For Mayenzeke Trueman Mazibuko, science began long before the classroom. Growing up in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, he spent his childhood collecting soil samples with his father to improve the family’s crops. Those early experiments planted the seed for a career in chemistry, proving that inspiration can come from the simplest beginnings. That early curiosity grew into determination, leading him to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) where he was conferred with his Master of Applied Science (MAppSci) in Chemistry under the supervision of Professor TH Mokhothu and obtaining Cum Laude at the 2025 Spring Graduation Ceremony which took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Friday,19 September 2025.
Prior to his forthcoming graduation, Mazibuko has completed a National Diploma and a Bachelor of Technology in Chemistry.
“I chose DUT because of its strong focus on applied sciences and research that directly addresses community and industry needs. I was motivated by DUT’s reputation for producing graduates who are not only academically excellent but also industry ready,” said Mazibuko.
“Graduating Cum Laude is the result of years of sacrifice and perseverance, and a refl ection of the people who stood beside me: my family, my mentors, and my peers.”
At 31, Mazibuko balances his academic achievements with a demanding career. He works as a Production Operator at Topwell/Sincol Corporation and serves as a Teaching Assistant at the Mangosuthu University of Technology. This dual role has strengthened both his technical expertise and his ability to inspire the next generation of chemists.
“Graduating Cum Laude from the Faculty of Applied Sciences is a deeply rewarding milestone. It is the result of years of sacrifice and perseverance. It is also a refl ection of the people who stood beside me: my family, my mentors, and my peers,” he reflected.
Mazibuko’s research focuses on the synthesis and application of amine-functionalised cellulose-silica composites to remove toxic hexavalent chromium from contaminated water. His study directly addresses one of South Africa’s most urgent challenges: providing access to safe and clean water.
His ambitious future research plans include long-term stability testing, expanded kinetic and thermodynamic studies, and crucial fi eld trials to validate his laboratory results under
real-world conditions. He also aims to explore alternative functionalisation techniques, evaluate large-scale production for industrial applications, and test the composites on other heavy metals to establish their versatility. These efforts are designed to translate his laboratory success into sustainable, real-world solutions that could benefit communities across Africa and beyond.
Mazibuko envisions the next five years as a period of significant growth, aiming to position himself as a leading researcher or industry expert in environmental chemistry and water treatment technologies. His goal is to contribute to projects that tackle sustainability challenges both locally and internationally.
His work has already gained international recognition. He has presented at conferences, including the Green Chemistry Postgraduate Summer School in Italy, and his growing list of three publications.
His advice to current students is to combine practicality with heart: “Stay disciplined, manage your time wisely, and never be afraid to ask for help. Work hard but also take care of your mental and physical health. That balance is what will carry you through.”
From the soils of a small town to international recognition, Mazibuko’s story is a testament to the Faculty of Applied Sciences at DUT – a place where curiosity is nurtured, resilience is strengthened, and graduates are prepared to lead with knowledge, purpose, and heart.
Pictured: Mayenzeke Trueman Mazibuko
Silindile Buthelezi/Kimberly Chetty
