PhD graduate is an inspiration

Every graduation represents an individual’s achievement and a remarkable journey of passion, persistence and personal growth.
UKZN PhD graduate Dr Frazer Smith from Umtentweni is no exception.

His thesis titled, ‘Building the African City of the Future using more Ecologically Sustainable Materials, with a Focus on the use of Recycled Tyre Fibre to Toughen Concrete’, may sound complex, but it is the product of a lifelong fascination with materials and a commitment to sustainable innovation.

Smith followed a non-linear path to academia. After completing his National Diploma in Engineering Technology in the United Kingdom, he was sponsored by an engineering plastic injection moulding company and pursued a higher degree in Plastics Technology. In 1980, at just 21 years old, he ventured to South Africa. This tenacious move marked the beginning of another chapter filled with adventure and change.

Throughout his career Smith sought new challenges, switching roles every six years: from plastics technology to automotive production and even heading the automotive anti-corrosion design team for a renowned vehicle manufacturer in the UK. His career path took a significant turn when he entered the sub-sea oil and gas field as a Materials Engineer and later as a Senior Coating Engineer. It was during this period that he pursued his MSc in Advanced Materials at Cranfield University, known for its expertise in aerospace, automotive and sub-sea engineering.

In 2016, Smith returned to South Africa with his wife, Dr Cilel Smith. With the aim of staying engaged and continuing to contribute to the academic world, he contacted UKZN to explore part-time teaching or student supervision opportunities. Professor Christina Trois, South African Research Chair in Waste and Climate Change, invited him to join her team as a PhD candidate. This new challenge aligned with Smith’s passion for environmental stewardship and materials science and so the doctorate marathon began.

When reflecting on his research journey, Smith acknowledges the central role played by Trois who was the catalyst for the topic of his thesis. She challenged his ingenuity and asked him to make a house out of recycled plastic; that peculiar adventure eventually led him to focus on modifying concrete using recycled tyre fibre as a performance enhancer. Now, the result of his thesis provides valuable test data and opens doors for future engineering graduates to build on his research, ultimately contributing to the quest for affordable housing in South Africa.

Smith also paid tribute to co-supervisor Dr Vittorio Tramontin who, in collaboration with Professor Trois, guided him through the transition from the corporate world to academia and helped him navigate the unfamiliar terrain of academic writing.

Finding ways to unwind and replenish one’s energy is an important part of any academic’s journey. With this in mind, Smith started a pottery studio at his home during his PhD studies. This was a way for him to share his love for ceramics with others while continuing to explore materials and develop new skills.
Smith’s journey from plastics to concrete, from industry to academia, and from the UK to South Africa is a testament to the power of curiosity and the pursuit of meaningful change. His research offers a glimpse into a greener, more sustainable future for the African city of tomorrow. As Smith celebrates his PhD graduation, he leaves behind a legacy of innovation, resilience and a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place. His story reminds one that no matter how winding the path may be, the journey is always worth it when fuelled by passion and the desire to leave a positive impact on the world.

* The article was written by Cikizwa Yolisa Gwambe working under Sally Frost who is the PRO at UKZN.

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