Prof. Tebogo Mashifana

Tebogo Mashifana is the Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, an Associate Professor, and a Researcher at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). She holds a Doctoral degree in Engineering, a Master of Business Administration degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, and a certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Industry. She is a Professional Engineering Technologist registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. She is passionate about Teaching and Learning and the dynamics and factors that influence the Higher Education sector either positively and/or negatively. Prof Mashifana’s research focuses on circular economy approach seeking for solutions to beneficiate solid wastes, wastewater treatment, and resource recovery from waste.

She is working towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (3: Good health and well-being, 6: Clean water and sanitation, 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production, and 13: Climate action). Prof Mashifana has received several awards, including the UJ Vice-Chancellor’s distinguished award for Promising Young Teacher of the Year, the Dean’s Award for the top achieving staff member in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, and the National Research Foundation (NRF) award for Research Excellence Award for Early Career / Emerging Researchers, November. She was also featured by Mail&Guardian as one of 200 Young South Africans, Top 100 Young Independents in SADC, 50 inspiring South African, Top 10 Southern African Women in Leadership Trailblazers, and a finalist for TransUnion Rising Star.

She believes in lifting others as she rises and contributing positively and meaningfully to humanity. She is a founding member of Dr Tebogo Mashifana & Partners Foundation, a Non-Profit organization focusing on community upliftment projects and youth empowerment. She advocates for education and devotes her time to mentoring and encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in STEM and empowering them through skill transfer and human capacity development.