Celebrating award-winning scientist, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh on World Environment Day, 5 June 2026.
Environmental sustainability increasingly depends on innovative scientific solutions addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges, from water scarcity and pollution to energy insecurity and climate change. As the world commemorates World Environment Day on 5 June, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) highlights the critical role scientists and engineers play in protecting natural resources and building sustainable communities.
To mark this important day, the NSTF proudly honours Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Chemical Engineering and lead researcher of the Research Focus Area: Green Engineering Research Group at Durban University of Technology (DUT). He is the winner of the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award, crowned at the prestigious 2025 NSTF-South32 Awards, known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa (SA). Dr Tetteh received the award in recognition of his multidisciplinary research, leadership and innovation in sustainable environmental engineering.
Explaining the motivation behind the work, Dr Tetteh states: Waste in the environment was destroying communities, poisoning ecosystems, and perpetuating poverty. It was a pivotal that made me realise how engineering solutions, particularly those linking water and energy, can change lives,” he said.
Sharing further on Dr Tetteh, growing up in a mining town in Ghana, he witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of poor wastewater management on communities and ecosystems. This experience inspired his commitment to developing engineering solutions that address environmental challenges while improving livelihoods.
Today, Dr Tetteh’s work focuses on the water-energy nexus, wastewater treatment technologies, green hydrogen and renewable energy systems, and green engineering innovations to create sustainable environmental solutions. His research integrates engineering science, environmental management and technology development to convert waste into valuable resources.
One of his major innovations is the Smart Wastewater-to-Energy System (SWTES), a technology developed from his doctoral research. The system treats industrial wastewater while simultaneously generating renewable energy in the form of biogas and producing reusable water suitable for irrigation. The project reflects circular economy principles by reducing waste, lowering emissions and creating economic value from environmental challenges.
His research has been implemented in industrial pilot projects involving sugar refineries and oil-processing plants, where the technologies have contributed to waste reduction, energy generation and resource recovery. His work also extends into green hydrogen production, magnetic nanotechnology and plastic-to-energy innovations that support SA’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
Dr Tetteh currently leads collaborative research projects supported by institutions such as the Water Research Commission (WRC) and the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI). His work aligns with SA’s environmental sustainability goals and national development priorities.
In addition to his research contributions, Dr Tetteh is committed to developing the next
generation of scientists and engineers. He has supervised several postgraduate students, mentored emerging researchers and contributed extensively to scientific literature through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
“My passion lies in applying engineering science to solve real-world problems. South African municipalities, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, face immense pressure to deliver water and sanitation services amid rising energy costs and ageing infrastructure.,” explained Dr Tetteh.
World Environment Day, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) encourages global awareness and action for environmental protection. Since its establishment in 1973, the day has become one of the world’s largest environmental awareness platforms, engaging governments, organisations, communities, and individuals across more than 150 countries. The theme for 2026 focuses on a Global Call for Climate Action and the vital connection between urbanisation and climate.
This significant day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address environmental issues such as pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change and unsustainable resource use. It also highlights the importance of scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable development in building resilient societies and protecting ecosystems for future generations.
Environmental engineering and green technologies are increasingly essential in helping countries transition toward sustainable economies. Researchers such as Dr Tetteh demonstrates how science and innovation can provide practical solutions that support clean water access, renewable energy generation, waste reduction and environmental restoration.
By profiling Dr Tetteh on World Environment Day, the NSTF celebrates not only scientific excellence but also the transformative impact of research that directly improves communities and contributes to environmental sustainability.
The NSTF-South32 award sends a powerful message to future scientists: their work matters, their voices count, and their efforts are essential in building a resilient and sustainable future for South Africa and the continent.
The NSTF encourages learners, researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to support environmental sustainability initiatives and invest in science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation that address pressing environmental challenges. Collaborative action is essential to developing resilient systems capable of protecting natural resources while improving quality of life.
Young people are especially encouraged to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as environmental research, where they can contribute to building sustainable solutions for future generations.
As the world reflects on the importance of environmental stewardship, the work of
Dr Tetteh demonstrates the power of innovation to create meaningful and lasting change. Through his commitment to sustainable engineering and resource recovery, he continues to contribute toward a cleaner, more resilient, and environmentally responsible future for SA and the African continent.
NSTF is an independent non-profit stakeholder body and network- a civil-society forum of over 150 member organisations across six membership sectors, involved in science, engineering, technology (SET) and innovation in South Africa.
The NSTF-South32 Awards is famously known as the ‘Science Oscars’ of SA that recognised excellence in SET and innovation in SA across 16 categories Look out for the announcement of the finalists competing for this year’s Awards as the winners are taking place in two cities (Cape Town and Johannesburg) on 16 July 2026.
Pictured: Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh
Story and picture supplied: National Science and Technology Forum
