The Durban University of Technology’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Director, Professor Faizal Bux says his appointment as the Chairperson of the BRICS Network University International Thematic Group on Water Resource and Pollution Treatment will position DUT at an international level.

“Serving as the Chair of the ITG will certainly have benefits which include profiling the Institute and the University at the international level. This will also facilitate collaboration and being part of an international network of scientists and practitioners all working towards a common goal. Access to resources and student and staff exchange is another major advantage,” said Prof Bux.

According to Prof Bux the BRICS Network University (BRICS-NU) is a network of BRICS member countries of higher education institutions, engaged in corporation of educational projects including postgraduate training programmes. BRICS Network University International Thematic Groups (ITGs) are structures within the BRICS-NU responsible for the coordination of work and research activities related to the six priority/knowledge areas which have been identified for BRICS cooperation.

“These knowledge areas are: Energy; Computer Science and Information Security; BRICS Studies; Ecology and Climate Change; Water Resources and Pollution Treatment; as well as Economics. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has established a strong track record in water and wastewater treatment research and therefore was selected as the Lead organisation for South Africa, for the ITG Water Resources and Pollution Treatment,” explained Prof Bux.

Prof Bux gave more details on how his appointment to this prominent position came about.  “As the leading Water specialist for South Africa, I was nominated during 2016, to represent South Africa on the ITG. At the annual BRICS-NU conference held at the University of Stellenbosch in July 2018, the ITG members from BRICS representative countries nominated me as Chair of the ITG for two years with the option of a second term,” he said.

He also outlined the objective of the International Thematic Group – Water Resources and Pollution Treatment, as well as his responsibilities as the Chairperson.

“Our main purpose is to contribute to the development of water security concepts that will encompass issues on wastewater treatment and urbanisation, surface water pollution and basin level water resources analysis. As Chair, my responsibilities are to co-ordinate the activities of the ITG, as well as to enhance co-operation and exchanges among all member nations and universities, strengthening their visibility, impact and competitiveness amongst BRICS countries. Each country is represented by two universities on the ITG management committee, however other universities may also participate in the activities of the ITG,” said Prof Bux.

“At the recent, BRICS-NU conference, a roadmap was approved by the ITG members, outlining the activities planned for the next two years. The ITG seeks to develop joint initiatives in education and research through joint research projects, network implementation of collaborative Master and PhD programmes, short courses and seminars for students, conferences and joint publications,” he added.

Prof Bux said he is humbled and honoured by his appointment to this prominent position. “The position comes with a great degree of responsibility which I intend to fulfil to the best of my ability. I am honoured to be nominated to this position by my fellow BRICS ITG members to oversee the activities of five nations. I will strive to achieve the desired objectives of the ITG as the Chair,” he said.

Pictured: Professor Faizal Bux

Nduduzo Ndlovu