Groundbreaking research on water and sustainability by three Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Master’s students has earned them a place at the Next Generation Digital Action Summit in Denmark. At this international gathering, young leaders from around the globe will collaborate on digital-first solutions to sustainability challenges, including water security.
This milestone follows the recent launch of the Arid Region Water Research Centre (ARWRC) at SPU, in partnership with the Water Research Commission, and reflects the University’s growing leadership in research and innovation for impact.
The three students are Simphiwe Andiswa Ndimande (MSc Biological Sciences), Thato Elvis Ramotsabi (MSc e-Science), and Nompumelelo Ndlovu (MSc e-Science). They will showcase their cutting-edge projects addressing water conservation, climate resilience and inclusive technology design.
- Simphiwe said his project is deeply personal because of the water struggles she has witnessed in communities. He developed a prototype app to help municipalities and households conserve water by reporting leaks more effectively. “This is about making everyday tools for ordinary people, so that water does not go to waste when communities need it most.”
- Thato, co-founder of AquaXpert, a start-up company working to address the water crises faced by student accommodation providers through the development of a water pipe leak detection and management tool, said his work proves that young African researchers can create solutions with global relevance. “Our team is showing that data and technology can solve rural water challenges, not just in South Africa, but anywhere in the world.”
- Nompumelelo, who will co-present on water security, explained that collaboration is at the heart of her project. “We are learning to blend statistics, technology and community knowledge. That mix is powerful, it makes research real and relatable.”
Dr Michael O. Olusanya, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology, and supervisor to Thato and Nompumelelo, reflected on their achievement: “Supervising Nompumelelo and Thato has been a rewarding experience. Both students have demonstrated a strong commitment to applying their research towards addressing real community challenges. Their selection to participate in the Denmark Summit stands as a testament to the quality of their ideas, the guidance provided throughout their academic journey, and the capacity of our postgraduate programmes to generate meaningful impact on a global stage.”
Prof Mohamed Ahmed, Director of the ARWRC and supervisor to Simphiwe, described the achievement as a milestone for SPU: “This opportunity provides invaluable international experience in collaborative problem-solving, positioning our students and SPU at the forefront of innovation. It validates their hard work and demonstrates the calibre of our postgraduate programmes.”
The recruitment and participation of the 2025 cohort at the Next Generation Digital Action Summit in Denmark was facilitated by ILambu Global Sustainable Initiatives and Development (ILambu Global), a registered non-profit organisation. Through this process, ILambu Global selected nine young academics including six supported by the Water Research Commission and four young entrepreneurs, representing more than six universities across South Africa.
The students emphasised that being selected is not only an opportunity to learn, but also to carry the name of SPU to the global stage. Their voices echo the University’s mission to produce graduates who are innovative, resilient and committed to solving society’s most pressing challenges.
This achievement reflects the calibre of postgraduate students at our university and affirms SPU as a place where innovation, sustainability and community impact come together, shaping the next generation of researchers to tackle the pressing challenges of our time.
