The Green Engineering Research Group (GERG), under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), recently hosted the Durban International Conference on Green Chemical Engineering, Energy & Environmental Sustainability (GCEEES-25) at the Edward Hotel in Durban.
This landmark event brought together leading scientists, engineers, scholars, postgraduate students, and industry experts from across the globe to share cutting-edge research and foster collaboration toward a sustainable future. Durban’s rich cultural heritage and world-class facilities provided an inspiring backdrop for this global gathering, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for scientific and technological advancement.
In the opening address, Conference Chair Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, an NRF-rated researcher, Research Fellow, and Principal Investigator at GERG, underscored the urgency of transitioning to sustainable development. He highlighted that rapid population growth and industrialisation have intensified the demand for energy, materials, and natural resources, while environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and energy insecurity continue to threaten ecosystems and human well-being. Dr Tetteh emphasised that addressing these issues requires bold innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and actionable strategies that bridge science, technology, and policy.
“The world is at a critical juncture. Our collective response will determine whether we achieve a cleaner, more resilient, and equitable future,” Dr Tetteh remarked.
The conference featured keynote presentations by distinguished experts who set the tone for impactful dialogue. Prof Dr Willie Nheta from the University of Johannesburg delivered an insightful address titled “Unlocking Value from the Fines: Innovative Strategies for the Flotation of Fine Platinum Group Minerals,” exploring advanced mineral processing techniques aimed at improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental footprints in mining operations.
Similarly, Prof Dr Francis Kemausuor from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana spoke on “Catalysing Africa’s Energy Transition: Integrating Renewable Technologies for Climate-Compatible Growth,”highlighting Africa’s unique opportunity to leapfrog into a sustainable energy future by harnessing renewable technologies and fostering regional cooperation. These sessions aligned strongly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), reinforcing the conference’s commitment to global sustainability.
Delegates explored a wide range of themes, including green chemical engineering, renewable energy technologies, circular economy strategies, climate change mitigation, and advanced water treatment systems. The event emphasised the integration of academia, industry, and policy, enabling participants to network, establish partnerships, and explore collaborative pathways to accelerate innovation in sustainable engineering and energy systems.
The conference sessions were chaired by distinguished academics including Prof Dr Willie Nheta, Prof Dr Francis Kemausuor, Prof Dr P. S. Sandhu, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, and Dr Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo.
The adjudication panel included Prof Dr P. S. Sandhu (UAE), Prof Sudesh Rathilal (DUT), Dr Thabit Jacob from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), and Dr Mbalenhle Mpanza from the University of Johannesburg, ensuring rigorous evaluation of research contributions. All accepted papers underwent peer review and were published in the official conference proceedings, available online with the international ISBN 978-989-9121-56-0 for global visibility.
Best Paper Award winners.
In recognition of excellence, Best Paper Awards were presented across the conference’s thematic sessions, celebrating research that demonstrated originality, technical depth, and strong alignment with sustainability goals. Recipients represented diverse institutions across Africa and beyond, reflecting the event’s global scope. Notably, postgraduate researchers from DUT’s Green Engineering Research Group (GERG) were among the award recipients, including Miss Sanelisiwe Dietsela, Mr Sydney Khanyile, Miss Racquel Lallie, Mr Sinovuyo Kraai, Miss Nonhlanhla Ntombela, Miss Mboneni Mbengwa, and Miss Caressa Munien. Their contributions set a benchmark for future scholarly work in sustainable chemical engineering, energy systems, and environmental technologies.
In the closing remarks, DUT’s Prof Sudesh Rathilal expressed sincere gratitude to all delegates, colleagues, and guests for making GCEEES-25 a resounding success. Over the two days, participants engaged in inspiring presentations and thought-provoking discussions, exploring innovative solutions shaping the future of sustainable engineering and energy systems. Prof Rathilal reaffirmed that sustainability is not only a global priority but a shared responsibility.
He commended the keynote speakers, Prof Dr Willie Nheta and Prof Dr Francis Kemausuor, along with other experts, for fostering impactful dialogue on solutions that drive innovation for a cleaner and more resilient world. Prof Rathilal also congratulated the Best Paper Award recipients for their outstanding contributions in originality, technical depth, and relevance to sustainability goals, noting that their work sets a benchmark for future research. On behalf of the organising committee, he extended heartfelt thanks to sponsors, partners, and contributors, including Universal Researchers (UAE) and GERG at DUT, for their unwavering support. He encouraged participants to carry forward the spirit of collaboration and innovation and looked forward to welcoming them to the next annual event.
Pictured: Prof. Dr. P. S. Sandhu, Prof. Dr Francis Kemausuor, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Prof. Dr Willie Nheta, Prof Dr Sudesh Rathilal and Dr Thabit Jacob.
Article supplied by Green Engineering Research Group
