Two academics from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have been elected as members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
They are Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola and Professor Sheena Kumari K. Pillai. The university said their election recognises their work in research and the growth of scientific knowledge.
ASSAf General Secretary Professor Christian Pirk welcomed the two professors as new members of the Academy. As members, they may now use the letters MASSAf after their names.
The news came during ASSAf’s 30th anniversary celebrations. These were held on 29 October 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
The event included a Membership Conference and an Awards and Inauguration Ceremony. The 2026 group of new members was formally inaugurated at the ceremony.
Prof Nemavhola is DUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Engagement. He is also a Professor of Mechanical Engineering.
He is a researcher rated by the National Research Foundation. His work looks at mechanobiology, soft tissue mechanics, computer models of the body’s mechanics and engineering education.
He is a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa. He is also a Chartered Engineer in the United Kingdom.
Before he joined DUT, he was Director of the School of Engineering at the University of South Africa. DUT said his election recognises his engineering research and his academic leadership.
Prof Pillai is a Full Professor at DUT’s Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology. She also holds the university’s South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair in Wastewater Treatment and Reuse.
Her research covers the treatment and reuse of wastewater. She also studies new germs and pollutants found in water, environmental health, risk assessment and the tracking of disease through wastewater.
DUT said her work matters because South Africa continues to face water problems. The university said her research helps people understand and manage wastewater as a resource.
ASSAf membership is given to people who have made large contributions to science and scholarship. Members can take part in the Academy’s work through science panels, committees and conferences.
DUT said the two fields show the range of skills at the university, from engineering to water treatment. It said both areas are linked to South Africa’s development and the problems communities face.
The university congratulated both professors. It said their election fits with its ENVISION2030 strategy, which focuses on research, innovation and creating new knowledge.
Source: this article is based on reporting by Durban University of Technology. Image: Durban University of Technology. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.