A Biotechnology lecturer at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Dr Siphelele Sibisi was honoured to represent his small town, Manzana in Newcastle at the DUT 2025 Autumn Graduation stage. He was conferred with his Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Monday, 19 May 2025.

The 34-year-old was excited to finally complete his PhD journey which he claims took him about 10 years.

“To go on the graduation stage and represent my small dusty town Manzana, meant a lot. I had been waiting to wear the red gown and earn my PhD title for almost 10 years. My PhD journey started at another university but I didn’t finish it because if personal issues. However, I am grateful that eventually I managed to get my PhD,” said Dr Sibisi.

He expressed his disappointment in not being able to share his milestone with his mother. His mother passed away in 2019, however, he is certain that he has made her proud. For Dr Sibisi, his achievement would not be possible without the support and guidance from his supervisor, Dr I Rawat and co-supervisors, Professor F Bux and Dr T Mogany. He also extended his sincere thanks to his family who had been his pillar of strength.

Sharing what kept him going throughout the 10 years, he said obtaining his PhD was a personal goal instead of a qualification. He mentioned that when he started his honour’s degree he made a promise to himself that he will not stop until he obtains his PhD.

“When I fell during the start of my journey, I picked myself up and went back. I knew that I had to finish what I started despite of my circumstances, my personal experiences and hindrances. The PhD was my destination,” added Dr Sibisi.

Making his graduation even better was getting an opportunity to graduate with his students and share their achievements together.

His thesis was titled: “Development of a Microalgae-based Consortium for the Bioremediation of Sugar Mill Effluent.

Giving a summary of his study he said: “Growth in agro-industrial activities increases water consumption that requires treatment before safe discharge into the environment. The sugar industry is one of the key producers locally and globally that use inordinate amounts of water and produces wastewater with high organic loading. High strength wastewater poses inhibition in biological wastewater treatment processes due to the high carbon ratios to nitrogen and phosphorus.”

His study resulted in two publications in high-impact journals and presentations at local and international conferences. It won the “Best Student Paper” at the WISA 2024 Biennial Conference and Exhibition.

Dr Ismail Rawat, who served as  Sibisi’s academic supervisor, is an esteemed researcher who is based at the DUT Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology.

“In terms of his PhD research, there was always ups and downs but Sibisi had done well and completed his dissertation in less than four years. He has proven to be an adaptive graduate which is a key element of DUT’s ENVISION 2030 strategy. He is my first PhD graduate so I am super pumped. My hope is that he goes on to graduate other students at DUT.”

Pictured: Dr Siphelele Sibisi

Simangele Zuma/Waheeda Peters