THE Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with Mhlathuze Water, hosted a ceremony to celebrate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), Steve Biko campus on April 5, 2023. The two entities joined forces to find solutions for water and wastewater treatment.
Senior director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, Alan Khan, facilitated the event. Acting director: Research and Postgraduate Support Unit, Dr Vaneshree Govender, shared welcoming remarks on behalf of the acting deputy vice-chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (DVC:RIE), Professor Keolebogile Motaung: She welcomed all the guests in attendance and expressed gratitude regarding the collaboration and said that it marked the beginning of greater things between DUT and Mhlathuze Water.
DUT and Mhlathuze Water are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. Scientists under the IWWT at DUT have been instrumental in conducting water analysis on the tap water in parts of the eThekwini region. In their recent analysis conducted in February 2023, they concluded that Durban’s tap water is safe to drink.
The university will also design protocols for wastewater analysis and train Mhlathuze Water staff and utilise Mhlathuze’s laboratory facilities for student training and research.
Meanwhile, the responsibilities of Mhlathuze Water will include providing funding for research projects for the benefit of Mhlathuze Water. It will also provide Work Integrated Learning (WIL), scholarships and internship placement opportunities for DUT students and graduates. Mhlathuze Water will also create career opportunities for early career PhD and Master’s students/graduates.
Giving the context of the event was the general manager: Scientific Services at Mhlathuze Water, Swaswa Ntlohoro.
“We are a water board which provides water services, with limited capacity that is why we collaborated with IWWT. Our ultimate goal is to provide quality of life to people. Today we will be signing the MOU which clearly states that DUT will collaborate with Mhlathuze Water on projects to address our research needs. We are happy that we have come this far to start a good relationship. Hard work will start after today, we are looking forward to a healthy working relationship,” he said.
The MOU was signed by Ntlohoro representing Mhlathuze Water and IWWT director, Prof Faizal Bux, representing DUT.
Director: International Education and Partnerships at DUT, Dr Lavern Samuels, shared his vote of thanks, thanking Mhlathuze Water for partnering with DUT.
