NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED ......4 NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY...

NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY | ISSUE 1 2016 1

NEWSLETTER OF THEDEPARTMENT OF

APPLIED CHEMISTRYISSUE 1: 2016

NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY | ISSUE 1 20162

MESSAGE FROM THE HODWelcome to our first amongst many department newsletters planned for the future. We hope this “news” series we are introducing will keep you informed and proud of the Department of Applied Chemistry. As the year draws to an end and we quickly approach both final exams and, yay, the holiday period I wish all of you the best of luck and joy in both activities respectively. Despite the challenging year we all faced, we have all nevertheless managed to pursue through our dedication and for that I thank all of you. A job well done!

“Determination burns within each of us. Whether or not it will heat the room or the whole house depends on how much time we spend feeding the fire”-Michelle C. Ustaszeski

IN THIS ISSUEAPPLIED CHEMISTRY IN THE SPOT LIGHT 3

AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED: 5Professor J Catherine Ngila Reflectson Her Distinguished Womenin Science Award

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/ 6SOCIAL/EVENTS

SCHOLARLY RESEARCH: 9PUBLICATIONS AND BOOKS

2016 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 10STUDENT TOP ACHIEVERS

SEPTEMBER GRADUATES 11


APPLIED CHEMISTRY IN THE SPOT LIGHTMs L Nemandava (MSc Nanoscince student): Best Poster Presentation at The International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICPAC 2016)Ms L Nemandava’s research is on gold nanoparticles and their potential effects on cancer cells under the supervison of Dr D.T Ndinteh and Dr V Mavumengwana. This work gave valuable results which were presented at The International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICPAC 2016) held in Mauritius from 18-22 July 2016. Livhu received best poster research presentation award. “I have always wanted to be part of the team that stops at nothing in fighting cancer. This disease has taken a toll on both the young & old, friends and family. Accepting it as a norm is not an option hence I chose to look at alternatives for cure by being part of a team that has interests in nanomaterial for biological applications. I am grateful for the award and it was a great boost of motivation to stay focused and deliver publications.” Said Livhu

Ms Livhuwani Nemandava

Mrs KC Mqehe -Nedzivhe (MTech student): Best Poster Presentation at ICPAC 2016Mrs KC Nedzivhe was one of the poster presentation award winners at The International Conference on Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICPAC 2016) held in Mauritius from 18-22 July 2016. Her poster was entitled “Synthesis of activated carbon adsorbent from an avocado seeds foreffective removal of arsenic and selenium in environmental water.” “I felt so astonishingly, because I was not expecting it. But it was an inspiration and eye-opener to my studies and life as whole.”said Khathu. Mrs Nedzivhe’s masters research focus in on develop sample preparation method for preconcentration of selenium and arsenic in waste water prior to their determination by spectrometric

techniques under the supervision of Dr N. Mabuba and Dr PN Nomngongo.

Mrs Khathutshelo C. Mqehe –Nedzivhe

Mr Bonani Seteni (PhD student): Best Poster Presentation at Annual National Renewable and Sustainable Energy Postgraduate Symposium (REPS2016)Mr Seteni was awarded the best poster presentation at the Annual National Renewable and Sustainable Energy Postgraduate Symposium (REPS2016) that was by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), through the National Research Foundation (NRF) and in collaboration with various government sponsored renewable energy research projects including the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRES) at the University of Stellenbosch. The symposium was held at the University of Fort Hare in Alice from 04 to 06 September 2016. The symposium was attended by about 700 academics, industry representatives and government officials such as South African Minister of Public Enterprises MEC of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism and as well as honourable Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare. Mr Seteni’s research project is entitled as “Improved electrochemical performance of lithium-manganese rich cathode electrode for lithium ion batteries” under the supervision of Prof Ngila and Dr Luo (CISR).

Mr Bonani Seteni


Eseoghene Umukoro awarded prestigious 2016 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science fellowship Ms E. Umukoro (PhD student) better known as “Ese” has won a prestigious 2016 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science fellowship on the 28 September 2016 at a ceremony held at Sandton. The L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science fellowship acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of talented young women scientists STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to pursue their promising research projects. Ms Umukoro’s PhD research title is “Experimental and computational study of the electrochemical and photo-electrochemical oxidation of organic pollutants at carbon based-semiconductor composite electrodes” under the supervision of Prof O Arotiba and Prof J.C. Ngila. The Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and U community at large are proud of her achievement.

Ms Ese Umukoro (Middle)

Dr N.W Maxakato-Dingilizwe receives 2nd Edition of Science by Women Visiting Senior Research Fellowship Dr N.W. Maxakato-Dingilizwe has been selected as one of the recipients of the 2nd Edition of Science by Women Visiting Senior Research Fellowships. Dr Maxakato’s research focuses on synthesis and modification of selected electrode materials with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanodots and transition metal nanocatalysts and their potential use in fuel cells. As part of this fellowship, Dr Maxakato will be visiting the Institute for Fotonic Sciences in Spain for a period of 6 months.

Dr N.W Maxakato-Dingilizwe

A HEARTY CONGRATULATION TO THE FOUR STUDENTS WHO REPRESENTED THE DEPARTMENT ON DIFFERENT SYMPOSIUMS

Mr EFC Chaque -Overall young scientist winner for the Water

and Environment theme (Water-net 17th symposium)

Mr LC Mahlalela (Best Oral for his session)-UJ/PG Symposium

Mr CN Peter-(1st Poster prize)-UJ/PG Symposium

Mr. OJFakayode-(2nd prize-best oral) 6th Annual Gauteng

National Young researchers Symposium (NYRS) hosted by DST/MINTEK Nanotechnology

innovation centre


AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED: Professor J Catherine Ngila Reflects on Her Distinguished Women in Science AwardI recently had some discussion with her to get her reflections on the Award winning aftermath, now that the dust has settled. She gave me an account of her experience on the day (11 August 2016) she was announced the winner and all the activities (publicity) that followed immediately afterwards.When I asked her how she felt on that award winning day, she replied as follows, “the award winning was a very humbling experience. It was a great honour to have my academic and research achievements recognised. I feel that my hard work in academic and research for the last 20 years has paid the moment my name was called out as the winner”.My next question to Prof Ngila was, Why do you feel you were awarded this accolade? Her resonse did not come to me as a surprise. She answered, “The DST Awards creates a platform for recognition of women in science and provides a platform for mentorship. I am very happy with the way our Minister of Science & Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, works so hard to make this a reality”. There are a number of factors that the Award Nomination Panel looks at, she continued: “Research publications in international journals, dissemination of research findings in scientific fora, Postgraduate supervision, funding that one has managed to attract over the years, impact of one’s research in society, etc.”. So the Panel uses a Score Card to rate the Winner, she concludedI then asked Prof Ngila to share with me the activities that followed after the award winning, now that a month has elapsed. She then started by telling that she felt like a celebrity for two weeks doing radio or newspaper interview one after another. She then started by recounting what happened during each interview. “On Friday 12 August 2016, the morning after Awards, The New Age Newspaper organized a Breakfast briefing on Morning Live SABC 2 hosted by Ms Leanne Manas, to deliberate on the status and equality ofwomen in science and innovation. The panel comprised of Minister Naledi Pandor; The Group Executive Director

for Science Engagement at the National Research Foundation (Dr Beverly Damonse); and the two winners of Distinguished Women in Science under the Social Sciences & Humanities (Prof Vhonani Netshandama) and Physical Sciences & Engineering (myself, that is, Prof Ngila). That interview made me revisit my experience as a young girl growing up in the rural areas where I would do all sorts of house chores including walking 5 kilometres to go and fetch water early in the morning before walking another 3 kilometres to primary school.”After television interview, Prof Ngila recounted the other interviews with SABC DIGITAL NEWS- Telephone Interview on 18 August 2016 by Mr Lebo Tshangela: Website: http://goo.gl/hJe31V - Topic: “The successes and challenges facing women in your science”. This was followed was followed by SABC SAfm Radio Interview by Mr Ashraf Garda on 25 August 2016 at 15:00 – 15:45: Topic- “My journey to success in Science”. She recalled another Radio interview by Dr Amaleya Goneos- Malka the host and presenter of Womanity-Women in Unity SABC Channel Africa on Thursday 25th August 2016, broadcast at 10h05-10h45. http://www.channelafrica.co.za/sabc/home/channelafrica. In that interview she discussed the challenges that women face in trying to make it in the science field, starting from primary school all the way to being a professor in science. She then paused for a while and smiled. I then asked her what was she was thinking about. She then said how it was so exciting being interviewed by UJ student, Dominic Majola, in the UJFM 95.4 Radio on 22 August 2016. She said the students at the UJ radio made such fun about her award winning that really enjoyed chatting. The topic by UJ radio was “Celebrating Womens’ Month -Talking to Science Pioneer Prof Catherine Ngila” Prof Ngila also recounted the articles in the Newspapers; (i) Mail & Guardian on 12 August 2016: Reporting on DST Awards: Title of Article- “Distinguished Women Researchers: Physical and Engineering Sciences”; (ii) The New Age Newspaper article appearing on 12 August 2016. Title of the article- “Winner Distinguished Women Researchers: Physical and Engineering Sciences”; The Star Independent article by Ms Gabi Falanga on 18 August 2016, page 16. Title of the article: “Beating Poverty, beating the odds and beating the stereotypes”. Another newspaper interview was conducted by the African Independent Newspaper Interview by Ms Thembelihle Mkhonza- topic- “Huge Achievements for Female Science Stars” of 12 August 2016 page 9. Other News on the Award were reported on UJ front page News immediately after the award, “Title- Pioneering University of Johannesburg Researcher Honoured with 2016 South Africa Distinguished Woman in Science Award -DST Awards, on Thursday on 11 August


2016. Another article by UJ Research & Innovation News article on 19 August 2016, entitled, “2016 WISA Acknowledge UJ Research Excellence of Prof Catherine Ngila”.

Our own Faculty of Science was not left behind. The Marketing Office of the Faculty published an article on 23 August 2016- published a newsletter article entitled, “2016 WISA Acknowledge UJ Research Excellence of Prof Catherine Ngila”

I asked Prof Ngila to summarize her future goal. She replied by saying, “I always want to take a higher step in my career, and I hope sooner than later, I will take a step and break out of my comfort zone”. When I asked her to explain what she meant by that, she smiled and said“ It is important to push the boundaries of one’s comfort zone, and when you do, it is kind of a big deal. The question is, what is the comfort zone exactly? She went on by saying that “we tend to get comfortable with our familiar activities and routines, but when we are introduced to new and unfamiliar things, the glimmer fades so quickly. The question is, what benefit do we derive from breaking out of our comfort zone, and how do we do it? Answering these questions is a tall order, but it is not too hard to do. One needs to take the first step and get started in whatever direction they chose. The direction is informed by personal goals”.

Finally I asked Prof Ngila to state one major achievement (or legacy) that marks her over 20 year academic career. She answered by saying ”mentorship of upcoming scientists”

Prof Ngila’s research is in analytical/environmental chemistry. Her research activities include, monitoring of water quality and remediation of contaminated water, using nanomaterials to remove inorganic, organic and microbial pollutants. She has supervised over 60 postgraduate and honours students as well as mentoring postdoctoral fellows. She is current supervising and co-supervising over 20 masters and doctoral students. She has been awarded funding by NRF (large capital equipment & incentive funding for rated staff), various grants by Water Research commission (WRC), Eskom, Organization for prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Southern and Eastern Africa Network for Analytical Chemists (SEANAC), Third World Network of Scientific Organizations (TWNSO). Her postgraduate students have been awarded funding by CSIR, Sasol, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), L’ORÉAL-UNESCO for Women in Science Regional Fellowships for Sub-Saharan Africa, and recently by, African German Network of Excellence in Science.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT/ SOCIAL/EVENTSThe engagement of communities entails a broad range of interactive commitment amongst people who has the willingness to partake in ploughing back invaluable knowledge. The department of applied chemistry believes in nurturing young minds and ensuring that the information is delivered to a wide spectrum of scholars throughout the country. The department prides itself in the unending devotion in showcasing their extensive involvement to the nearby communities. The intension of such an initiative, is to ignite student’s mind that will glow to give them direction to a career path that will be associated with any science field. Programmes such as National science week and the ESKOM EXPO are initiated by the government in trying to empower students in pursuing science subjects that will enhance creative minds to better the economic status of our country.

National Science weekThe University of Johannesburg (UJ) was hosting the science week which was held in Soweto Campus (Science centre) from the 8-13 of August 2016.


Most of the departments in the Faculty of Science showed their commitment in setting up and displaying experiments that are specific to a particular department. With regards to the research that is conducted within our discipline, experiments from applied chemistry were performed to showcase fun chemistry. A sterling job was done by staff members including Dr Philiswa Nomngongo, Dr Duduzile Nkosi, Mr Patrick Monama and Mr Mogolodi Dimpe. The invited students showed a lot of interest in different science fields and seeked advise on which career to follow for any science related course. The staff members performed different experiments with students and they were able to visualize the chemistry in action and make sense of the role that science plays in our everyday life

Eskom EXPO: Enlightened and empowered young minds Our number one biggest producer of energy (electricity) in the southern hemisphere is at it again, changing lives. Opportunities were presented to young scientists and the platform was given to every student to expose their scientific contribution through an innovative practical research projects. The EXPO commenced from the 27 August 2016 and hosted by the University of Johannesburg (Soweto campus). The primary need of

ESKOM is to ensure that the mind of a young scientist is stimulated by grooming them to pursue further research well into their university studies. The EXPO was welcoming students from different walks of life and the scientific investigation was categorized into recycling materials and agricultural sciences to sustainability. The staff member from the department took part in judging some of the projects.

From left to right: Dr Nonhlangabezo Mabuba, Mr Phumlani Msomi Dr Soraya Malinga Prof. Cathrine Ngila and Mr Patrick Monama


Annual staff day There is never a dull moment when having fun with warm-hearted colleagues. On the 26 August 2016, everything came to a standstill due to the staff day which is dedicated to every staff member working within the faculty of science. About 1400 employees got pleasure from socializing with colleagues at the Bunting Sports grounds. This event entailed fun

activities such as sport games, car wash and exhibitions and later on food was made available because without food the event will not be memorable.Working relationships among staff members was motivated and inspired by top management to ensure greatness that is unleashed in each and every employee to renew their thinking.

Postgraduate partyOn the 26th of August all postgraduate students had an opportunity to take a well deserved breather, giving thanks to the supervisors that contributed towards the success of the event. Everyone was all smiles for taking a break from research and eating together got student mingling with each other in the absence of supervisors. The gathering was the first of its kind and postgraduate students were refreshed and energized to

experience such a joyful moment. Partying with fellow brothers and sisters within the department made the event to last longer than expected. Indeed, the event was tremendous and glorious and the sunshine added an extra sparkle to it all. The event was more or less like a get together and the venue of the braai was an open plan area in front of Abellies residence.

One of the students (Luthando Tshwenya) organized the sound system get everyone to break-a-leg and a few were busy exercisingtheir minds by playing chess.

All thanks goes to the organizers that made the event to be a success such as Lwazi Ndlwana, Odwa Mapazi and Unathi, without them none of this would have been possible.


SCHOLARLY RESEARCH: PUBLICATIONS AND BOOKSProf Arotiba OmotayoPublications: 14Mohan S, Okumu F, Oluwafemi O.S, Matoetoe M. Arotiba O.A. Electrochemical Behaviour of Silver Nanoparticle-MWCNTs Hybrid Nanostructures Synthesized via a Simple Method. International Journal of Electrochemical Sciences 11 (2016) 745-753

Dr Dlamini NsikayezwePublications: 3Mahlalela L.C, Dlamini L.N. Enhanced catalytic activity of Titania in the presence of KNO3 on the photodegradation of organic dyes. Materials Surfaces & Interfaces 1 (2016)

Dr Penny GovenderPublications: 9Book chapter: 1Anku W.W, Oppong S.O, Shukla S.K, Agorku, Govender P.P. Palladium doped-ZrO2-multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite: An advanced photocatalyst for water treatment. Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing, 2016

Mr MK DimpePublications: 3Dimpe, K. M., Nomngongo, P. N. (2016). Current sample preparation methodologies for analysis of emerging pollutants in different environmental matrices. TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 82, 199–207

Dr Mabuba NonhlangabezoPublications: 4Magoda C, Nomngongo P.N, Mabuba N. Magnetic iron–cobalt/silica nanocomposite as adsorbent in micro solid-phase extraction for pre-concentration of arsenic in environmental samples, Microchemical Journal, 2016 128: 242-24

Dr Malinga SorayaPublications: 3Sambaza S.S, Masheane M.L, Malinga S.P, Nxumalo E.N, Mhlanga S.D. Polyethyleneimine-carbon nanotube polymeric nanocomposite adsorbents for the removal of Cr6+ from water. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of the Earth Part A/B/C. In press, available online 17th August 2016,

Prof Mbianda XavierPublications: 3Book chapter: 1Mamba G, Mbianda X.Y, Mishra A.K. Gadolinium oxide decorated multiwalled carbon nanotube/tridoped titania nanocomposites for improved dye degradation

under simulated solar light irradiation. Materials Research Bulletin 75, 59-7

Dr Messai MamoHattenhauera I, Dias Radomskia F.A, Duartea C.A, Mamo M.A. Epoxy resin in organic WORM memories: From capsuling to the active layer. Organic Electronics 34 (2016) 57–66

Dr Ndinteh DerekPublications: 4Noundou S.X, Krause R.W.M, vanVuuren S.F, Ndinteh D.T, Olivier D.K. Antibacterial effects of Alchorneacordifolia (Schumach and Thonn.) Mull. Argextractsand compounds ongastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and urinarytractpathogens” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 179 (2016) 76–82

Prof JC NgilaPublications: 25Book chapter: 1Bosire G.O, Ngila J.C. Assessment of photo-oxidative alterations to natural organic matter in water using fluorescence excitation emission matrices and liquid chromatography-organic carbon detection techniques. Analytical Methods 8 (2016) 1415-1424

Dr Nomngongo PhiliswaPublications: 11Nyaba L, Matong J. M., Nomngongo P. N. Nanoparticles consisting of magnetite and Al2O3 for ligandless ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid phase microextraction of Sb, Mo and V prior to their determination by ICP-OES. Microchimica Acta, 183(4) (2016) 1289-1297

Prof Patrick NdunguPublications: 3Njoku C.B, Ndungu P.G. Evaluation of Novel Nanophase Ce0.8Sr0.2Fe0.9Ir0.1O3-δ as Cathode Material for Low Temperature SOFC. Journal of Nano Research 44 (2016) 39-50.

Prof Oluwafemi OluwatobiPublications: 19Book chapter: 3Books: 2Sneha Mohan and Oluwatobi S Oluwafemi (2016): Simple synthesis of orange fluorescent CdSe -polycaprolactone nanofiber via a completely non-phosphine based route. Material letters, 174, 157–161


Dr Pillay KriveshiniPublications: 5Parashar, K., Ballav N., Debnath S., Pillay K. and Maity A. Rapid and efficient removal of fluoride ions from aqueous solution using a polypyrrole coated hydrous tin oxide nanocomposite” Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 476, 2016 pp.103-118.

Dr James RamontjaPublications: 6Pandey.S, Ramontja. J. Sodium alignite stabalized silver nanoparticles - silica nanohybrid and their antibacterial characteristics, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 93, (2016) 712-723

Dr Dudu NkosiPublications: 3Eguzozie K, Mavumengwana V, Nkosi D, Kayitesi E, Nnabuo-Eguzozie E.C. Bioaccumulation and Quantitative Variations of Microcystins in the Swartspruit River, South Africa. Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology 71 (2016) 286–296.

2016 ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY STUDENT TOP ACHIEVERS

Congratulations To Our Top AchieversEach year, the Faculty of Science celebrates the achievements of undergraduate students. This year, thirty

outstanding analytical chemistry diploma students were recognized during the ceremony on 14 October 2016.First year students

Front row from left to right: Mr S.J. Nkoane, Ms K.B. Letsoisa, Ms N.I. Moleko, Ms M.S. Monkwe, Ms B.D Mametse, Ms G.A. Makhubela, Mr A. Damba, Ms N. Nemakanga, Ms M. Solomon, Ms N. Gqwashu, Ms N.I. Maluleke; Back row from left the right: Mr T.C. Chipu, Mr M.C. Ntuli, Ms Mamabolo, Mr. J.A. Phenga, Ms X.S. Maluleke, Ms G.M.N Kwelemtini, Ms K.B Molebatsi, Ms K.L. Mathabe, Mr B Manamela, Mr A.T. Magabani, Mr T. Mabasa and Mr

N.C. Mtimkulu

Second year

From Right to left: Mr M.H. Raphala, Ms K.B. Seloma, Ms Z.P. Masuku, Mr M.H. Ledwaba, Mr D.Ledwaba and Ms L. Hamnca


Third year

Mr Mawede (Right)

Top achiever in a Diploma Programme

Mr M.H Raphala (Middle)

Overall top achievers

Mr M.H Raphala (Left)

Undergraduates Dubazana Buyile Khuzwayo Siphiwe Leitlhonyane Oratile Jacqueline Mpemvu Philile Rachel Myeza Lindani Ndaba Nokuthula Netshivhuyu Mufulufhedzi Patji Tumiso Melvin Qhola Nyamezela Setshedi Mahlatse Makgorane Simelane Bongani Lancelot

PostgraduatesMaster of Technology in ChemistryNyaba Luthando (with distinction)

Master of Science in Chemistry/ NanoscienceKandanyo Sania (with distinction)Kgatle, Masaku Lovedonia Matong, Joseph Mojalefa Mofilikoane. Lerato Beatrice (with distinction)

Doctor of Philosophy in ChemistryKibechu, Rose Waithiegeni (PhD Chemistry)Mketo, Nomvano (PhD Chemistry)Mkhize, Dennis Sanele (PhD Chemistry)Nyembe, Dumisile Winile (PhD Chemistry)

SEPTEMBER GRADUATES

NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED ......4 NEWSLETTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED CHEMISTRY...

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