The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Chemistry hosted the launch for its refurbished Wet Chemistry Laboratory at the Rendezvous Restaurant, Steve Biko Campus on Friday, 22 June 2018.

The Department of Chemistry HOD, Dr Krishan Ramluckan said he is excited about this accomplishment, and also highlighted his long-standing association with this laboratory which started many years ago.

Department of Chemistry’s Professor Krishna Bisetty said this project commenced in June 2014 when they initiated engagements with the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) about possibly funding this refurbishment project.

“The original capacity per lab was for 30 students, but with this expansion the lab will now be able to service 120 students and will require less staff complement because we have now combined three labs into one lab,” said Prof Bisetty.

“Part of the reason we’ve embarked on this lab expansion project is because the Department of Chemistry is servicing about 19/20 DUT programmes, and we needed more capacity,” added Prof Bisetty.

DUT Faculty of Applied Sciences, Executive Dean Prof Suren Singh said the Faculty of Applied Sciences operates with the mantra that says educate, engage and innovate.

He said there are certain key elements that are required to drive an academic department such as the Department of Chemistry. “Research is one of key agenda that I have encouraged them to push very strongly. They have three C-rated scientists, and when you look at their research output, young and seasoned researchers are producing research at the level that is equitable to any reputable university in the country. They have published over 60 research papers in international journals, and that tells you how strong they are in terms of research. This year alone the Department of Chemistry pushed four PhD graduates which is not easy,” said Prof Singh.

Prof Singh highlighted that a strong foundation accompanied by a good team and good leadership. “You need a strong foundation and that is your curriculum renewal, and in terms of the key ingredients you need a good team and good leadership. The last factor is good infrastructure. If you want to push your researchers, you need to have a strong foundation, which means in the first, second and third years you need labs. You need a floor in which when a student walks in, he or she is encouraged to do chemistry,” said Prof Singh.

“He (Prof Singh) went on to thank CHIETA for its generous support to the department of Chemistry.

CHIETA Acting CEO, Kedibone Moroane said they are grateful for their long-standing strategic partnership with DUT, particularly the Department of Chemistry. “CHIETA is an organisation that really drives partnerships.  We really appreciate being part of this collective, and I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved in making this possible because the legacy of this lab will be felt by generations to come. We hope that we will grow from strength to strength as partners,” she said.

The Wet Chemistry Laboratory is located at S10, Level 2 at the Steve Biko Campus.

Pictured: Faculty of Applied Sciences Executive Dean, Prof Suren Singh is assisted by CHIETA Acting CEO, Kedibone Moroane and CHIETA Regional Manager, Rajen Naidoo in officially opening the refurbished Wet Chemistry Laboratory.

Nduduzo Ndlovu