Prof Thabang Mokhothu
Prof Thabang Mokhothu is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. A polymer scientist, his research focuses on the development of multifunctional filtration membranes from functional polymers and bio-based composites derived from renewable resources like cellulose, supported with nanoparticles for heavy metal ion, dyes, and pharmaceutical adsorption to combat environmental pollution from wastewater discharged into water bodies. These materials are designed to possess intriguing properties, including high specificity, multifunctional design capabilities, and tunable chemical properties. His research hold applications in the packaging, automotive, and dental fields. Prof Mokhothu holds a PhD in Polymer Science from the University of the Free State, starting his career as a laboratory demonstrator in 2007 in the Department of Chemistry at UFS. Before joining UMP, he held positions of Senior Lecturer, incl. as Programme Coordinator, at the Department of Chemistry, Durban University of Technology during 2018 to 2025. He also held positions of Postdoctoral and Senior Researcher at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) during 2014 to 2018. Prof Mokhothu is a member of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) and former Vice-Chairperson of the SACI-UKZN regional committee.