The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has conferred its first Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree since its inception 12 years ago to Dr Khumbelo Mabadahanye (30).

The determined scholar, originally from Tshikweta in Venda, received her PhD in environmental science at the official 2025 graduation ceremony at the UMP’s Mbombela Campus on May 8.

Her research topic, ‘Assessing plastic pollution, management practices, and public perceptions in wastewater and water treatment plants: A case study of removal efficiencies and environmental impacts in Vhembe district, South Africa’, was quite expository-appropriate.

“It took me two years and six months to complete my PhD. The University of Mpumalanga supervisors are renowned experts in aquatic research. Their expertise and research interests aligned perfectly with my passion for studying water, wastewater treatment and addressing plastic pollution. Such deep knowledge and commitment to environmental science made UMP the ideal place to pursue my doctoral studies,” Mabadahanye said.

An interesting finding from her research was that both community members and workers in water and wastewater treatment plants are aware of plastic pollution, but many feel under-resourced and undertrained to properly manage or prevent it.

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“The study also revealed that plastic waste continues to enter water systems due to weak infrastructure, lack of public awareness and insufficient waste management practices. These insights highlight the need for solutions such as education, policy development and investment in infrastructure to protect our water sources for future generations.”

She is an environmental and biological scientist and a registered Candidate Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
She said she has always been fascinated by nature and the impact humans have on the environment.

“From a young age, I was involved in school environmental clubs, like the eco-system project in primary school, which focused on protecting rivers and addressing plastic pollution. That early exposure sparked my love for science and my desire to find real solutions to environmental problems. Choosing to study microbiology and botany at the University of Venda was a natural path for me. It gave me the foundation to understand both the microscopic and ecological processes that shape the environment we live in.”

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Mabadahanye earned a BSc in microbiology and botany at the University of Venda. She progressed to an Honours degree in Botany at the University of Limpopo and then a Master’s degree in Biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg.

Her long-term goal is to become a leading researcher in environmental science and help shape sustainable solutions for South Africa and beyond. She hopes to collaborate and contribute to policies that bridge science and community engagement.