“VUT hosted the SAMNET Symposium, bringing together researchers, students and government to drive mercury monitoring, environmental research and global collaboration.”
21October 2025 | Story By:Sadiki Siphiwe Rulani| Picture: .
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) reaffirmed its status as a hub for environmental innovation and scientific collaboration by successfully hosting the 2025 South African Mercury Network (SAMNET) Symposium. The two-day event, held from 16 to 17 October 2025, brought together leading scientists, postgraduate students, policymakers, and international partners committed to advancing mercury monitoring and environmental sustainability in South Africa.
Centred on strengthening scientific partnerships and promoting innovation in environmental research, the symposium provided an exceptional platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Hosted at VUT’s Vanderbijlpark campus, the gathering marked another milestone in the institution’s growing influence in environmental research and global sustainability efforts.
The opening day began at the Council Chamber with Professor Joe Modise as Programme Director. The event was officially opened by Dr Speech Nelana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Commercialisation and Internationalisation (RICI), who highlighted the importance of collaborative research in addressing environmental challenges and driving South Africa’s participation in global sustainability initiatives.
“The SAMNET Symposium reflects our shared commitment to research that expands knowledge and drives meaningful change,” said Dr Nelana. “Through partnerships between universities, government, and international agencies, our work gains global significance while remaining rooted in local relevance.”
Key presentations from Dr Jonas Mphepya and Dr Katlego Ncongwane of the South African Weather and Climate Service (SAWS) explored the role of climate and atmospheric monitoring in policy development and environmental resilience. Their contributions demonstrated how data-driven strategies can inform national policies on pollution control and public health.
A recorded message from Dr Tatsuya Hattori, Programme Manager at Japan’s Ministry of Environment, applauded South Africa’s leadership in mercury research. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continued collaboration and technology sharing through the SAMNET platform.
Further insights came from Ms Tumisang Modiole, Director of Earth Observations at the Department of Science and Technology, who emphasised the growing importance of data for decision-making and environmental resource management. She praised SAMNET for bridging scientific knowledge and national environmental policy.
The day culminated in the signing of a partnership agreement between VUT and SAWS, led by Dr Nelana. This landmark collaboration will see the installation of advanced Japanese instruments at VUT, enabling real-time mercury monitoring and strengthening the university’s research capacity in environmental science.
The second day, directed by Professor Tranos Zuva, focused on emerging scholars. Master’s and doctoral students from VUT, North-West University, the University of Pretoria, and Stellenbosch University presented research on mercury detection, environmental analysis, and data-informed policymaking. Their work demonstrated the growing depth and diversity of South Africa’s scientific community.
In her closing remarks, Dr Nolutho Mkhumbeni, Acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, commended participants for their contributions and reaffirmed VUT’s commitment to advancing scientific excellence. “The 2025 SAMNET Symposium was not merely a conference but a declaration that South Africa intends to lead through research, innovation, and education,” she said.
With strengthened partnerships and the integration of advanced monitoring technologies, VUT is now positioned at the forefront of mercury monitoring in South Africa. The symposium demonstrated how collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange can drive environmental progress and inspire the next generation of researchers dedicated to safeguarding the planet.