October 2024: Ms. Nomthandazo Precious Sibiya – African Female Researcher of the Month
Introduction and Early Education
Ms. Nomthandazo Precious Sibiya is an exemplary figure in the world of science and engineering, recently emerging as a recipient of the prestigious 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Young Talents in South Africa Award. Her dynamic personality, dedication to sustainable development, and passion for impactful research have earned her wide recognition, setting her apart as a young leader in the fields of Chemical Engineering and environmental sustainability.
Sibiya’s academic journey began at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where she graduated with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Chemical Engineering in 2018, achieving Cum Laude honors. Her commitment to excellence continued as she pursued her Master of Engineering (MEng), which she also completed with Cum Laude and received the distinguished Dean’s Merit Award in 2022. During this time, Sibiya not only excelled academically but also developed a strong foundation in project management and continuous improvement, earning a Lean Six Sigma White Belt certification.
Doctoral Studies and Research
Currently, Sibiya is in her second year of doctoral studies, pursuing a Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Chemical Engineering at DUT. Her research focuses on wastewater treatment, a critical area for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly concerning clean water and sanitation. With over four years of experience in this field, her work is expected to have a significant impact on sustainable development and environmental conservation.
In addition to her research, Sibiya has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the academic community through her involvement in the Grow Your Own Timber (GOOT) academic mentorship programme at DUT. As part of this initiative, she is training as a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering, guiding the next generation of engineers and fostering a culture of academic excellence.
International Experience
Sibiya’s commitment to expanding her knowledge and gaining international exposure led her to participate in the Erasmus Student Exchange Programme in 2021, where she spent five months at the University of Valladolid in Spain. This experience allowed her to deepen her understanding of international research collaborations and innovative approaches to solving global engineering challenges.
Awards and Recognition
Ms. Sibiya’s list of accolades is impressive, reflecting her unwavering dedication to her field. Notably, she was honored with the 2023 NRF Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers, underscoring her potential to contribute significantly to the International System of Innovation.
In 2022, Sibiya earned two coveted awards within DUT’s Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment: Best Graduating Student and Master Student of the Year. These awards not only highlight her academic prowess but also recognize her commitment to continuous learning and research excellence.
Winning the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Award
Among her many achievements, Sibiya’s most recent recognition, the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) Young Talents in South Africa Award, stands out as a testament to her dedication and impactful research. She was one of seven awardees selected from 140 applicants, including three postdoctoral candidates. This prestigious award is part of a national program aimed at promoting and encouraging young women scientists in various fields, including Formal Sciences, Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering.
The award recognizes Sibiya’s groundbreaking work in wastewater treatment, which is both relevant and aligned with the pressing challenges of environmental sustainability. Winning this award not only brings pride to her faculty and university but also serves as an inspiration to other young women in science. In recognition of her achievements, Sibiya received an R80,000 scholarship and will be traveling to Cotonou, Benin, in December 2024 to attend the week-long FWIS Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) programme, where she will meet laureates from across the region.
Reflecting on the significance of the award, Sibiya shared that she was “overwhelmed” by the honor, especially considering the tough competition. During a session with one of the selection committee members, Professor Patience Mthunzi-Kufa, it was revealed that the selection process was particularly challenging this year, requiring three meetings to finalize the awardees. Ultimately, Sibiya’s project stood out for its relevance and potential to make a tangible difference in the world.
Personal Life and Support System
Ms. Sibiya attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her family and mentors. She expressed deep gratitude to her supervisor, Professor Sudesh Rathilal, and her co-supervisor, Dr. Thembisile Mahlangu, for their constant guidance throughout her academic journey. She also acknowledged the importance of her family, particularly her husband, Mr. Khanyisani Dlomo, and her daughter, Ms. Ongeziwe Dlomo, who have been her pillars of strength and motivation.
Future Aspirations and Vision
With the recognition and support she has garnered, Sibiya is poised to continue making significant contributions to the scientific community and beyond. Her future goals include advancing research that not only addresses critical environmental issues but also contributes to the sustainable development of her country and the world. Sibiya hopes her journey will inspire others, particularly young women, to pursue their passions and make a difference through science and innovation.
Her recent accolades align perfectly with DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, which emphasizes innovation, research, and excellence across disciplines. Sibiya’s success is a reflection of the collective efforts toward this vision, and she remains committed to contributing to these objectives through her research and mentorship.
In her own words, Sibiya encourages others to look at her journey and believe in their own potential: “Anyone who has lost hope should look at my path and believe that if I can do it, so can they. I am excited to continue advancing research that makes a tangible difference in our world.”
Conclusion
Ms. Nomthandazo Precious Sibiya is a shining example of excellence in the field of Chemical Engineering. Her dedication to sustainable development, her impactful research in wastewater treatment, and her continuous pursuit of academic and professional growth have earned her numerous accolades, including the coveted 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Award. As she continues to make strides in her field, Sibiya remains an inspiration to aspiring scientists and a beacon of hope for the future of environmental sustainability.
Cite this article as (APA format):
AR Managing Editor (2024). October 2024: Ms. Nomthandazo Precious Sibiya – African Female Researcher of the Month. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/october-2024-ms-nomthandazo-precious-sibiya-african-female-researcher-of-the-month/
The African Research (AR) Index is a comprehensive scholarly directory and database focused explicitly on journal publishers that publish and disseminate African research.
