Prof. Makwena Justice Moloto | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award
Durban University of Technology | South Africa
Prof. Makwena Justice Moloto is a distinguished South African academic and researcher specializing in nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry, and sustainable water solutions. With a career spanning teaching, research, and leadership roles, he has contributed significantly to advancing scientific knowledge and training future generations of chemists. His professional journey has taken him across leading institutions, where he has held positions from lecturer to full professor, engaging in curriculum development, departmental leadership, and international collaborations. Prof. Moloto has led and participated in various research groups focusing on nanotechnology, catalysis, adsorption, and phytochemistry, producing impactful research outcomes. His work extends beyond national borders through collaborations with universities in Kenya, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has also served on multiple institutional and national committees, shaping research directions and policies. A prolific researcher and mentor, he continues to drive innovations in nanostructured materials and their applications in health, environment, and sustainability.
Profile
ORCID
Education
Prof. Moloto began his academic journey at the University of Limpopo, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Zoology, followed by a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry. His passion for research led him to the University of the Western Cape, where he pursued a Master of Science in Chemistry, focusing on organometallic chemistry. He then advanced his studies at the University of Zululand, where he earned his PhD in Inorganic and Nanomaterials Chemistry, a milestone that laid the foundation for his expertise in nanotechnology. His doctoral research was enriched by international research visits to the University of Manchester, where he collaborated under the Royal Society and NRF program, and Jackson State University, where he trained in molecular modelling. Additionally, he complemented his academic achievements with a certificate in Leading and Managing People from Wits Business School, equipping him with leadership skills vital for academic and research management.
Experience
Prof. Moloto’s academic career reflects progressive growth in teaching, research, and leadership across renowned South African universities. He began as a lecturer at the University of Zululand, later serving as Senior Lecturer at institutions such as the University of Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg, where he taught inorganic, physical, and materials chemistry. His career advanced at the Vaal University of Technology, where he rose to Associate Professor, led departmental research activities, and twice acted as Head of the Chemistry Department. He later served as a Full Professor at the University of South Africa and University of Limpopo, contributing to curriculum development and postgraduate mentorship. Currently, he is a Full Professor at Durban University of Technology, Department of Chemistry, where he supervises postgraduate students, coordinates research, and teaches various chemistry modules. His experience also includes organizing international conferences, serving on research committees, and acting as a reviewer and moderator for multiple institutions.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Moloto’s career is distinguished by numerous awards, honors, and recognitions that highlight his impact on science and education. He has been a recipient of multiple research grants from the National Research Foundation, including Thuthuka and CSUR grants, which supported his pioneering work in nanotechnology and postgraduate supervision. His international collaborations have been facilitated through prestigious programs such as the Royal Society and NRF fellowship, enabling research at the University of Manchester and Jackson State University. He has hosted and mentored several postdoctoral fellows, supported through national and international funding. His leadership in organizing conferences such as NanoAfrica and SACI reflects his role in advancing the global scientific community. Additionally, he has been appointed Chairperson of NRF panels, shaping research funding directions in natural sciences. His contributions to committees, innovation platforms, and academic leadership showcase his commitment to fostering scientific advancement, mentorship, and sustainable innovation in nanotechnology.
Research Focus
Prof. Moloto’s research centers on nanotechnology, inorganic chemistry, and sustainable applications of nanostructured materials. His work involves the synthesis and characterization of semiconductor nanoparticles and their incorporation into polymer fibers and composite materials. These innovations are applied in diverse areas, including antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, photocatalysis, water treatment, and the development of advanced wound dressings. His research also explores polymer fiber composites for wastewater treatment and pest repellency, highlighting the societal relevance of his work. Under his leadership, multidisciplinary research groups have investigated catalysis, adsorption, and phytochemistry, fostering innovation through collaborative projects across Africa and beyond. He has established research partnerships with universities in Kenya, contributing to knowledge exchange, student mobility, and postdoctoral mentorship. By bridging fundamental chemistry with applied science, Prof. Moloto’s research advances both theoretical understanding and real-world solutions, contributing to health, environmental sustainability, and industrial innovation in nanotechnology and materials science.
Publications
Title: Visible Light Enhanced Degradation of Sulfamethoxazole by Beta Zeolite/TiO2 Photocatalyst
Year: 2025
Title: Effect of Cellulose Acetate on the Physicochemical Properties of PVP Blended Nanofibers
Year: 2025
Title: Pelargonium alchemilloides (L). L’herit Extract–loaded Electrospun Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Cellulose Acetate Blended Nanofibers and their Antimicrobial Activity
Year: 2025
Title: Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Co-precipitation Synthesized Fe3O4/ZnO Nanocomposites for Rhodamine B Degradation
Year: 2025
Title: Optimizing influential phase separation parameters on polyethersulfone/Fe3O4/ZnO membranes for environmental wastewater
Year: 202
Conclusion
Prof. Makwena Justice Moloto is a visionary scholar whose dedication to nanotechnology, chemistry, and sustainable innovation has made him a leader in scientific research, academic leadership, and international collaboration, leaving a lasting impact on education, industry, and society.