Ms Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo, a lecturer and a doctoral student in Chemical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) was named one of nine winners of the Doctoral Fellows Award at the esteemed 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA). The 2025 SAWISA ceremony which was held in Bloemfontein on Thursday, 21 August 2025, recognised and rewarded excellence by women scientists and researchers, profiling them as role models for younger women.
“To all young people, no matter your background, if you are determined, hardworking, you will never sit at home. Work hard and get good grades, you will get that degree, sponsors are willing to fund people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM),” said an elated Ms Sibiya-Dlomo.
The theme for the 2025 SAWISA awards was “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science” which aligns with global efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by recognising the role of women in moulding scientific disciplines.
In 2024, she was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering and she is currently embarking on her third year of her Doctoral of Engineering (DEng) in Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Prof Sudesh Rathilal and Dr Thembisile Mahlangu who are from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT.
With a google scholar of 261 citations, h-index:6 and i10 index:6, Ms Sibiya-Dlomo is all about her research which focuses on wastewater treatment. Her project investigates the effectiveness of modified sugar cane, banana, and orange waste as adsorbents for removing heavy metal ions from industrial effluents.
Ms Sibiya-Dlomo hopes to become an inspiration to young women to follow careers in science fields, applying their innovative problem-solving skills to address environmental and public health challenges.
According to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation South Africa’s online post published, Ms Sibiya-Dlomo’s commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research positions her as a leading voice among emerging African scientists.
In 2023, she was awarded the NRF Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers. Her international accolades include the 2024 Research Debut -Young Talents from Africa prize at the Eni Awards and the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Award in South Africa. She has published papers in respected journals, including Scientific African, Materials Today, Polymers, Cleaner Chemical Engineering, and Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining.
“For me as someone who was raised by my grandparents, the only thing that was in my mind is to work hard and change my situation. Until now, I had sponsors in all my study level. Also, to young girls, I will just repeat words said to me by my high school teachers at Sibusisiwe Comprehensive Technical High School. They always said that boys are plenty, and the right one will wait for you and he will come at the right time. I had witnessed that because I met my husband, Mr Khanyisani Dlomo when I was in the workplace about 10 years ago,” she said.
She further emphasised that this 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) award is dedicated to her kids Ms Zethembiso and Mr Simingaye Dlomo. “All the hard work I have been putting is for both of you. I am changing the narrative, breaking barriers for them. To my supervisor and co-supervisor, thank you for your unwavering support. Also thanks goes to the DUT-Chemical Engineering Department for a warm environment, this feels like home,” she expressed.
Sharing his congratulatory remarks, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola said: “DUT is proud of Ms Sibiya-Dlomo for the recognition at the South African Women In Science Awards. This substantiates DUT’s commitment to excellence in research, innovation and societal impact as enshrined in the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy. She serves as an inspiration to emerging researchers at DUT, especially other young female researchers working tirelessly to transform societies. Her dedication, hard work, and perseverance in the science field are truly inspiring.”
Pictured: Ms Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo receiving her award from SAWISA.
Waheeda Peters/Simangele Zuma
