Being creative, distinctive and impactful in society is what the Durban University of Technology (DUT) aims to impart to its students at the institution. Three outstanding Engineering students have been chosen for their unique creativeness, and are paving their way to the esteemed Digital Technology Summit which takes place in Copenhagen, Denmark at the end of October 2024.
The Digital Technology Summit brings together, engineers, companies, academia, startups, investors, and students, redefining tech leadership the digital sustainable technology transformation in industry and society.
Sydney Khanyile (Chemical engineering), Ongezwa Momoza (Chemical Engineering) and Abednego Nkanyiso Sokhela (Electrical Power Engineering) are the successful students who were selected to represent DUT on an international level.
Khanyile, who is currently completing his Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree at DUT, was overwhelmed with excitement when he heard of his selection. “It is not every day you just wake up to a call saying you will be travelling overseas with all expenses covered,” he said jubilantly.
Khanyile spoke of how the selection process for the Digital Technology Summit in Copenhagen came about. He explained that a poster was sent through the DUT Pinboard email which he had missed seeing, and luckily his supervisor Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh had sent it to him and had asked him to apply for such an amazing competition.
“My supervisor saw the potential I had in research and said that this competition would help put my potential skills and knowledge to great use,” added Khanyile.
For Khanyile, he further elaborated on the role he would play at the Digital Technology Summit in Copenhagen. “My role is to explore and discuss the potential of emerging technologies in enhancing water resource assessments. Specifically, I am focusing on how we can leverage data to ensure water security and safety for domestic use,” he expressed.
Khanyile’s primary responsibility involves presenting innovative solutions and facilitating discussions on the integration of advanced technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and big data analytics in water management systems. “By utilising these technologies, we can gather real-time data on water quality, availability, and usage patterns, which can significantly improve our ability to manage and conserve water resources.
“I expect the summit to be a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices with other experts in the field,” he professed.
Khanyile stated that he was looking forward to networking with industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to collaboratively develop strategies that address the challenges of water scarcity and safety.
Additionally, he hopes to gain insights into the latest technological advancements and how they can be applied to create sustainable water management solutions.
In terms of his preparations for the international summit, Khanyile highlighted that his goal is to create a well-informed and innovative solution that meets the challenge partners’ requirements and is worthy of presentation at the summit. “By doing so, I aim to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the challenge and showcase my problem-solving skills,” he said.
In terms of his future goals, Khanyile indicated that they are centred around combining his technical expertise with entrepreneurial ambitions. “I aim to establish a global network of like-minded individuals who share my passion for innovation and business,” he explained.
Khanyile explained further that through hard work, determination, and collaboration, he is extremely excited to explore opportunities that align with his values and aspirations.
Adding to the conversation was the dynamic Momoza, from Kwa-Mzongwana in Matatiele. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Chemical Engineering. Her academic journey has been marked by notable achievements, particularly during her internship where she was involved in two significant projects simultaneously. “One of these projects earned an award for exceptional teamwork and project management skills. I gained valuable hands-on industrial experience in Electroplating as well as Robotics and Automation, which greatly empowered my academic research,” she stated.
The bright-eyed Momoza is also eager to integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence into her studies in Chemical Engineering.
“Remaining at the cutting edge of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and drive innovation in my field. In addition to my technical aspirations, I am committed to addressing global water challenges. I am dedicated to developing sustainable and practical solutions that align with Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation. My work is driven by a vision to contribute meaningfully to both my country and the world in solving critical environmental issues,” she explained.
Being chosen to represent DUT in Copenhagen, Denmark was a day that would always be a significant chapter in her story.
“I’m still processing the impact of this incredible news. Never before have I been part of an international conference of this magnitude, where my work has the potential to make a global impact. This is truly a first for me,” expressed Momoza.
For Momoza , she had participated in previous provincial competitions and consistently achieved top honours. “That same determination and enthusiasm has grown into the opportunity to represent DUT on a national team at a global stage. I am grateful for the chance to contribute at this level,” she replied.
She said that she is honoured to serve as a young researcher, recognised as a future leader in the field.
“This opportunity allows me to contribute to meaningful research and explore cutting-edge approaches to solving critical environmental issues,” she said.
For Momoza, her expectations are simple, she is hoping, praying and working hard, that their solution is the best fit to the problem, and will win the challenge.
“I also look forward to networking with investors, researchers and industry experts to gain insightful knowledge, not only in our problem but to expand my perspective in global participation. This is what I would love to do in my career moving forward. I look forward to future opportunities and all the ways in which this opportunity may change my life,” she said.
Momoza is currently attending boot camps, researching and broadening her knowledge in understanding the context of the challenge. “I stay up until late with my team, ensuring that we are working ahead and getting things done as early as we can,” she conveyed.
Her future goals have evolved significantly as she delves deeper into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning with green or sustainable engineering.
She is further considering this focus for her master’s research to bridge the knowledge gap in this emerging field.
“The journey does not end with the Digital Technology Summit, it is only the beginning. It’s crucial that the solutions we develop are implemented, nurtured, monitored, and continuously improved,” she said.
Pictured: Sydney Khanyile and Ongezwa Momoza.
Waheeda Peters
