The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted its fourth annual Research Day 2025 at the Coastlands Musgrave Hotel in Durban, on Friday, 24 October 2025.
The event aimed to cultivate a culture of research and innovation, to provide a platform for sharing cutting-edge findings, to encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, and to celebrate the faculty’s achievements. The Research Day further sought to enhance DUT’s research reputation and inspire engagement in scholarly endeavours.
In his welcome address, the Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Sudesh Rathilal, emphasised the importance of the event in promoting young researchers and celebrating research achievements.
“Although it’s a prestigious event, it’s an event where we want to promote young researchers,” he said.
Over 70 abstract submissions for oral and poster presentations were made, with participants ranging from academics and researchers to postgraduate and honors students, reflecting strong interest and engagement from participants.
The event featured three distinguished guest speakers:
Dr Ntebo Ngozwana, Research and Development Director at the Construction Industry Development Board. She presented on “Research Contribution to Industry Development,” outlining a vision to lead national construction innovation. Her six strategic goals addressed procurement reform, performance excellence, enterprise growth, sustainability, equity and digital adoption.
Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia, Managing Director at the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, emphasised the importance of science communication in her presentation titled: “The Importance of Science Communication & Engagement.” She highlighted the benefits of science communication, including improved public understanding, building trust in science, and informing better decisions.
Professor Johan Van der Spuy, Head of Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University, shared his expertise on turbomachinery and research collaboration- merging academia with industrial rigor as an ECSA PrEng engineer.
Staff and students recognised for their excellence in research, innovation, and supervision.
The event culminated in the presentation of the Faculty Awards 2025, recognising outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and supervision. Winners included students and staff from various departments, who received awards in categories such as poster presentations, oral presentations, and research output.
Awards Ceremony Highlights:
Poster Presentation: N. Ramsoonder (Platinum), Londiwe Mokoena (Gold) and Sicelosenkosi Mhlongo (Silver).
Oral presentations: Mpilo Mtatane (Platinum), Nnhlanhla Nkosi & Sanelisiwe Dietsela (Gold) and Nandipha Sozoyi (Silver).
Programmes:
Diploma: R.P Selepe, Platinum (Chemical Engineering); S Ndlamlenza, Gold (Civil PMB) and AN Madlala, Silver (Civil PMB)
Advanced Diploma: Muthusamy Avashan, Platinum (Chemical Engineering); Durgaparshad Ashren, Gold (Chemical Engineering) and Mokete Mokgapi Terrence, Silver (Chemical Engineering).
- Eng Tech: B Govindasamy, Platinum (Mechanical Engineering), R. Pursan, Gold (Chemical Engineering), V.A Xaba, Silver (Electronics and Computer Engineering) and J Coopsamy, Silver, (Mechanical Engineering).
- Eng Tech Honours: C.N Mbatha, Platinum (Electronics and Computer Engineering), Meloshnee Perumal, Gold, (Industrial Engineering), Vezani Chule, Gold, (Industrial Engineering) and W Nota, Silver, (Chemical Engineering).
Masters: Z.Z Nzuza, Platinum (Chemical Engineering), N. Mkhize, Platinum (Civil Engineering Midlands), K. Mtshiza, Gold (Electronics and Computer Engineering) and C Munien, Silver (Chemical Engineering).
Doctoral: Moses Kabeyi, Platinum (Industrial Engineering); Busola Dorcas Akintayo, Gold (Industrial Engineering) and Imoleayo Abraham Awodele, Silver, (Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
Research Output: Prof. Olanrewaju, Platinum, (Industrial Engineering), Prof Pavel Yaroslavovich Tabakov, Gold (Mechanical Engineering) and Prof Godfrey Gombana Musvoto, Silver (Town and Regional Planning).
Departmental Research Output: Industrial Engineering, Platinum, Mechanical Engineering, Gold and Electrical Power Engineering, Silver.
Innovation Curricular: Dr. Innocentia Mkhize Platinum Chemical Engineering and Mr Wendle Naidoo Gold, (Architecture).
LTA Quality Assurance & Promotion: Dr Robynne Hansmann, Platinum (Town and Region Planning), Ms. Kiara Lawrence, Gold (Town and Regional Planning) and Dr Clive Greenstone, Silver (Town and Regional Planning).
Best Supervisor: Dr Emmanuel Tetteh (Masters Level) and Prof Oludolapo Akanni Olanrewaju (Doctoral Level)
Appreciation & Recognition Award: Mrs Noluthando Matola- Exceptional support, professionalism, and commitment as a secretary in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Mrs Neeta Singh- Exceptional dedication and outstanding service as a Faculty Officer, and Prof. Sudesh Rathilal- Outstanding Leadership as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
The successful event concluded with closing remarks from Prof Ramabodu, highlighting the importance of research and innovation in the faculty. The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, intellectual discourse, and networking among academics, researchers, and students.
Pictured: Some of the staff and students who were recognised for their excellence on the day.
Nontobeko Ngcobo
