Two Chemical Engineering Master’s students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have been selected to participate in the Erasmus+ Programme in Spain for a period of five months. Ms Winnie Nota and Mr Sydney Khanyile are currently conducting their research at the University of Valladolid in Spain under the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and Microalgae Research Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology.
The two students are fortunate to be part of the Erasmus+ Programme, one of the largest education exchange programmes globally funded by the European Union. It supports international academic exchange, collaboration and skills development between universities, institutions and organisations across Europe and partner countries worldwide. During this time, they will engage in academic learning, research related activities and collaboration with students and researchers at the host institution.
Nota and Khanyile are both supervised by Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering and a lead researcher championing the Green Engineering Research Group (GERG). They are both members of GERG, which operates as a crucial research arm within DUT to advance sustainable, innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. The group conducts research on green chemical engineering, energy, environmental sustainability and wastewater treatment.
Nota’s research focuses on the valorisation of dark fermentation effluents into high value added products. She is excited about being selected for this programme and feels it is truly an honour and a valuable opportunity for her academic growth.
Khanyile’s research focuses on biogas production and upgrading using microalgae cultures to promote sustainable energy solutions. He has contributed to several conference proceedings, including works on wastewater valorisation and biogas recovery from industrial wastewater presented at conferences in Midrand, Cape Town and Durban between 2024 and 2025.
“Being selected for the Erasmus+ Programme is an incredible honour and one of the most meaningful milestones in my academic journey. I feel grateful, excited and deeply motivated. Coming from a background where opportunities like this can truly change one’s life trajectory, the experience reminds me that dedication and hard work can open doors to the global academic community. It is a proud moment for me to represent DUT and my country while learning in a new environment,” shared Khanyile.
During the programme, Khanyile’s academic focus includes environmental biotechnology and wastewater treatment technologies. These subjects align closely with his research interests, particularly anaerobic digestion and sustainable approaches to wastewater treatment while recovering valuable resources such as energy and nutrients.
Sharing one of the main challenges she is currently facing in Spain, Nota said it has been the language barrier, since Spanish is the primary language used in daily communication.
“In some situations, such as when I go shopping at malls, I often use a translator to communicate. However, the systems here are very advanced, which makes it easy to navigate and manage daily activities. In terms of food, the transition has been smooth because many of the foods available here are similar to what we have in South Africa, so it has not been difficult to adjust,” said Nota.
Sharing similar sentiments, Khanyile said although the language barrier is sometimes challenging, it also encourages him to learn and adapt while appreciating linguistic diversity.
Through this programme, Nota hopes to expand her research knowledge and develop new perspectives on environmental technologies and sustainability practices. She hopes to apply the knowledge gained to contribute to environmental solutions in South Africa.
Khanyile hopes to broaden his academic knowledge, strengthen his research skills and gain exposure to different scientific approaches to environmental challenges. He aims to build meaningful connections with students and researchers from around the world, as he believes collaboration is essential when addressing global issues such as environmental sustainability.
Sharing his congratulatory remarks, their supervisor, Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, stated: “Congratulations to Ms Winnie Nota and Mr Sydney Khanyile on your outstanding achievement and the excellent progress you are making during your research stay at the University of Valladolid in Spain. As an Erasmus scholar from the same institution, I am proud to observe your engagement with this valuable international exposure within the VOC and Microalgae Research Group. Your dedication and professionalism exemplify the high standards of DUT and GERG. Continue to excel and represent us with distinction. Wishing you sustained success in Spain.”
Pictured: Mr Sydney Khanyile and Ms Winnie Nota who are currently conducting their research at the University of Valladolid in Spain.
Simangele Zuma
