The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is celebrating the election of two of its academics, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola and Professor Sheena Kumari K. Pillai, as members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). Their election recognises their contributions to research, scholarship and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
This is an important achievement for both professors and the University, bringing recognition to the work being done by DUT academics across different fields of research.
Prof Nemavhola is DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC: RIE) and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He is a National Research Foundation-rated researcher whose research interests include mechanobiology, soft tissue mechanics, computational biomechanics and engineering education. He is also a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and a Chartered Engineer in the United Kingdom. Before joining DUT, he served as Director of the School of Engineering at the University of South Africa.
His election to ASSAf recognises his contribution to engineering research and academic leadership. As DVC: RIE, he also plays a key role in advancing DUT’s research, innovation and engagement work. His achievement is an important addition to the University’s growing research profile.
Prof Pillai is a Full Professor at DUT’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) and the University’s South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Wastewater Treatment and Reuse. Her research focuses on wastewater treatment and reuse, emerging pathogens and pollutants in water and wastewater, environmental health, risk assessment and wastewater-based epidemiology.
Her election recognises her work in water and wastewater research, a field that is particularly important as South Africa continues to face water-related challenges. Her research contributes to knowledge around wastewater treatment and reuse, including ways in which wastewater can be better understood and managed as a resource.
ASSAf General Secretary Professor Christian Pirk welcomed Prof Nemavhola and Prof Pillai as newly elected members of the Academy. Their membership entitles them to use the designation MASSAf after their names.
ASSAf membership recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to science and scholarship. Members have opportunities to contribute to the Academy’s work through scientific panels, committees, conferences and other initiatives.
The two professors’ research fields reflect the range of expertise within DUT, from engineering and biomechanics to water and wastewater treatment. Their election also brings attention to research taking place at the University in areas that are relevant to South Africa’s development and the challenges facing communities.
The announcement coincided with ASSAf’s 30th anniversary celebrations, held on 29 October 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg. The programme included a Membership Conference and an Awards and Inauguration Ceremony, during which the 2026 cohort of new members was formally inaugurated.
DUT is proud of Prof Nemavhola and Prof Pillai and congratulates them on this achievement. Their election reflects their individual contributions to academia and brings recognition to the University and its research community. It also speaks to DUT’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and knowledge creation, in line with its ENVISION2030 strategy.
As a University, DUT looks forward to the continued contribution of its academics to research that advances knowledge and makes a meaningful difference in society.
Pictured: DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, with SARChI Chair in Wastewater Treatment and Reuse, Professor Sheena Kumari K. Pillai and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini.
Tiyani Mboweni
