INNOVATIVE RESEARCH: NMU scientist Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva has been nominated in three categories in the National Science and Technology Forum Awards
A Nelson Mandela University (NMU) scientist’s long-term research into water treatment— and the benefit of pineapple leaves — could bag her a prestigious award or three.
Dr Zikhona Tywabi-Ngeva has been nominated in three categories in the National Science and Technology Forum Awards, including in the Green Economy and Emerging Researcher categories.
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) is an umbrella body for organisations with an interest in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
Established in 1998, they have grown to become one of the largest such awards in SA.
Tywabi-Ngeva, The Herald Citizen of the Year 2021 education category award-winner, has been nominated for her contribution through her research, which took more than six years to complete.
The Green Economy category is for outstanding contributions in shaping the national agenda on the environment in national policies, legislation and programmes.
The work recognised could include knowledge-based advocacy and awareness programmes designed to bring about social change, as well as an effect clearly demonstrated through successful implementation.
Excited about her nominations, Tywabi-Ngeva said she had received the good news via email while in Cape Town on a three-day GreenQuest multiinstitutional, transdisciplinary German-SA research partnership consortium meeting.
“When I saw the NSTF email informing me of the nominations, I could not help but shed a tear,” she said.
“It was a thrilling moment.” “Receiving a nomination for a science award evokes feelings of pride, validation and a sense of accomplishment for the hard work and dedication our team put into our research.
“Being nominated is special for several reasons. It signifies that our research is making a difference, and that it is valued by our peers and the broader scientific community.”
Among her many achievements, Tywabi-Ngeva was elected Country Representative for SA in the Women in Marine Science Steering Committee for 2024-2025.
She also received NMU’s 2023 vice-chancellor’s Emerging Researcher Award for sustainable agriculture, waste management and addressing environmental challenges.
Through cost-effective and energy-efficient processes, they used environmentally friendly techniques to produce nanocellulose from pineapple leaf fibre waste for heavy metal adsorption in wastewater, creating nanofilters for water treatment and developing mulching film applications.
Along with the Energy Systems Research Group and the Graduate School of Business at the University of Cape Town, she forms part of the team of top international chemists, business leaders, climate specialists and sociologists working on the GreenQuest project.
The three-year project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education.
In addition, Tywabi-Ngeva was awarded the National Research Foundation Joint Institute for Nuclear Research grant for a three-year period from this year. This will see her travel to Russia in June for a three-week visit.
She said the nomination had offered them an opportunity to show their research on a larger platform, raising awareness of important scientific discoveries and advancements.
In the field of the use of pineapple leaf fibres for water treatment, she said it had the potential to open more doors to new collaborations, funding opportunities and career advancements.
By leveraging pineapple leaves, they could contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy while addressing key challenges outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“My area of specialisation is green chemistry and nano materials, with emphasis on sustainable agriculture, waste management and addressing environmental challenges through cost-effective and energy-efficient processes,” Tywabi-Ngeva said.
“In my research, I use environmentally friendly techniques to produce nanocellulose from pineapple leaf fibre waste for heavy metal adsorption in wastewater, creating nanofilters for water treatment.
“My project is an excellent initiative that contributes to sustainable development and environmental conservation in the world.
“By using pineapple leaves, our method adds value to agricultural waste and reduces environmental effects.”
One of her goals includes the transition of innovative water purification from the lab to the market to address the pressing global issue of access to clean and safe drinking water.
She said the technology used advanced filtration membranes and nano materials that removed contaminants and pathogens more efficiently than traditional methods.
This made it suitable for both domestic and industrial applications, and market research indicated a significant demand for water purification solutions, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and pollution challenges such as Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Our vision as the research team is to see our water purification technology deployed globally, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for communities worldwide,” Tywabi-Ngeva said.