Meet the recently appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Professor Bhekisipho Twala, who is a dynamic and artificial intelligence (AI) expert, and whose outstanding record is evidence to his illustrious passion for teaching and learning.
For Prof Twala, as the engineering field is a powerhouse of the economy, his appointment will make a significant contribution in terms of driving it forward, considering his experience in AI which contributes immensely to the current engineering field.
Prof Twala has 20 years of service in the engineering field, backed by his rich background in AI and data science. He believes the application of AI and data science is critical in the 21st century.
“My experience in this field has shown me the importance of including AI in our curriculum so that by the time students complete their studies they are well-equipped in terms of knowledge and skills, because with technology the engineering field keeps evolving,” he said.
Prof Twala has served as the Director of the Institute for Intelligence Systems at the University of Johannesburg and moved to the School of Engineering at the University of South Africa where he served as the Director of the department.
He furthered his academic life and studied for his post-doctoral fellowship in the United-Kingdom, looking at empirical software engineering where he applied machine learning in terms of improving and predicting software defects and efforts.
In his five-year term at DUT, Prof Twala aims to improve the new curriculum by having more programmes that will introduce data science, address the industry relating to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the re-development of DUT’s curriculum.
“The introduction of data science in our programmes is very crucial as it will enable us to assess our performance and the relevance of our programmes. This will help us to identify areas needing improvement,” he said.
Prof Twala also stressed the importance of having multidisciplinary programmes at DUT, allowing all faculties to have a programme that involves all the faculties within the institution. He added that collaborating with other universities is beneficial but a collaboration of faculties within DUT is much needed.
“As the DUT community it is very important that we work hand in hand towards developing our programmes and our students. In my observation, there is still a need for balance in terms of students holding PHD’S. I see a shortage in some faculties whereas other faculties are thriving in this regard, having these multidisciplinary programmes will assist in the development of the institution as a whole,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of having outreach programmes that are inclusive of TVET colleges and those living in rural areas in order to teach people on issues of solar and storage of energy.
Pictured: DUT’s new Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at DUT, Professor Bhekisipho Twala.
Nomfundo Ngcobo
