“It’s important to have a PhD” says DTech Graduate

Thokozani Xaba was conferred a Doctorate Technologiae Degree in Chemistry at the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences.

Qhawekazi Memani

With her eyes fixed on achieving her goal and realising her dream, Thokozani Xaba, a Vaal University of Technology (VUT) chemistry lecturer was conferred a Doctorate Technologiae degree in Chemistry on 11 September at the VUT Desmond Tutu Hall during the Applied and Computer Sciences graduation ceremony.

Her thesis was titled: ‘Synthesis and characterisation of Metal Oxide Thin Films, Metal Sulfide and Metal Oxide Polymer Nanocomposites and studies of the application in water treatment’.

Dr Xaba, as she now proudly calls herself, was afforded the opportunity to travel abroad to conduct her research project in 2015 at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. She’s also the proud recipient of the Thuthuko funding grant and a sabbatical funding grant from the National Research Foundation (NRF) for her research projects in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

During her research, she managed to generate 15 research articles. Twelve have been fully published, with one already accepted in a peer-reviewed, DHET-accredited journal. All of these opportunities enabled her to advance in her career and reach this significant milestone.

Dr Xaba has supervised two Master’s students and over 20 Baccalaureus Technologiae (BTech) students.

“I enjoy studying.  In the times that we live in it is important to have a PhD; with a PhD you get recognition and opportunities follow you. The industry is now looking mostly for people with PhDs. I have learned new techniques used in Chemistry from the other countries that I have visited. I apply these skills in my classes. It is very important to continue with your studies as it allows you to learn more and be a better person. Doing this degree was challenging, yet exciting at the same time,” she said.