The Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with Mhlathuze Water, hosted a ceremony to celebrate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Steve Biko campus on Wednesday, 05 April 2023. The two entities joined forces in finding solutions for water and wastewater treatment.
Mr Alan Khan: Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, facilitated the event. Dr Vaneshree Govender, Acting Director: Research and Postgraduate Support Unit shared welcoming remarks on behalf of Professor Keolebogile Motaung: Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC:RIE). She welcomed all the guests in attendance and she further expressed her gratitude about the collaboration and she believed that it marked a beginning of greater things between DUT and Mhlathuze Water.
DUT and Mhlathuze Water are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. Scientists under the IWWT at DUT have been instrumental in conducting water analysis on the tap water in parts of the eThekwini region. In their recent analysis conducted in February 2023, they have found that Durban’s tap water is safe to drink.
The university will also design protocols for wastewater analysis and train staff of Mhlathuze Water and utilise Mhlathuze’s laboratory facilities for student training and research.
Meanwhile the responsibilities of Mhlathuze Water will include; providing funding for research projects for the benefit of Mhlathuze Water. It will also provide Work Integrated Learning (WIL), scholarships and internship placement opportunities for DUT students and graduates. Mhlathuze Water will also create career opportunities for early career Ph.D and Master’s students/graduates.
Giving the context of the event was Mr Swaswa Ntlohoro: General Manager: Scientific Services at Mhlathuze Water.
“We are a water board which provides water services, with limited capacity that is why we collaborated with IWWT. Our ultimate goal is to provide quality of life to people. Today we will be signing the MOU which clearly states that DUT will collaborate with Mhlathuze Water on projects to address research needs of Mhlathuze Water. We are happy that we have come this far to start a good relationship. Hard work will start after today, we are looking forward to a healthy working relationship,” he said.
The MOU was signed by Mr Ntlohoro representing Mhlathuze Water and Prof Faizal Bux, IWWT Director represented DUT.
Dr Lavern Samuels, Director: International Education and Partnerships at DUT shared his vote of thanks, thanking Mhlathuze Water for partnering with DUT.
Pictured: DUT and Mhlathuze Water staff present at the MOU Signing Ceremony.
Photographer: Khulasande Tshayile.
Nomvelo Zulu/Simangele Zuma
