By Mosima Rafapa
Newly conferred Doctor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, Dr Khanyisile Lepota, is among the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment’s (FEBE) Spring 2025 graduates who have made remarkable progress in environmental sustainability research. She received her doctoral degree during the recent FEBE graduation ceremony held at the Pretoria Campus.
Her doctoral research, titled “Feasibility Study to Evaluate Greenhouse Gas Emission from Landfills to Enhance Methane Quality at the Tshwane Municipality,” focuses on assessing greenhouse gas emissions and improving methane quality for potential energy recovery. The study reflects Dr Lepota’s growing expertise in environmental process engineering and sustainable energy systems, fields she has cultivated through her National Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering, all obtained from TUT.
Supported by her supervisors, peers and family, Dr Lepota credits their encouragement for helping her maintain focus and motivation throughout her academic journey.
“Participating in laboratory projects and industrial training during my undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of real-world applications of chemical engineering concepts,” she said. “These formative experiences cultivated a scientific curiosity and discipline that have been essential in navigating complex research challenges at the doctoral level.”
Her research explores how landfill methane can serve as an alternative energy source while addressing the environmental challenges of greenhouse gas emissions.
“The growing concern about climate change and South Africa’s need to diversify its energy mix inspired my focus on landfill methane enhancement,” explained Dr Lepota. “Landfills are a major source of greenhouse gases, yet they also represent a largely untapped source of renewable energy. My motivation stems from the desire to contribute to both scientific knowledge and practical environmental solutions that support sustainable urban development.”
Through her work, Dr Lepota aims to provide insights that could assist municipalities and industries in implementing cleaner waste-to-energy technologies, ultimately supporting South Africa’s transition toward sustainable energy systems. Her findings also highlight potential societal benefits, such as job creation in methane recovery, waste processing and environmental monitoring, contributing to local economic growth.
Dr. Lepota’s academic journey reflects both depth and impact, with two journal publications and two conference presentations already to her credit. She acknowledges that sourcing accurate field data and managing equipment constraints during emissions testing posed challenges, but overcoming them strengthened her resilience and research capability.
Looking ahead, Dr Lepota intends to continue contributing to the environmental and energy sectors, either through academic research or partnerships with industry. Her long-term goal is to help shape policy frameworks for sustainable waste-to-energy systems and to mentor young engineers and researchers in the field of environmental sustainability.
She thanked her supervisor, Dr Kasturie Premlall and co-supervisors, Dr Major Mabuza and Prof Michael Daramola, for their valuable guidance and mentorship.
“Their expertise in chemical process optimisation, environmental engineering and data analysis provided critical guidance throughout my research. They encouraged independent thinking while offering constructive feedback, ensuring the quality and relevance of my work,” said Dr Lepota.
Dr Premlall commended her student’s dedication and commitment to solving real-world environmental challenges.
“Dr Lepota’s research is both timely and impactful. Her work contributes to the global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions while addressing local challenges in waste management and greenhouse gas reduction,” said Dr Premlall.
Dr Khanyisile Lepota credits her family and supervisors' encouragement for helping her maintain focus and motivation throughout her academic journey .
Dr Khanyisile Lepota with her mother, Josephine Mahlalela.