The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment strives to ensure the greatest level of excellence and quality in the learning process, the faculty actively works to implement the most cutting-edge and contemporary teaching techniques encouraging critical and creative thinking in all its students and graduates.
Encompassing such critical thinking is Dr Boldwin Mutsvene (35), who was conferred his Degree of Doctor of Engineering, at the DUT 2026 Autumn Graduation Ceremony which took place at the Olive Convention Centre on Friday, 22 May 2026.
The remarkable academic doctor, who is from Zimbabwe, spoke of his inspiration for his dissertation which was twofold, intellectual and personal to develop himself, the way he thinks and the way he solves complex situations.
His research titled: Valorisation of sewage sludge for sustainable bioenergy and bioresources recovery through hydrothermal treatment, addresses the critical challenge of transforming waste-activated sludge (WAS) from an environmental liability into a valuable resource.
“An integrated hydrothermal treatment (HT)-based framework was developed to enhance nutrient recovery and bioenergy generation, advancing sustainable wastewater management,” he explained.
The research work of Dr Mutsvene establishes a scalable, circular framework for wastewater valorisation, transforming treatment plants into resource recovery hubs aligned with global sustainability goals.
Reflecting on his academic journey, he said: “It can only be by the grace of God that I attained my PhD at this age. It has always been a dream and by the grace of God, it has come true. I appreciate that. I am ecstatic, above all this happiness is a product my hard work throughout my PhD journey. It reflects the sacrifices I have made, sleeping in the lab and being strangers with my family. It was all worth it,” shared Dr Mtsvene.
For Ghana born Dr Harold Adjarko, receiving his Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Built Environment, today, was a dream come true.
He said the experience that he had at DUT was amazing and thanks every person who was part of his journey and who helped to make it possible.
“I am truly excited and I cannot wait to go back to my country and share this with my family,” he said ecstatically.
Giving context on his doctoral study, Dr Adjarko said it addresses the critical challenge of environmental sustainability in Ghana’s real estate sector, motivated by rapid urbanisation and fragmented industry practices.
“The study developed a holistic and integrated environmental sustainability model tailored to the Ghanaian real estate context to strengthen sustainable built environment practices and guide stakeholders in improving environmental performance across the sector,” he added.
A central contribution of the study, indicated Dr Adjarko, is its demonstration that effective environmental sustainability extends beyond technological innovation to require coordinated stakeholder collaboration and strategic alignment.
“The study provides actionable insights for transforming real estate development in Ghana and offers transferable relevance to other developing economies facing similar sustainability challenges,” he highlighted.
Dr Adjarko’s research outputs include one DHET accredited journal article, three peer-reviewed book chapters, and two conference publications goals.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, said in his congratulatory message to the adaptive graduates, that DUT strives for them to leave DUT with a moral compass grounded in its living values and principles. “Let your character be as strong as your competence so that your success is both meaningful and enduring,” he shared.
Pictured: Dr Boldwin Mutsvene and Dr Harold Adjarko.
Waheeda Peters/Simangele Zuma
