zac Yacoob Scholarship in 2024 for being the best honours student at the University.

During her honours year, Govender was exposed to a range of advanced topics in both mathematics and physics. Among these, Quantum Mechanics (PHYS702) stood out as her favourite module. Covering the foundations of quantum theory - including its history, postulates and advanced topics such as perturbation theory - the module laid the groundwork for later studies in quantum computing. ‘I still use concepts from this module today as a master’s student,’ she said.

Her honours research project, titled: “Binary Classification of Pulsars using Quantum Kernel Methods”, explored the application of quantum machine learning (QML) in astronomical data analysis. Focusing on the HTRU2 dataset, Govender investigated how an ensemble of QML models could address the challenge of imbalanced datasets - specifically the underrepresentation of pulsars, which are highly magnetised, rapidly rotating neutron stars. By applying Quantum Kernel Methods and comparing different strategies for encoding classical data into quantum models, her research offers new insights into improving classification accuracy in such unbalanced datasets.

The relevance of her work extends beyond astronomy with potential applications in any field dealing with similar data challenges.

Now enrolled in a master’s programme in Physics, Govender continues to explore the field of QML, with her current research focusing on generalisation - understanding how well QML models perform when applied to unseen data.

Looking to the future, she intends to pursue a PhD and hopes to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of quantum machine learning.

Behind her academic success lies a strong support system. Govender credits her family for instilling in her a respect for education and the value of perseverance. ‘Watching my parents support our family taught me the value of hard work,’ she said.

Her grandfather’s solid support and her sister’s encouragement played a vital role in keeping her motivated. She also acknowledged the guidance of her supervisor, Professor Ilya Sinayskiy, as instrumental in shaping her academic journey. ‘I would not be the researcher I am today without his influence.’

Outside of her studies, Govender maintains a balanced lifestyle. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking nutritious meals, strength training and Pilates. Her creative hobbies include reading, crocheting, sketching and working on puzzles - all of which contribute to her mental well-being.

As a woman in STEM, Govender hopes her journey inspires others, especially young girls, to pursue careers in science with confidence. ‘We often underestimate the importance of representation in STEM fields,’ she said. ‘I hope my story encourages young girls to ask questions, think deeply, take up space and speak up - because there is a need for their voices in academia.’

Quoting Pakistani education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, she concluded: ‘We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.’

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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A Legacy of Food Security Improvement Left by Late PhD Graduate

Dr Alhassan Jinbaani (right) with Dr Peter Kelly, CEO of the Grow Further non-profit organisation.

Just two months before he was due to be capped at UKZN with a PhD in Agricultural Economics, Ghanaian Dr Alhassan Jinbaani sadly died from multiple myeloma.

Jinbaani, who spent more than 20 years as a scientist championing food security in Ghana, was an agricultural economist at the West African country’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), where he spent his entire professional career.

The last born of nine siblings in a household in which farming was part of life, Jinbaani believed that education and hard work presented a solution for his family - he was the only child who continued his education to a tertiary level. His mother, who played a crucial role in motivating him to combine farming with his education, died while he was in high school, and he continued to support many of his family members until his unexpected passing.

From northern Ghana, Jinbaani attended Wa Senior High Technical School and Damongo Agricultural College, working for a short time at a bank before joining CSIR-SARI, where he and his colleagues contributed to the release of 75 improved varieties of crops to hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers in northern Ghana, enhancing agricultural productivity while prioritising environmental health.

He funded his own undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the University for Development Studies in Ghana, paid for in part by his work as a shoe-shiner and selling chickens. Jinbaani also attended six intensive months of training on land restoration at the University of Iceland and the United Nations University in 2016.

Pursuing his PhD later in his career, he chose UKZN because of its excellent reputation in Agricultural Sciences.

‘His passion and love for humanity can soar through his research work at this University,’ said his wife, Ms Ruby Jinbaani.

Jinbaani explored the role of Ghana’s Fertiliser Subsidy Program (GFSP) in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing household food security. Using nationally representative data and econometric analysis, he addressed three key areas: the impact of fertiliser subsidies on the adoption of sustainable intensification technologies, their contribution to food security resilience, and the complementarity between fertiliser use and integrated soil fertility management practices. His findings underscored the importance of input support policies in strengthening smallholder productivity and food security.

His supervisor, Professor Edilegnaw Wale Zegeye, spoke of his shock at Jinbaani’s death only weeks after the final version of his thesis was submitted.

‘Alhassan was a very dedicated and committed man with many desirable attributes, not only as a student but also as a human being. He was a man of God, humble and hardworking.’

In 2024, Jinbaani attended the 32^nd Triennial International Conference of Agricultural Economists in India with Zegeye, with whom he was planning to submit manuscripts from his thesis to journals for publication. His research resulted in one peer-reviewed journal publication and was presented at five other conferences.

‘It is heartbreaking that he is no more,’ said Zegeye. ‘His work ethic and professionalism were second to none. Once he commits, he will make sure to get it done. Despite his health challenges, he was determined to complete his PhD on a topic of significant policy interest in Ghana and beyond. It was a great privilege to work with him. May his soul rest in peace!’

A tribute by the Grow Further non-profit organisation in the United States, which funded a project led by Jinbaani selected from over 700 applications, described his specialisation in smallholder farming, particularly in gender issues, and his hypothesis that underutilised opportunity crops could empower women in rural Ghana.

He was lauded as a champion for food security.

Jinbaani led a project at the CSIR-SARI to develop the world’s first commercial variety of the nutritious, drought-resistant Bambara groundnut.

A committed Muslim, Jinbaani was remembered by his colleagues as being confident, humble, respectful, generous, and compassionate.

He is survived by his wife and three children.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Kwekwe Photography, Courtesy of Grow Further

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Chemist Studies Road Dust and Beach Sand in Durban for Pollutants

Dr Abdulmumeen Abdulkadir.

Nigerian Dr Abdulmumeen Abdulkadir has earned a PhD in Chemistry from UKZN for his identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Durban road dust and beach sand.

Said Abdulkadir’s supervisor, Professor Bice Martincigh: ‘Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants that arise from incomplete combustion processes. They are of concern because of their mutagenic and carcinogenic nature.

‘Abdulkadir developed a molecularly imprinted polymer for extracting PAHs from road dust and beach sand, and his research promotes eco-friendly monitoring methods, reducing solvent consumption and costs, while enhancing environmental benefits.’

Said Abdulkadir: ‘The significance of my research is that I developed an environmentally friendly method that uses smaller amounts of chemicals and lowers costs for extracting and analysing these harmful pollutants. PAHs are dangerous because they can cause genetic damage, birth defects and cancer. They are generated mainly from the burning of fossil fuels, making their presence in the environment a concern.’

Abdulkadir’s motivation to research PAHs stems from their negative impact on human health and the environment. ‘As persistent organic pollutants, PAHs contribute to acute and chronic illnesses due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic properties,’ he explained. ‘Their widespread presence from industrial activities, vehicle emissions and biomass combustion underscores the need for advanced research on their environmental fate, toxicological effects and remediation strategies.

‘I am driven by the potential to develop innovative monitoring techniques, sustainable remediation approaches and policy recommendations to mitigate exposure. PAHs are of concern because of their mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic nature, as they arise from the incomplete combustion processes of fossil fuels.’

Abdulkadir devised an eco-friendly method that reduces solvent consumption and costs for the analysis and monitoring of the ubiquitous pollutants.

He chose to complete his PhD through UKZN because of its excellent academic reputation and diverse and vibrant academic community with scholars drawn from around the world. He also found Durban to be a beautiful city in which to live and study.

His future plans include securing a well-paid job; making significant contributions to scientific knowledge, environmental health and sustainable development; and mentoring future graduate and undergraduate scientists.

He thanked his “ebullient and empathetic” supervisor, who played the most important role in getting him to where he is now.

‘Earning a PhD is a significant achievement, showing dedication, perseverance and a profound contribution to knowledge in one’s chosen field,’ said Abdulkadir. ‘It signifies not only academic success but also personal growth and critical problem-solving skills, contributing to meaningful advancements in research and society.

‘I am most grateful to Almighty God for my life and to all those who assisted me in whatever way.’

Words: Sally Frost

Photograph: Supplied

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Peptide Research Reveals Potential Medical and Diagnostic Applications

PhD graduate, Dr Sheyi Rotimi.

PhD research explored improved methods for building tree-like molecules called dendrimers, which are made up of smaller chains of proteins known as peptides which could assist scientists develop complex, useful molecules more easily and reliably with applications for the development of new medical treatments.

The research was carried out by Dr Sheyi Rotimi whose undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Kogi State University in his home country of Nigeria developed his interest in molecular sciences, leading him to UKZN for his master’s research focusing on peptide synthesis. He achieved his master’s degree cum laude under the supervision of Professor Fernando Albericio and Professor Beatriz Garcia de la Torre, which he used as the foundation of his PhD research.

Using a special chemical structure called 1,3,5-Triazine to link various parts of the structure, Rotimi expanded the toolbox for dendrimer construction for chemists and medical researchers, creating a smart connector to unite parts of the structure using nucleophiles.

This new, gentle, efficient and precise method of constructing dendrimers step-by-step works well in conditions safe for biological systems, making it suitable for creating new medicines or diagnostic tools. This could be applied to lifesaving cancer therapy, targeted drug delivery and advanced vaccines.

The successful synthesis of triazine dendrimers with potent antibacterial activity, particularly against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, highlights their potential as promising therapeutic candidates. This demonstrates that s-triazine is useful in advanced biomolecule design and contributes a valuable framework for developing new antimicrobial agents, addressing an urgent need to combat antibiotic resistance.

Simplifying the organic synthesis of antimicrobial peptides, which could combat resistant bacteria and other pathogens but involve complex and resource-intensive processes, makes the process more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Rotimi was drawn to UKZN for its strong reputation of scientific excellence, particularly the Peptide Science Laboratory, which is known worldwide for its sustainable and green synthesis methodologies. Rotimi says he enjoyed UKZN’s diverse, inclusive academic environment, supportive community, the quality of academic mentorship he received, and the vibrant campus life.

His passion for research and innovation, particularly in medicine, grew from his fascination with chemical processes in high school as he learned how they explained everyday phenomena.

The support of Rotimi’s supervisors and peers helped him persist through experimental setbacks during his PhD, and he planned carefully and reflectively to achieve the best results, while participating in politics and football during his studies to maintain his well-being and perspective.

During his PhD studies, he participated in a ten-month research visit to CIC biomaGUNE in San Sebastián, Spain, as part of the Horizon 2020 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Research and Innovation Staff Exchange project SUPRO-GEN facilitated by the European Commission. This opportunity enabled Rotimi to collaborate with leading researchers and refine his methodologies.

He also published scientific papers emerging from his research in scientific journals. He collaborated with the Italian pharmaceutical company Chemo to develop a new industrial production strategy for Semaglutide, a leading treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. He is now focused on developing synthesis methods for the antidiabetic drugs Tirzepatide and Cagrilintide.

Rotimi is looking ahead to a career in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry, hoping to contribute to developing innovative and efficient methodologies for synthesising Glucagon-like peptides, an area of research with significant therapeutic potential, particularly in treating metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. He enthusiastically applies his academic skills to real-world challenges to advance scientific research and drug development.

Rotimi thanked Albericio and de la Torre for their invaluable guidance and mentorship, and his family, friends, colleagues and funders for their support throughout his academic journey.

Words: Christine Cuénod

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini

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