The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) future leaders, innovators and change-makers of the global community were conferred five Degrees of Doctor of Engineering w who exemplify DUT’s living values and goals of ENVISION2030..
The academics received their esteemed degrees at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. The grand ceremony took place at the Olive Convention Centre (OCC) in Durban.
These graduates were Dr Abraham Ayodele Ajayi, Dr Stephen Okiemute Akpasi, Dr Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo, Dr Donald Tyoker Kukwa and Dr Manqoba Shezi. These sterling graduates who have put in late nights, early mornings, countless cups of coffee, and their unwavering determination, are the proud and accomplished, with a degree in hand and a world of possibilities at their feet.
Some of the interesting research produced by the PhD graduates focused on epoxy-based foam composites, the catalytic methanation of CO₂, antibiotic compounds, the production of hydrocarbons as well as biofuels and petrochemicals.
Dr Ajayi’s thesis looked at experiential and numerical investigation of Epoxy-Based Foam composite for Buoyancy Application.
“In the recent past, marine economy and engineering have gained significant attention due to their potential impact on various sectors, such as agriculture, transportation and communication. To meet the growing challenges and requirements of marine based industries, materials and structures play an important role in bridging these gaps. Especially, the development of light weight composite and panel structures are vital in these applications. This research study focusses on the development of lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio and buoyant composite foam panels,” he said.
Dr Ajayi’s extraordinary research outcome of the study shows that a natural fibre-based foam composite panel can be developed which can provide improved thermo-mechanical, light weight, high durable and buoyant properties, with potential application is marine structures and transportation industries. “This research work forms a part of the project work which was jointly funded by NRF South Africa and DST India based on bilateral research collaboration. This work resulted in the publication of four DHET accredited journal articles, one peer-reviewed book chapter and presentation at one conference,” he emphasised.
Dr Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo, ‘chemical-based’ dissertation looked at the application of chitosan-carbon nanotube hydrogel composite in the removal of antibiotic compounds and perfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous solutions. He happily shared that this work has been presented at two international conferences such as the United Kingdom in London and France in Paris, and one national conference.
Sharing his congratulatory remarks to the graduates, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Prof Sudesh Rathilal emphasised that the knowledge and skills graduates have acquired are not just tools for personal success, but also a powerful force for good.
“Use them to lift up those around you, to empower marginalised communities, and to fight for justice and equality. As you go forth, hold dear the values of compassion, empathy, and respect that have hopefully been instilled in you during your time here. You have demonstrated not only technical competence and academic rigour but also resilience, creativity, and teamwork. The challenges you will face beyond these university walls are real, but so are the opportunities to shape a better, smarter, and more sustainable world. We believe in you, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Pictured: Some of the PhD graduates at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation Ceremony on Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
Waheeda Peters
