NRF Youth Month 2025: Philadelphia Vutivi Ngobeni

The NRF supports the growth of the next generation of researchers and scholars to sustain South Africa’s knowledge enterprise. June is Youth Month, and this year the NRF is celebrating the youth who are shaping tomorrow through research today. We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Ms Philadelphia Vutivi Ngobeni is a PhD student in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. She received funding from the NRF for her PhD studies.

How did your journey start?

My academic journey began with a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. During my studies, I was fortunate to secure an in-service training opportunity at a water utility. This practical experience was a turning point in my career as it introduced me to the complexity and importance of the water sector. Until then, I had not seriously considered a career in this field, but the exposure revealed how engineering could be applied to solve real-world environmental challenges, particularly in underserved communities like my own in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga.

After working in the water sector, I became increasingly aware of the broader need for sustainable and inclusive solutions, especially for marginalised communities. Motivated by a desire to make a more meaningful impact, I completed my BTech and went on to pursue a Master’s degree focused on water-related research.

I am currently a PhD student in Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town, specialising in the treatment of industrial wastewater. Although I never envisioned this path growing up, each experience, particularly that early exposure during in-service training, has shaped me into the researcher I am today, driven by a deep-rooted commitment to serving society through science.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

I am currently funded by the NRF Postgraduate Doctoral Scholarship. This support has enabled me to focus fully on my PhD research without financial stress. Through the NRF, I’ve been able to attend research workshops, contribute to national dialogues, and connect with professionals and peers who are equally passionate about creating sustainable solutions.

What is your research focus/area of expertise?

My current research focuses on the sustainable treatment of industrial wastewater, with a specific emphasis on tannery effluent, which is challenging to treat due to its high nitrogen content. I am developing an integrated microalgae-bacterial model that enhances nutrient removal while exploring opportunities for resource recovery, such as biomass valorisation.

This interdisciplinary research combines civil engineering, biotechnology, and process modelling. It aims to bridge the gap between theory and real-world implementation in circular economy systems. This research aligns with broader goals in sustainable development, circular economy practices, and environmental resilience in industrial settings.

How is your research helping to shape a better future?

My research addresses the dual challenge of industrial pollution and water scarcity. Tannery wastewater, if left untreated, poses a significant threat to water resources due to its high nitrogen content. Excess nitrogen leads to eutrophication, a process that depletes oxygen in water bodies and severely harms aquatic life. My work focuses on developing affordable, microalgae-based treatment systems that not only remove harmful nutrients but also recover biomass for potential reuse.

The broader aim is to implement scalable, community-friendly treatment technologies. This innovation holds promise for creating jobs in decentralised water treatment and biomass processing, particularly in communities affected by industrial discharge. It can also reduce the burden on women and girls in rural areas, who are often the most impacted by inadequate access to safe water. Improving water quality can enhance health outcomes, reduce time spent on water collection, and open opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in society.

Ultimately, I hope this research contributes to environmental sustainability, gender equity, and inclusive socioeconomic development, while fostering community-led, green solutions to local challenges.

Being a young researcher often means juggling numerous responsibilities and expectations. How do you stay motivated and/or balanced?

Staying motivated requires both a clear sense of purpose and a strong sense of community. My family is my greatest source of strength and inspiration; they remind me daily why this work matters. I’m also driven by the opportunity to contribute to communities that have historically been excluded from scientific and technological progress.

Maintaining balance isn’t always easy, but I manage it through effective time management, prayer, and peer support networks. Volunteering with the Young Water Professionals (YWP) and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) networks has been especially rewarding. These platforms have provided mentorship, community, and opportunities to give back. Mentoring others and engaging in outreach activities allows me to stay grounded and rooted in my broader mission: using science to empower, uplift, and transform society.

What has been your proudest achievement to date?

In 2024, I was honoured to receive the South African Women in Science Award (SAWISA) through the DSTI-Esther Mahlangu Doctoral Fellowship, as well as the Womandla Women in STEAM Award in the Engineering category.

Additionally, I represented South Africa at the 2023 BRICS Young Scientists Forum and the III Young Scientists Congress in Russia. These international platforms provided invaluable opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and showcasing the potential of African research on a global stage.

I currently serve as a Marketing and Communications Lead for the Young Water Professionals (YWP), a platform under the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) that supports early-career professionals through mentorship, technical development, and sector engagement. I also hold the role of Outreach and Advocacy Lead for the South African Chapter of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), where I promote gender equity in STEM and facilitate opportunities for women researchers. In both roles, I have coordinated outreach programmes, facilitated school engagements in underserved areas, mentored emerging scientists, and actively advocated for inclusive and transformative science.

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