Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology Staff Members

Senior Lecturer – Physical Chemistry

Qualification(s): BSc, BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD (Wits)

Tel: +27(12) 521 3971

E-mail: malope.debeila@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• My research interest is in the structure and reactivity on solid surfaces and/or supported metal catalysts with particular reference to heterogeneous catalysis.  My principal aims are: (i) To gain a detailed understanding at a molecular level of the relationship between surface structure and molecular reactivity, (ii) To elucidate reaction mechanisms, and thus to develop new approaches to control the rates and selectivity of catalytic reactions, (iii) To invent new catalysts so as to explore new chemistry. Reactions are studied both for their intrinsic interests and potential technological importance.

Senior Lecturer – Analytical Chemistry

Qualification(s): BSc, BSc (Hons) MSc (UFH), PhD ( UP)

Tel: +27(12) 521 5622

E-mail: dan.molefe@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• My research interests currently lie generally in the field of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, mostly involving risk assessment and management of Heavy Metals. It is well known world -wide that exposure to these metals can cause gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, renal, hemopoietic, and neurological disorders and the tolerable levels of different heavy metal ions, set by World Health Organization (WHO)  range from parts per trillion (ppt) to parts per million (ppm). I am also involved in Heat stabilizing Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) using different additives.

Lecturer – Physical Chemistry

Qualification(s): BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc, (Rhodes University), PhD (Nelson Mandela University)

Tel: +27(12) 521 4367

E-mail: nomasonto.rapulenyane@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• My research focuses on designing and applying photoactive nanomaterials for environmental and biomedical solutions. More specifically, I focus on developing phthalocyanine-nanoparticle composites for photodynamic therapy (PDT) with dual applications in cancer imaging and treatment. Additionally, I investigate the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants using nanostructured materials to contribute to innovative wastewater treatment strategies. I also explore the photodynamic antibacterial potential of metallo-phthalocyanines as multifunctional agents for water remediation. Lastly, I am also interested in the green synthesis of nanoparticles from plant extracts to harness their antioxidant and antibacterial properties for eco-friendly nanomedicine and environmental purification. Through these interdisciplinary approaches, my research aims to advance sustainable technologies at the intersection of chemistry, nanotechnology, and public health.

Lecturer – InOrganic Chemistry

Qualification(s): BSc, BSc(Hons), MSc, (FortHare)

Tel: +27(12) 521 4368

E-mail: joseph.mofokeng@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• Preparation of Nitrito complexes for the purpose of nitration of aromatic compounds have not been drastically used in the past. With the development of new materials, new methods are necessary to achieve the nitration processes with less use of the nitrating agent. Preparation of anhydrous metal nitrito complexes are followed and used to achieve the nitration process. 

  Preparation of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) is achieved using Gold supported on carbon. The recent discovery of carbon nanotubes encouraged the use of this new allotrope of carbon as both a catalyst and catalyst support for the hydrochlorination reactions of acetylene in the preparation of VCM..

Lecturer, (PhD student)

Qualification(s): BSc (Wits), BSc Hons. (University of Limpopo), Masters (University of Limpopo)

Tel: +27(12) 521 4220

E-mail: Nkosinathi.makhubela@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• Synthesis and Analysis of Quinolines and Quinolones, Environmental Analytical Chemistry (Phytochemical analysis)

Lecturer – Chemistry

Qualification(s): BSc (UP), BSc (HONS) UNISA, MSc (NWU)

Tel: +27(12) 521 3961

E-mail: Brenda.mosebo@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• Femtosecond science research group in the field of femtochemitry, which involves the multiphoton ionization and dissociation of molecules using nanosecond and femtosecond laser pulses. The research also involves the laser control of the dissociation of water molecules in the gas phase

  Chemistry Education

  Academic perceptions on e-learning in the school of science and technology at SMU.

  A tracer study of Extended Curriculum Programmes for Medical students at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University,

Lecturer – Chemistry Foundation

Qualification(s): BSc, BSc (HONS), MSc (UNISA), PhD ( UNISA)

Tel: +27(12) 521 3970

E-mail: maria.mogane@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• Research in Chemistry education

Lecturer – Organic Chemistry

Qualification(s): BSc Hon. in Education (Institut Supérieur Pedagogique de Bukavu, Sud-Kivu, DR-Congo), BSc Hon. Chemistry (UL Medunsa Campus), MSc in Natudral Products, PhD Student in Synthetic Organic Chemistry (SMU)

Tel: +27(12) 521 4370

E-mail: mutendela.olivier@smu.ac.za

Research Interest:

• My research interest lies in the field of medicinal chemistry, especially in phytochemistry, nanoparticles and synthetic chemistry. Several projects in these fields are currently in progress, including:

  • Synthesis of oxazolodinones as new antituberculosis agents
  • Isolation and structure elucidation of novel compounds
  • Biological activities (antibacterial, cytotoxicity and antioxidant) of plant extracts and isolated compounds.

  Biological activities (antibacterial, cytotoxicity and antioxidant) of several metal-based nanoparticles bound to metabolites extracted from medicinal plants.   

Natural Scientist 

Qualification(s): BSc, BSc-Hons, MSc (UL), PhD (Wits)

Research Interest:

My research is centered on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel heterocyclic compounds with potential to serve as formidable therapeutics.

• Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel hetrocyclic compouds as HIV-1 integrase-LEDGF/p75 disruptors and inhibitors of microbial pathogens
• Synthesis of diazepine-based compounds as potential therapeutics to suppress/eradicate multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae.
• The organic synthesis of heterocyclic compounds is based of linear stepwise reactions and multicomponent reaction approach with consideration of green chemical production. This includes identifying active compounds, modification to improve their efficacy, and re-designing for further development.

In addition to the identification of potential bioactive compounds, the other interest invloves the metabolomic profiling of active cancer medicinal plant extract for the treatment of oral infections.

Senior Laboratory Technician

Qualification(s): National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry; B-Tech (Quality); M-Tech (Quality)

Tel: 012 521 4374

E-mail: anna.kgasi@smu.ac.za

Laboratory Assistant

Tel: 012 521 3790

E-mail: roseline.mokose@smu.ac.za