15 May 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: VUT
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a high impact three-day collaborative event from 12 to 14 May 2025 at Auditorium 100 on the VUT campus.
This significant event brought together key stakeholders from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the Southern African Mercury Network (SAMNet), and Nippon Instruments Corporation (NIC), Japan, in a united effort to enhance mercury monitoring, environmental research, and capacity building in South Africa. The collaboration represents a vital step towards fulfilling the objectives of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to reduce mercury pollution and its harmful effects worldwide.
A highlight of the event was the installation of a cutting-edge instrument, the Mercury Analyzer MA3000, by Mr Alvin Chua from NIC, Japan. This advanced analyser uses the Direct Thermal Decomposition Gold Amalgamation technique, enabling accurate measurement of total mercury in solid, liquid, and gaseous sample matrices. Its broad range of applications includes the analysis of wastewater, sludge, sediment, coal, urine, and plastic, making it an indispensable tool for research and environmental monitoring.
The programme commenced with the installation and demonstration of the MA3000, followed by a formal handover, hands on training for students, and sample handling sessions. These practical components aimed to enhance the capabilities of VUT staff and students while strengthening the university’s research infrastructure.
During the event, Dr Lynwill Martin, a senior researcher and lead scientist at SAWS, delivered a compelling presentation showcasing existing collaborations and a desire to deepen partnerships with VUT. He emphasised the belief that “science can lead policy”, pointing out the increasing need for skilled professionals in mercury analysis, especially considering evolving legislation and policy frameworks. Dr Martin further shared SAWS’s plans to recruit VUT students and provide them with specialised training in this critical field.
Mr Alvin Chua followed with an informative address about NIC’s legacy, technologies, and global sustainability efforts under the theme “Think, Act, Sustainable.” He elaborated on the corporation’s innovative approach to environmental analysis and its long-standing commitment to global partnerships.
Adding an academic perspective, Mr Mvula Goci, a VUT PhD student, presented his research titled “Sulphur Decorated with Functionalised Bio-Polymer Nanocomposites for Mercury Adsorption in Aqueous Solutions.” His study demonstrated the role of advanced material science in environmental remediation and underscored the importance of student led research within collaborative frameworks.
Professor Michael Klink, who leads the initiative under the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences (FACS), offered a detailed overview of the multi phased partnership journey. He noted that the current phase, from 2025 to 2027, focuses on systematic mercury monitoring. Meanwhile, the collaboration supports two master’s and two PhD students through bursaries and mentorship, with a strong emphasis on academic publishing to enhance the body of global knowledge on mercury.
During the discussions, Dr Martin supported Professor Klink’s focus on scholarly contributions, noting the absence of recent local academic publications on mercury research, the last of which was published in 2010. He revealed that SAWS is currently engaging with several government departments to secure long term support and foster a thriving academic and policy-oriented research environment.
In his closing remarks, Mr Jabulani Khumalo, Research and Innovation Manager at SAWS, underscored the importance of partnership, innovation, and knowledge sharing. He expressed gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm and collaborative spirit.
Lastly, Professor Christa Grobler, the Executive Dean of FACS at VUT, brought the event to a close by reaffirming the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. She praised Professor Klink for his pioneering leadership and described the initiative as having a snowball effect, with the potential to unlock research opportunities across all departments. “Listening to his achievements has inspired and motivated me to dream,” she concluded. “This is just the beginning of great things to come.”
