The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud to announce that four of its highly acclaimed academics have been nominated for the prestigious 2025 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards, which is widely regarded as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa.
Now in its 27th year, the NSTF-South32 Awards honour and celebrate excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation (SETI). The annual event is South Africa’s largest and most esteemed platform for recognising outstanding contributions across the public and private sectors, academia and civil society.
Representing DUT on this distinguished stage are:
- Professor Faizal Bux – Director of the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) and Chair-holder: Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI)/National Research Foundation (NRF) South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Wastewater Treatment; Lead: South Africa Division, International Water Association; Fellow: Royal Society of Chemistry.
- Dr Sipokazi Mabuwa – Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, celebrated for pioneering sustainable, high-performance materials and advanced welding techniques that serve aerospace and marine applications.
- Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh – Senior Researcher in the Green Engineering Research Group, whose interdisciplinary work in sustainable environmental engineering and mentorship of over 50 postgraduate students continues to have a transformative impact.
- Professor Modupe Cecilia Mewomo – Associate Professor in the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, acknowledged for her inspirational leadership and dedication to developing the next generation of SET researchers.
Speaking about the university’s four remarkable finalists, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, said: “We are immensely proud of our four outstanding colleagues whose work exemplifies DUT’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and societal impact. Their recognition as NSTF-South32 finalists not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects the university’s growing influence in shaping sustainable solutions for South Africa, Africa and beyond. In line with the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy, their work does much more in improving lives and livelihoods.”
The winners of the 2025 NSTF-South32 Awards will be revealed at a glittering gala banquet on 31 July 2025.
Pictured: Professor Modupe Cecilia Mewomo, Professor Faizal Bux, Dr Sipokazi Mabuwa and Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh.
Alan Khan
