Through tribulations, Dr Luvuno Jele prevailed. His success story is miraculous, the sudden passing of his younger brother in March 2020, followed by the loss of his older sister in July 2020, and four additional family members between November 2020 and February 2023, affected his progress.
Despite these setbacks, with the unwavering support of colleagues, the DUT community, he managed to persevere and remain committed to the successful completion of his research. He graced the staged with honour for his Degree of Doctor of Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Spring Graduation on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at Olive Convention Centre, Durban.
Dr Jele (40) currently residing in Pietermaritzburg, lecturing in the Department of Civil Engineering at Indumiso Campus expressed that graduating with a PhD is a culmination of years of hard work, sleepless nights, and countless field and lab hours.
‘It is a deeply humbling and fulfilling experience. I am so proud of myself, it is also a reminder of how many people walked this path with me. My family, colleagues, mentors, and even the students who inspired me to persist,’’ he explained.
His family was overwhelmed with joy and pride. After years of watching him juggle work, studies, and personal hardships, this milestone felt like a shared victory.
Dr Jele joined DUT in November 2015 as a Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering/Soil Mechanics. He then pursued and completed his Doctor of Engineering in 2025. Describing his journey, he said it has been intellectually stimulating and personally transformative.
He believes that DUT has not only been a workplace but also his academic incubator. Through the support of CELT, his department, mentors, and colleagues, he was able to balance the demands of teaching with a rigorous research process.
His thesis titled: Geotechnical Properties of the Cainozoic Calcarenites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Explores coastal development in KwaZulu-Natal which is increasingly expanding into areas with unknown or unsuitable geotechnical conditions.
This research aimed to characterise the mineralogy, and mechanical properties of calcarenites to evaluate their engineering behaviour and suitability for coastal infrastructure foundations. Objectives included quantifying grain parameters, mineralogy, and pore structures, as well as assessing how these factors influence rock strength and long-term durability.
The research was supervised by: Professor M Walker (DUT) Co-Supervisor: Prof A Green (UKZN) and Co-Supervisor: Dr W Hastie (WSP).
Balancing a full teaching load with demanding research was an immense challenge. At times, he was lecturing up to four modules in a single semester while simultaneously attempting to conduct fieldwork during university recess periods.
Dr Jele has always been fascinated by the earth sciences. The bridge between geology and civil engineering in geotechnics offered the perfect intersection of practical application and scientific exploration. The more he studied soil behaviour and rock mechanics, the more intrigued he became.
He aspires to become a professor in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering, lead multidisciplinary research teams, and to contribute to policies on sustainable infrastructure. He is also passionate about mentoring young academics and enhancing research capacity in underrepresented communities.
Dr Jele shared some profound advice with first year students, urging them to stay curious and be patient with themselves.
“Engineering and research are not sprints; they are marathons. Seek mentorship early, do not fear failure, and build resilience. Your journey is unique, own it,’’ he said.
The aspiring professor also expressed his gratitude to DUT, the nGAP programme, his mentors, and the many students who have challenged and inspired him over the years. “I believe in the power of education to transform lives, and my journey is living proof,’’ he said.
Pictured: Dr Luvuno Jele
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Vukani Langa
