Exploring the power of digital technologies to revolutionise society and industries, Sydney Khanyile, a brilliant chemical engineering student from the Durban University of Technology (DUT), recently took centre stage at the prestigious Digital Tech Summit in Denmark, showcasing his innovative ideas on a global platform.
The young DUT student recently had the privilege of traveling to Denmark all thanks to the ILambu Global organisation for making this possible, an experience that has inspired many, including his friends and family. “This opportunity arose from a competition advertised through the DUT pinboard email, which I initially missed. Fortunately, my supervisor, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, encouraged me to apply, recognising my research potential. This journey marked my first time traveling outside Africa, and it was truly eye-opening. I’m grateful for the experience, which has broadened my perspectives and enhanced my skills as someone that has always wanted to start their own business,” he shared happily.
He excitedly shared his experiences and lessons learned from this adventure which resulted in him and Team South Africa (SA) winning an award at this Digital Tech Summit.
Khanyile indicated that the months of tireless effort had paid off as he and Team SA conquered the semi-finals and finals, finally winning. “Our solution pitch was more than just a win-it was a testament to our teamwork, passion, and dedication. Screams of joy, tears of happiness, and uncontainable grins said it all-we did it! We proved that together, anything is possible. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! Next year we are going to pitch our solution at the PG4 Summit in Vietnam,” he said elatedly.
Khanyile is a young chemical engineer whose journey evolved from the vibrant streets of Alexandra, Johannesburg, to becoming a rising star in the field of chemical engineering, and is nothing short of inspiring.
Khanyile’s passion for science and engineering was ignited early on. He is currently pursuing a BEng Tech Honours degree in Chemical Engineering at DUT.
His dedication to his field earned him the prestigious SAIChE Silver Medal in 2023, an honour bestowed upon the top chemical engineering student at DUT.
In addition to his academic success, Khanyile is a proud member of several esteemed academic and professional networks like the Young Academics under ILambu Global and Green Matter fellows, a programme that recognises and nurtures emerging talent in academia.
Khanyile professed on the awards saying that as the South African team they had won two awards, the NATIONAL WINNER award and the ACCELERATION AWARD.
“These were won by teams that presented their challenge solution at the Digital Tech Summit and won. A total of 10 countries, 26 student teams and 83 visiting students. Next year we are going to pitch our solution at the PG4 Summit in Vietnam Thank you ILambu Glogal,” he relayed.
In terms of their presentation, Khanyile divulged that they could never had imagined presenting a game-changing solution to a global challenge, competing against the best from 10 countries, and emerging victorious.
“That’s exactly what happened at the Digital Tech Summit in Denmark. At the Digital Tech Summit, 12 student teams that made through to the finals tackled 6 challenges. Team SA took on Challenge 5: data-driven water security and safety. Our mission was to reduce urban water leakages in India. Our challenge partners were NITI Aayog, Atal Innovation Mission, Innovation Centre Denmark, Ministry of Environment of Denmark. Competing against India’s top team, with only three minutes to pitch, our inclusive solution won over the challenge partners. What made us stand out was our uniqueness and inclusivity,” he said.
For Khanyile and Team SA, this victory showcased the South African students’ ability to drive global change through innovation and creativity.
Moving forward, Khanyile’s goals is to leverage the skills and knowledge gained from the Digital Tech Summit to excel academically and make a meaningful impact.
“My immediate goals include applying data-driven solutions to real-world challenges, with a focus on water security. I also aim to develop my leadership skills by mentoring fellow students and collaborating on projects that drive positive change,” he shared.
In the long term, Khanyile’s ambition is to start his own business, harnessing innovative technologies to tackle pressing environmental issues.” I envision creating sustainable solutions that bridge the gap between technology and social impact. The Denmark experience has instilled in me the confidence and determination to turn this vision into reality. Ultimately, I’m committed to making a lasting difference through innovative entrepreneurship, global engagement, and collaborative leadership. The lessons learned and networks established during my time in Denmark have laid a solid foundation for achieving these goals, and I’m excited to embark on this transformative journey,” he confessed.
Khanyile also extended his heartfelt gratitude to ILambu Global for providing the opportunity to participate in the Digital Tech Summit in Denmark. “I also appreciate the unwavering support of the Dean Prof Sudesh Rathilal, who ensured I was well-prepared with everything I needed for the journey. My deepest gratitude goes to my supervisor, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh, for his guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout the entire experience. His expertise and feedback, alongside the panel members, played a pivotal role in our team’s victory. Lastly, I thank my loving family and friends for their unrelenting support and motivation. This achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts and support of these individuals and organizations. I am forever grateful,” he said.
Supervisor, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh congratulated Khanyile for his unwavering commitment to excellence academic, research and innovation, and uttered well done to the team!
“This recognition reflects not only about his academic achievements but also his drive as knowledgeable practitioner championing the DUT ENVISION 2030 by creating sustainable innovation with global impact. Admittedly as a supervisor, Khanyile’s leadership and passion for sustainability and innovation fuels his passion to inspire future generations of chemical engineers. This is evident with his undoubtedly contributions as a member of the Green Engineering Research Group, working on our ongoing Water Research Commission (WRC) project, aimed to develop a smart water system to valorise wastewater to bioenergy,” he added
Dr Tetteh indicated further that through this ongoing WRC project, Khanyile is recognised as a EWSETA Green Matter Fellow. This fellowship acknowledges future leaders in South Africa, committed to advancing sustainable solutions to address the most pressing environmental challenges. With his commitment and passion for academic, innovation and research excellence, I look forward to a successful future,” he said.
Pictured: Supervisor, Dr Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh with Sydney Khanyile.
Waheeda Peters
