September 2025: Ms. Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo – African Female Researcher of the Month

Illustrative Image: September 2025: Ms. Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo – African Female Researcher of the Month
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September 2025: Ms. Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo – African Female Researcher of the Month

Ms. Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo is an accomplished lecturer and doctoral candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Her outstanding contributions to science and engineering have positioned her as one of South Africa’s most promising young researchers. In recognition of her remarkable achievements, she was named one of nine winners of the Doctoral Fellows Award at the 2025 South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), held in Bloemfontein on 21 August 2025.

The prestigious SAWiSA ceremony, themed “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science”, honoured women scientists who exemplify excellence and serve as role models for the next generation. For Ms. Sibiya-Dlomo, the award is a culmination of resilience, determination, and an unwavering passion for research that addresses pressing environmental challenges.

Academic and Research Journey

Raised by her grandparents in Mangamanzini Township, Folweni, Ms. Sibiya-Dlomo’s humble beginnings instilled in her a strong work ethic and the desire to change her circumstances. Motivated by her upbringing and determined to create a better future for her children, she pursued higher education with exceptional dedication.

She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Chemical Engineering in 2018, followed by a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, which she completed with a Dean’s Merit Award in 2023. Her master’s thesis, “Treatment of Industrial Effluent Using Specialised Magnetised Coagulants”, reflected her strong commitment to sustainable engineering solutions.

Currently, she is in the third year of her Doctor of Engineering (DEng) in Chemical Engineering at DUT, supervised by Professor Sudesh Rathilal and Dr. Thembisile Mahlangu. Her doctoral research focuses on wastewater treatment, specifically investigating the use of modified agricultural waste products—such as sugar cane, banana, and orange residues—as low-cost adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents. With over 261 citations, an h-index of 6, and an i10-index of 6, her work is already making a measurable impact in the scientific community.

Awards and Recognitions

Ms. Sibiya-Dlomo’s career is decorated with numerous local and international accolades:

• 2025 SAWiSA Doctoral Fellows Award – Recognising her as one of South Africa’s top emerging women scientists.

• 2024 Research Debut – Young Talents from Africa Prize (Eni Awards, Italy).

• 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Award (South Africa).

• 2023 NRF Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers.

• NRF-DAAD In-Country Scholarship – for doctoral research excellence.

In addition, she has published in respected journals such as Scientific African, Materials Today, Polymers, Cleaner Chemical Engineering, and Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. She has delivered five oral conference presentations, including an international presentation in Thailand.

Overcoming Challenges

Her academic journey has not been without obstacles. While pursuing her Master’s degree during the COVID-19 pandemic, she faced delays in research due to lab closures, procurement setbacks, and severe personal challenges, including a battle with depression. With the support of her family, colleagues, and especially her supervisor Prof. Rathilal and her close friend Ms. Gloria Amo-Duduodu, she overcame these hurdles and emerged stronger.

She credits her husband, Mr. Khanyisani Dlomo, for breaking cultural norms and becoming her pillar of support, ensuring that she had the space and time to excel academically while balancing family responsibilities.

Inspirational Voice for the Next Generation

Beyond her scientific achievements, Ms. Sibiya-Dlomo is deeply committed to inspiring young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She believes in empowering the next generation with innovative problem-solving skills to address environmental and public health challenges.

Reflecting on her journey, she often shares motivational advice with students:

“To all young people, no matter your background, if you are determined and hardworking, you will never sit at home. Work hard, get good grades, and sponsors will support you in STEM.”

She dedicates her 2025 SAWiSA award to her children, Zethembiso and Simingaye, emphasizing her mission to break barriers and build a legacy for future generations.

Institutional and Community Recognition

At DUT, Ms. Sibiya-Dlomo is recognised not only for her academic achievements but also for her contribution to the university’s broader mission. Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement at DUT, lauded her recognition at SAWiSA as a reflection of DUT’s commitment to research excellence and societal impact, aligned with the university’s ENVISION2030 strategy.

Conclusion

From her humble beginnings in Folweni to the national stage at the South African Women in Science Awards, Ms. Nomthandazo Sibiya-Dlomo exemplifies resilience, innovation, and leadership in science. Her cutting-edge research on wastewater treatment demonstrates how African scientists can harness local resources to tackle global challenges.

As she continues her doctoral journey and expands her contributions to academia and society, she stands as a powerful role model for young women in STEM—proof that perseverance, passion, and purpose can transform not only individual lives but entire communities.