Dr Nana Millicent Duduzile Buthelezi, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology and Environmental Health Sciences at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), exemplifies the university’s spirit of academic excellence and resilience. Recently, she achieved a remarkable milestone by earning her second PhD, this time in Botany, following her first PhD in Horticultural Science. Buthelezi’s dedication to environmental sustainability and plant science underscores her commitment to addressing global challenges through research and education. Her achievements reflect SMU’s mission to advance knowledge and solutions for a sustainable world.
Dr Nana Millicent Duduzile Buthelezi
Growing up in Hluhluwe and later Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, her path was shaped by her family, faith, and the mentorship of a high school teacher, Rejoice Muhle Manyathi, who inspired her love for education. As the youngest of seven siblings and having lost her parents early in life, she relied on her siblings’ support, finding strength in her faith to pursue her goals. “I have always found comfort and strength in my faith in the Lord,” Buthelezi reflects, crediting her upbringing with instilling the resilience that would define her academic journey.
Her academic excellence has been consistent, including achieving a master’s degree cum laude and completing two PhDs within the minimum required time. She attributes her accomplishments to her competitive spirit and unwavering dedication. As a researcher, she is driven by a commitment to continual growth, with a vision to become a professor in the next five years—a testament to her ambition and SMU’s supportive environment for career advancement.
In her role at SMU, Buthelezi teaches and coordinates Environmental Management and Toxicology III, engaging students in vital subjects like Fundamentals of Environmental Health Science and Foodborne and Human Parasitic Diseases. Beyond lecturing, she supervises postgraduate students and serves on various committees, fostering a positive academic culture that inspires her students to excel. Her approach to teaching and research reflects SMU’s values, encouraging students to pursue excellence, resilience, and passion in their own journeys.
Buthelezi’s research focuses on sustainable environmental practices, particularly in plant and water management. Her background in Horticultural Science has equipped her with expertise in Green Technology, such as Biotechnology and Green Post-harvest Technology, which she applies to sustainable plant cultivation. Her knowledge of Botany has further expanded her work into Green Nanotechnology, where she develops eco-friendly methods for wastewater treatment. “My aim is to ensure that environmental sustainability is achieved without creating new problems,” she explains, highlighting her commitment to impactful, responsible research.
One of her current projects investigates green-synthesised nanoparticles for purifying wastewater, a solution with potential applications in industrial water supply, river flow maintenance, and agricultural irrigation. Her research also explores the biostimulant-enriched synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to enhance medicinal plant bioactive compounds, promising innovations that align with global efforts to combat climate change and environmental degradation. Through these initiatives, Buthelezi positions SMU as a leader in sustainable environmental solutions.
While her research accomplishments are numerous, she recognises the challenges of mastering advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the lab and field. She continues to enhance her proficiency in AI applications, such as machine vision and robotic process automation, to push her research to new heights and further support SMU’s scientific impact.
Looking to the future, she is determined to deepen her research on environmental sustainability, integrating sustainable practices with medicinal plant research. She aims to establish a recognised research niche, attain a National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, and fulfil her goal of becoming a professor within five years. She believes interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to addressing modern scientific challenges, aligning with SMU’s vision for impactful, globally connected research.
Buthelezi has collaborated with local and international universities throughout her career, including the University of Limpopo, the University of Zululand, and Texas A&M University. These partnerships have enriched her research and contributed to numerous publications in both Horticultural Science and Botany, enhancing SMU’s reputation in environmental and plant sciences.
Her approach to scientific research is marked by adaptability, critical thinking, and a keen understanding of emerging technologies such as Green Nanotechnology. As an educational and research leader, she remains at the forefront of her field, using her expertise to inspire her students and contribute to a sustainable future. Her journey stands as a testament to the power of persistence, faith, and lifelong learning, embodying the core values of SMU and its dedication to fostering transformative, impactful research.
Through her teaching, research, and enduring commitment to sustainable practices, Buthelezi continues to pave the way for the next generation of scientists, ensuring her legacy of academic excellence and environmental stewardship will inspire for years to come.
