The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment successfully hosted its Research and Postgraduate Summit 2026 at the Coastlands Hotel in Musgrave on 8 October 2026, bringing together academics, researchers, postgraduate students, industry leaders and government stakeholders to explore opportunities for impactful research, innovation and collaboration.
The summit was officially opened by Professor Molusiwa Ramabodu, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, who welcomed delegates and highlighted the faculty’s commitment to strengthening research excellence and postgraduate development.
Delivering the purpose of the engagement and presenting the faculty’s departmental research focus areas, Dr Keletso Mphahlele, Research Officer, emphasised the importance of partnerships in producing meaningful and relevant research outcomes.
“The purpose of this programme is to foster collaboration between industry, government and academia,” said Dr Mphahlele. “It is also aimed at finding ways to conduct research that is impactful and solves real-world problems.”
She noted that research should extend beyond academic outputs and contribute practical solutions that address societal, environmental, and economic challenges.
Directed by Andilamathuli Ncapai, the summit served as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking and the dissemination of research across the faculty’s diverse disciplines.
The programme featured presentations from industry leaders, including Mfanasibili Nkonyane from Dube TradePort and Joeky Bandzo from Perile Cosmetics, who shared insights on innovation, industry partnerships, and the importance of research-informed development.
A key academic presentation was delivered by Dr Peter Ikubanni on behalf of Professor Rendani Maladzhi, SARChI Chair, focusing on the faculty’s research institutes and the strategic significance of Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies. The presentation highlighted how advanced manufacturing research can contribute to industrial competitiveness, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
Delegates also gained insight into some of DUT’s flagship research initiatives through presentations by Aritha Pillay, who showcased the institution’s Space Science Programme, and Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, who presented on the work of the Green Engineering Research Group. Their presentations demonstrated the faculty’s growing contribution to innovative scientific research and sustainable engineering solutions.
The summit featured two engaging panel discussions that encouraged dialogue between academia and industry. The first panel discussion, moderated by Dr Zesizwe Sibiya, brought together Luendran Govender, Dr Mlungisi Ntombela and Dr Motheo Meta Tjebane. Panellists explored the evolving research landscape, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the role of universities in developing research that addresses societal needs.
The second panel discussion, also moderated by Dr Sibiya, featured Mbulelo Tatana, Professor Mohohlo Tsoeu and Mfanasibili Nkonyane. The panel examined opportunities for strengthening partnerships between higher education institutions, industry and government, while discussing strategies for translating research into practical solutions and socio-economic impact.
As the programme ended, Dr Zesizwe Sibiya delivered the summit’s key takeaways and call to action, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration among academia, industry, and government to ensure that research generates tangible benefits for society. He encouraged delegates to continue building partnerships and to pursue research initiatives that address pressing real-world challenges.
The event concluded with closing remarks delivered by Professor Mohohlo Tsoeu on behalf of the Acting Executive Dean, Professor Molusiwa Ramabodu. Professor Tsoeu thanked all presenters, panellists, delegates, and organisers for their contributions to the summit’s success and reiterated the faculty’s commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture that drives innovation, sustainable development, and societal impact.
The successful hosting of the Research and Postgraduate Summit 2026 reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to advancing research excellence, supporting postgraduate scholarship and strengthening partnerships across sectors. Participants departed with renewed enthusiasm for future collaborations and a shared vision of producing research that contributes meaningfully to South Africa’s development and global competitiveness.
Pictured: Attendees at the Research and Postgraduate Summit 2026.
Photography: Zamani Mathe
Sibonisile Mdlozini
