NRF-RATED PROF CURTHBERT NYAMUPANGEDENGU JOINS VUT AS HEAD OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
By Puleng Maphisa 19 August 2022
VUT has gained another NRF-rated researcher. Professor Cuthbert Nyamupangedengu, a C2-NRF rated scholar joined the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on 1st July 2022 to take up the role of Head of the Electrical Engineering department.
Since 2005, he was an associate professor at Wits University, where he was responsible for the high voltage research programme at.
Prof Nyamupangedengu is an accomplished scientist and researcher. In 2021 he was awarded a C2 NRF rating. According to him, his research scholarship focuses on developing and diagnosing high voltage electrical insulation.
Some of his accomplishments include:
- 2018 – Energy expert consultant in a study for the Department of Public Enterprises undertaken by Wits Enterprises titled: Possible future energy markets in South Africa and the rest of Africa – Eskom’s future business opportunities.
- 2020 and 2021 – Energy expert contributor to a study for the Energy & Water Sector Education Training Authority (EWSETA) undertaken by the Wits Centre for Researching Education and Labour (Wits REAL).
- Supervised more than 20 postgraduate students and published more than 70 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings.
Before moving into academics, Prof Nyamupangedengu spent ten (10) years working in various capacities, including:
- Chief Engineer within a power utility
- 2012-2018 – D1 Cigre Study Committee (Cigre Southern Africa National Committee)
- Inaugural committee member – South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) Central Gauteng Centre,
- Currently – SAIEE elected council member
Prof Nyamupangedengu holds the following qualifications:
- PhD Engineering – WITS
- MSc Engineering (Distinction) – WITS
- Hons Bachelor of Technology Engineering – University of Zimbabwe
- PGDip (HE) (distinction) WITS
- Educator, Assessor and Facilitator (ETDP-SETA) – 2021
He is excited about his role at VUT and is ready to make a meaningful contribution towards developing vocational skills in the country. “I am convinced that the trade and vocational skills development sector in the country needs enhanced attention, ” said Prof Nyamupangedengu.