The Department of Horticulture at Durban University of Technology is home to a diverse team of academics and support staff with expertise across multiple areas of horticulture and plant sciences, bringing together a unique set of skills that drive innovation and excellence. We are committed to advancing sustainable horticultural practices that integrate people, plants, and the planet, while placing high-quality student training and capacity development at the heart of our work. Our research and teaching are applied, problem-driven, and industry-relevant, encompassing sustainable landscaping and plant cultivation, biodiversity conservation, plant stress tolerance, postharvest quality management, and the utilisation of indigenous and underutilised plants. Students engage in a dynamic learning experience that combines formal study, structured practical training, and work integrated learning with industry partners, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and professional competence. Graduates from our programs are equipped to lead and innovate across commercial, community, and amenity horticulture sectors, ensuring the sustainable and effective management of plants and landscapes. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures that teaching, research, and skills development remain aligned with sector needs, producing professionals who make meaningful contributions locally and globally and supporting the university’s goal of producing adaptive graduates capable of driving innovation.

Vision, Mission and Values

VISION

Growing a Centre of horticultural excellence that integrates people, plants and planet.

MISSION

Empowering graduates to create sustainable healthy environments through the diverse use of plants.

VALUES

1. Mutual Respect

We accept, acknowledge and embrace diverse people, plants and perspectives. Ubuntu: I am because you are

2. Integrity

We are true to our word. We are ethical in our dealings with one another. We keep our commitments

3. Accountability

We take responsibility for our actions. We are answerable for the tasks placed on us to deliver excellence

4. Teamwork

We work together to add value and achieve our goals. Leadership, to us, is not about the leader – but the team.

5. Environmental Ethics

We strive to develop green consciousness amongst all planetary citizens.

Head of Department Prof Mack Moyo    Prof Mack Moyo is a plant scientist with a broad research focus, driven by a profound curiosity about how plants interact with the biotic and abiotic environments, and how these interactions influence their growth and development. His research focus is plant stress physiology and plant biotechnology. He is interested in understanding growth and physiology of plants under environmental stress. Prof Moyo’s current research focuses on exploring the role of plant-microbe interactions in plant growth resilience in stressed soils. In addition to his research pursuits, he serves as an Associate Editor for the South African Journal of Botany (Elsevier).   Research: Scopus profile

Secretary Ms Sphelele Mhlophe   Ms Sphelele Mhlophe joined the Department of Horticulture in June 2018 as the Administrative Secretary in the Department of Horticulture. She provides essential administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth running of academic and departmental activities. Ms Mhlophe joined DUT in 2016, working as a part-time administrative assistant in the department of Public Relations.

Senior Lecturer Dr Khayelihle Ncama    Dr Khayelihle Ncama is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture. He holds a PhD in Horticultural Sciences and a Diploma in Educational Psychology. His approach to higher education and research is based on sustainability innovations within the expertise of Growth Media, Plant Propagation, Olericulture, Pomology, Crop Protection, and Postharvest Technology and Physiology. He currently lectures modules in Plant Propagation, Plant Protection, and Horticultural Research Methodologies. Before joining the Durban University of Technology in 2024, Dr Ncama advanced his career at various institutions as a lecturer, external moderator and examiner. He worked as a temporary lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2017 before joining the North-West University, where he rose from lecturer (2017-2019) to senior lecturer (2019-2024). His teaching philosophy is ‘The best learning experience comes from a combination and conditional transition between the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning’. This comprehensive approach enables students to gain knowledge and skills while also developing a deep understanding and practical skills in horticulture.   Research: Scopus profile

Lecturer Dr Joseph Malele    Dr Joseph Malele joined the Department of Horticulture as a Lecturer in November 2024. He holds a PhD in Horticulture obtained at the Tshwane University of Technology. Dr Malele’s research focuses on the sustainable cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants, investigating the impact of environmental conditions, propagation methods, and harvest timing on the quality of plant extracts. He has over eight years of teaching experience and more than six years of professional practice as a Horticulturist in the landscaping industry, including the garden retail sector. He teaches Estates and Ground Management, Horticulture, Sustainable Landscaping and Practice and Conservation Horticulture.   Research: Scopus profile

Lecturer Dr Sbulelo Mwelase    Dr Sbulelo Mwelase is a Lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at the Durban University of Technology. He holds a PhD in Botany from the University of Johannesburg, an MSc Agriculture in Horticulture, a BSc Honours in Horticultural Science (Cum Laude), and a BSc in Crop and Horticultural Science, all obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Before joining DUT in 2024, Dr Mwelase worked in the Department of Botany at the University of Johannesburg as a Contract Lecturer and served as a Research Associate under the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre. His research interests include postharvest physiology, indigenous horticultural crops, and plant stress physiology. With over 14 peer-reviewed publications, his work seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by fostering innovation across the horticultural value chain. He is particularly interested in developing sustainable production and postharvest practices that enhance crop quality, stress tolerance, and the utilisation of underutilised plant species. At DUT, Dr Mwelase teaches Plant Propagation, Plant Studies, Research Methodology, and Conservation Horticulture. Through his teaching, he aims to cultivate minds that question, create, and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable and resilient future.   Research: Scopus profile

Lecturer Mr Thagen Anumanthoo   Mr Thagen Anumanthoo is a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture. He holds an MSc Horticultural Science, and Business Administration and Project Management. He specializes in different horticultural aspects with focus on Sustainable Landscaping and Plant Studies. Mr Thagen Anumanthoo joined the Department of Horticulture in 2010 as a Senior Technical Assistant. He was appointed as a Lecturer in 2024. Mr Thagen Anumanthoo is currently completing his PHD in horticulture at the University of KwaZulu Natal. His Teaching Philosophy is like growing of plants. As the different parts of the plant grows into its full potential, each part maintains roles to achieve the highest function to produce a healthy and successful plant. The roots, stems and branches represent the foundations, and nurturing of teacher-student relationships, where the students build expertise and skills. The leaves, flowers and fruits are the outputs that students get when they are set to grow their own success in the world.   Research: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7666-9910

Senior Lecturer Dr Bonga Lewis Ngcobo   Dr Bonga Ngcobo joined the Department of Horticulture in November 2022 as a Lecturer and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in January 2025. He holds an MSc Agric degree (cum laude), which he completed within two semesters, and a PhD in Horticultural Science. Before joining DUT, Dr Ngcobo served at various tertiary institutions as a lecturer and researcher, gaining broad experience in teaching and research. His research focuses on plant physiology, sustainable production and cultivation systems, including soilless and controlled environment horticulture. At DUT, Dr Ngcobo teaches sustainable horticulture, and his teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should be transformative, engaging, and empowering. In addition to his academic roles, Dr Ngcobo serves as a council member of the Southern African Society for horticultural Sciences (SASHS) where he contributes to advancing horticultural research and collaboration in South Africa. As an emerging researcher, Dr Ngcobo is passionate about developing innovative solutions that bridge academia, industry, and rural communities to promote sustainable and holistic development.   Research: Scopus profile

Lecturer Mr Dhiren Govender   Mr Dhiren Govender joined the Department of Horticulture as a lecturer in January 2006. He holds a National Diploma Horticulture, Bachelors Technology Degree Horticulture (Cum Laude), Bachelors Technology Degree Business Administration and a Masters Technology Degree Human Resources Management (Cum Laude). Mr Govender is currently pursuing his PhD. His research explores the use of stable water isotopes to understand the contributions of rainwater harvesting technologies in the horticulture industry in South Africa. Mr Govender is a practicing horticulturist engaged in plant propagation, amenity horticulture and landscaping, specialising in turfgrass culture and management. His industry experience spans over 30 years and includes both the private and local government sectors. He is a member of the Institute of Environmental and Recreation Management (IERM) and serves on the South Afican Landscapers’ Institute (SALI) KZN executive committee. Mr Govender lectures modules in Horticulture, Business Management and Horticultural Operations Management.

Lecturer (GOOT Programme)  Ms Zandile Maninjwa   Ms Zandile Maninjwa joined the Department of Horticulture in July 2023 as a lecturer on the Grow Our Own Timber (GOOT) Programme that seeks to develop the next generation of academics at DUT. She holds a Master of Horticultural Sciences degree from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). Before joining GOOT programme, Ms Maninjwa served as a contract lecturer in the Department of Horticulture at DUT, and a teaching assistant at CPUT. Ms Maninjwa is currently pursuing her PhD, and her research focuses on the antimicrobial properties of plant extracts against phytopathogenic fungi.

Technical Assistant Ms Philile Ngcobo   Ms Philile Ngcobo joined the Department of Horticulture as a Technical Assistant in August 2020. She holds a National Diploma in Horticulture (Cum Laude) and a Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture (Cum Laude), both obtained from the Durban University of Technology. From 2017 to 2019, Ms Ngcobo was a Tutor in the department, where she provided academic support to students. Her responsibilities also included offering technical support to the department and identifying and monitoring at-risk students to enhance academic performance. Prior to joining DUT, she worked as a Site Environmental Officer at Esor Construction. Ms Ngcobo is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the Durban University of Technology. Her research interests focus on plant stress physiology and the sustainable cultivation of indigenous medicinal plants.

Senior Technical Assistant Mr Zwelonke Beato   Mr Zwelonke beato holds a Master of Applied Science in Food Science and Technology from the Durban University of Technology. He joined the of Department of Horticulture as a Senior Technical Assistant in March 2025. In his current role, he is responsible for a range of technical and instructional duties that support both academic staff and students. His work includes plant propagation, decorative plant displays for institutional events, preparation and setup of student practicals, and assistance during student practical tests and assessments. He plays an integral role in ensuring that practical sessions run efficiently and that learning environments are conducive to skills development. His professional and academic experience reflects a strong commitment to hands-on horticultural training. Mr Beato’s research niche focuses on food security and the production of economically valuable crops. His master’s research explored geographic growth conditions of Colocasia esculenta and their impact on its nutritional composition.   Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4209-0799

NESP Candidate Ms Nokuzola Phungula   Ms Nokuzola Phungula is a master’s candidate in the New and Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP) in the Department of Horticulture. She holds a National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Horticulture, with a strong academic foundation in sustainable horticulture systems. Her industry experience includes managing public parks landscapes, urban forestry, and providing technical support and training for farmers. Ms Phungula’s research focuses on the use of biostimulants to improve plant propagation and enhance the performance of food crops. Her interests focus on advancing food security and promoting sustainable approaches for propagating food crops. She has served as a tutor since 2017, providing personalized academic support and guidance to students.   Research: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1237-5857

Intern (HRSC Programme) Nondumiso Mokwena   Miss Nondumiso Mokwena is a Research intern under the Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC) Internship Programme. She holds a Diploma in Sustainable horticulture and Landscaping, and Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture from the Durban University of Technology.

Intern (HRSC Programme) Maphili Khumalo   Miss Maphili Khumalo is a Research intern under the Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC) Internship Programme. She holds a Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Landscaping, and Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture from the Durban University of Technology.

General Assistants:

Our dedicated team of General Assistants plays an essential role in keeping the Department of Horticulture’s Student Training Centre running smoothly. Their hard work ensures that our facilities remain well-maintained and welcoming. Their creativity and love of plants shine through the beautiful décor arrangements for departmental and institutional events and functions.

Andile Mkhize Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: alfredM1@dut.ac.za Ritson Campus

Nosipho Nokwindla Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: nosiphon@dut.ac.za Campus: Ritson Campus

Snothi Mdunge Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: SnothiM@dut.ac.za Ritson Campus

Lindani Khanyile Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: lindanik@dut.ac.za Ritson Campus

New Qualifications Offered:

1. Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Landscaping (DISLD1)
2. Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture (ADSUH1)
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture (PGDSH1)

Departmental Handbook

Careers in Horticulture

Horticulture is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic areas within agriculture, offering exciting career prospects for individuals passionate about plant science, landscaping, sustainability, and food production. Careers in horticulture span the production, processing, and marketing of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, including turf grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees grown for aesthetic or functional use. These crops are often high-labour yet high-income commodities, creating diverse employment opportunities.
 
Graduates with horticultural expertise can pursue careers in greenhouses, nurseries, garden centres, golf courses, municipal parks, government departments, orchards, floral design, landscape design and management, and fruit and vegetable production. Many also explore entrepreneurship, starting their own horticultural businesses. At the Durban University of Technology, students gain hands-on, practical experience through structured training in industry, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed and innovate in this vibrant horticulture industry.

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