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Head of Department Dr Ignatious Matimati Qualification & Institution: PhD Botany, University of Cape Town Tel: 031 373 5125 Email: ignatiousm@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Plant Protection, Plant Ecophysiology   Bio: My journey in plant sciences began at University of Zimbabwe with a BSc Hons in Crop Science (1999), majoring in horticultural science, and then a part-time MPhil Agriculture (2006). I joined the Horticulture Research Centre as a research officer and then Midlands State University as a horticulture lecturer. Between 2007 and 2009, Biodiversity Transect Africa (BIOTA) funded my internship in the Climate Change & Bio-Adaptation Division at SANBI’s Kirstenbosch Research Centre. I used the opportunity to register for an MSc Botany at University of The Western Cape (2007-2009). Readmore

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Secretary Ms Sphelele Mhlophe Qualification & Institution: B-Tech: Public Relations Management, DUT Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: sphelelem@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Administration   Bio: I joined the Horticulture department in June 2018 and was appointed on a permanent basis in April 2019. I completed my in-service training in 2016 and joined DUT as a part-time assistant, working at the department of Public relations and International Office. I have 4 years of relevant experience and much knowledge of the DUT system as I have been a student myself and with that it makes it easier for me to work in an academic department. . Academic Interests: Business Administration, Office Management.

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Senior Lecturer Dr Mack Moyo  Qualification & Institution: PhD, University of KwaZulu-Natal Tel: 031 373 5282 Email: mackm@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Plant biology and biotechnology, Plant physiology, Ornamental horticulture   Bio: I joined the Department of Horticulture in July 2019. The thematic focus for my PhD was on micropropagation of medicinal plants using novel cytokinins. In my Postdoctoral research in the School of Life Sciences (University of KwaZulu-Natal), I continued on this thematic path exploring the influence of exogenous plant growth regulators on biosynthesis of endogenous cytokinin and auxin metabolites and their effect on ex vitro plant growth and development. In addition, I initiated research on abiotic plant stress physiology, studying drought, salinity and nutrient stress in indigenous vegetables and ornamental plants. Readmore

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Senior Lecturer Dr Jonathan Foley Qualification & Institution: PhD University of Kwazulu-Natal Tel: 031 373 5436 Email: jonathan@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Landscape Design, conservation and indigenous plants   Bio: Jonathan trained as a horticulturist in 1983 graduating from Technikon Natal (Now Dut) in the same year. He worked as a senior horticulturist with the then Natal Provincial Administration as well as in private enterprise designing and creating corporate, institutional and private landscapes. Since joining DUT in 1995 Jonathan served a range of roles heading up the horticulture department in 2000 -2006 and now as senior lecturer for both the School of Horticulture and the Work Integrated Learning programs which are run in 3rd year. He is active in the landscape industry having been a South African Landscapers Institute (SALI) provincial judge for the annual Awards of Excellence for the last 3 years and is currently serving on the SALI KZN exco committee for training…Readmore

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Lecturer Dr Pravin Mark Maistry  Qualification & Institution: PhD Botany, University of Cape Town Tel: 031 373 5236 Email: pravinm@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Botany, Plant ecophysiology, Horticulture   Bio: I joined the Horticulture Department as a lecturer in August 2020. In my PhD, I used detailed and innovative experiments on plant roots and their symbionts to investigate resource limitation, and nutrient acquisition mechanisms of N2-fixing legume species, in the nutrient poor soils of the Cape fynbos biome. Thereafter, I was a Claude Leon Postdoctoral Fellow in Forest Molecular Genetics, in the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria. Here I studied the genetics and biochemistry of wood formation in Eucalyptus, using the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. In September 2018, I was appointed as Specialist Propagation Science at Mondi’s nursery in Hilton. Readmore

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Lecturer Ms Indrani (Hazel) Govender Qualification & Institution: MSc (Environmental Science), University of Natal Tel: 031 373 5285 Email: indranig@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Environmental Sustainability, Ecology, Ecological Risk Assessment   Bio: I joined the Durban University of Technology in 2010. My previous experience includes Environmental Management in the textile industry and local government, as well as teaching at high school level. My experienceincludes working closely with consultants on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), reviewing EIAs, regulatory monitoring of receiving waters, wastewater treatment works and land-based environmental impacts, ISO 14001 system implementation, environmental training of employees and a one-year International Scholarship on Advanced Professional Training in Environmental Management. Readmore

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Lecturer Mr Dhiren Munsami Govender Qualification & Institution: MTech Degree Human Resources Management (Cum Laude) Durban University of Technology Tel: 031 373 5233 Email: dhireng@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of Expertise: Plant Propagation, Turfgrass Culture and Management.   Bio: I joined the Department of Horticulture as a lecturer in January 2006 and served as the HoD for 10 years. I have a National Diploma Horticulture, Bachelors Technology Degree Horticulture (Cum Laude), Bachelors Technology Degree Business Administration and a Masters Technology Degree Human Resources Management (Cum Laude).In my MTech, I focused on the human resource aspect of the horticultural industry. I am currently registered at the DUT for a Doctor of Applied Sciences. My research explores the use of stable water isotopes to understand the contributions of rainwater harvesting technologies in horticulture. Readmore

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Lecturer Ms Astrid Badenhorst MSc Environmental Management (UNISA) Tel: 031 373 5105 Email: astridb@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus   Bio: I am a horticulturist and an educator. I lecture Growth Media Studies, Horticulture (Production, Intensive Growing, and Greenhouse Technology), and Sustainable Horticulture. As an environmentalist, my research focuses on the analysis of policy challenges related to invasive species and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 2004. I am a certified South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC) Invasive Plant Specialist and serve on the board of the Intensive Growers Association (IGA).   Collaborations: Dr Naresh Subedi, National Trust for Nature Conservation Kathmandu, Nepal. Intensive Growers Association (IGA), KZN. EThekwini Biodiversity Forum. Reshnee Lalla, KZN Invasive Forum. Prof John Wilson, Biological Invasive Directorate, SANBI. Kay Montgomery, South African Green Industries Council (SAGIC). Viloshnie Reddy, EThekwini Municipality.

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Senior Technical Assistant Mr Thagen Anumanthoo Qualification & Institution: MSc Horticultural Science (UKZN) Tel: 031 373 6420/5124 Email: thagena@dut.ac.za Campus: Ritson campus Area of Expertise: Art and science of horticulture   Bio: My key role is to assist lecturers in the delivery of practical’s in horticulture programmes. In the nursery, I am responsible for plant propagation and sales as well as plant decors. I have explored the recycling of biomass from alien invasive plants together with the controls to grow rocket and thyme herbs in my research. My technical expertise is complemented by previous work experience in botanical gardens and Eco-estates. . Academic Interests: Teaching, training, mentoring . Research Links: Alien Invasive Plant Species. Management of Horticultural programmes

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Technical assistant Ms Philile Patience Ngcobo Qualification & institution: BT: Horticulture, Durban University of Technology Tel: 031 373 6842 Email: phililen@dut.ac.za Campus: ML Sultan Campus Area of expertise: Environmental Conservation and sustainability   Bio: I joined the Department of Horticulture as a Technical Assistant in August 2020. I have a National Diploma in Horticulture (Cum Laude) and BTech in Horticulture (Cum Laude) obtained at Durban university of Technology. In 2017-2019 I was working in the Department as an academic tutor where I offered academic support to students, offer technical support to the department, identifying and monitoring of at risk students, I conducted tutorials and assisted during Plant Studies practical’s. In March 2016 I was appointed as a Site Environmental Officer at Esor Constructions. I was in charge of daily site inspections to ensure project compliance with the EMP document, identification of plant species and rescue of plant species in the working servitude, alien vegetation control and rehabilitation of disturbed areas during construction. Readmore

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General Assistants:

Assisting the department in making the environment and university green for student activities. Greening projects for departments within DUT. 

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Linda Blessing Khanyile Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: lindanik@dut.ac.za Ritson Campus

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Nosipho Nokwindla Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: nosiphon@dut.ac.za Campus: Ritson Campus

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Snothi Mdunge Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: SnothiM@dut.ac.za Ritson Campus

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Andile Alfred Mkhize Tel: 031 373 5124 Email: alfredM1@dut.ac.za Ritson Campus