“Dr Mwenge Kilunji Pascal earns a PhD in Chemical Engineering at VUT, overcoming challenges and honouring his family’s sacrifices in a truly inspiring journey.”
22 September 2025 | Story By: Thabisang Thebeeapelo | Picture: Sifiso Nomzaza
2 minutes read time.
When Mwenge Kilunji Pascal left the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2010 with little more than determination and his family’s blessing, the path ahead was uncertain. He was the second of seven children, with no promise of comfort or privilege, but he carried within him a dream to study Chemical Engineering and to one day make a difference in the world.
Fifteen years later, that dream came full circle as he walked across the graduation stage at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering. His thesis, “Application of Machine Learning and Kinetics Study of Biodiesel Production Catalysed by Geopolymer Heterogeneous Catalyst,” represents more than an academic achievement. It is a step toward a more sustainable future in which clean, renewable energy can power communities across Africa and beyond.
A journey of resilience
Pascal arrived in South Africa in late 2010 and enrolled at VUT in July 2011. From a diploma to advanced degrees, he completed every qualification at the university, steadily climbing the academic ladder over a decade. Yet the road was never smooth. Financial challenges, cultural adjustments, and the weight of being far from family often tested his resolve.
“There were moments I almost gave up,” he admitted. “But every time I felt weak, my father’s voice lifted me. He called me every week to encourage and remind me why I had started. Even though he couldn’t be at my graduation, he has been with me every step of the way. I owe this to him.”
Guiding hands
Alongside his family, mentors shaped Pascal’s journey. One of the most influential was Professor Hilary Rutto, who nurtured his ambition and planted the idea of a PhD long before Pascal believed it possible. “I remember telling him I would push until a master’s degree,” Pascal recalled. “But he looked at me and said, ‘You can do more. Go for a PhD.’ That changed everything.” With such guidance, Pascal grew into a scholar committed not only to academic excellence but also to applying knowledge for real-world solutions.
The power of research
Pascal’s doctoral research is a bold response to one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: sustainable energy. By applying machine learning to the study of biodiesel production and using geopolymer-based catalysts, his work explores cleaner, more efficient methods of producing renewable fuel.
In simple terms, he is helping to answer the question of how the world can fuel itself without destroying the planet. For South Africa and the African continent, where energy insecurity remains a stumbling block to development, such research is invaluable.
More than a title
For Pascal, earning the title of Doctor carries a responsibility far greater than academic prestige. “Graduation for me is not just about earning a qualification,” he said. “It is about responsibility and the impact I will be making in society. This title is not mine alone; it belongs to my family, to those who believed in me, and to every student who thinks their dream is out of reach.” His message to aspiring students is simple but powerful: “The sky is the limit. Know where you’re going and understand your purpose.”
Looking ahead
As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, Dr Pascal carries both pride and humility. His journey is a reminder that education is not only about personal achievement but also about transforming lives and communities.
From the crowded streets of Kinshasa to the laboratories of VUT, he has shown what is possible when perseverance meets purpose. His story is not only about science and innovation, it is about hope, sacrifice, and the boundless reach of human ambition.