Earning a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering was for Mr Dylan Naidoo the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and a passion for solving some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.
“This graduation is validation of not only the sacrifices made during the study period but also the perseverance and diligence that were necessary to complete my undergraduate studies,” he said. “I see it as a pathway to more opportunities for career growth.”
Unlike many full-time students, Naidoo completed his master’s qualification while working full-time, which he said was an experience that demanded exceptional discipline, sacrifice and perseverance. “Many late nights and early mornings were required to balance the pressures of studying part-time while working full-time,” he commented.
After finishing his schooling at Greenbury Secondary in Phoenix, Durban, Naidoo completed his Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemical Engineering at UKZN, gaining a foundation that directly influenced his research focus and career path. The University was the natural choice for his master’s degree. “I was aware of the prestige associated with the science programmes obtained from UKZN,” he explained. “I was also attracted to the idea of working with my supervisor Professor Amir Mohammadi again after previous engagements during my undergraduate studies.”
For his Master of Science study, Naidoo tackled an urgent and ambitious topic: “My investigations involved simulating, optimising and costing a plant capable of treating seawater for domestic use through reverse osmosis,” he explained. “We looked at current knowledge on the topic and applied it through correlations and validations to address water shortage issues in South Africa. A risk analysis was also undertaken to understand why South Africa does not already apply this technology on a large scale.”
“My research results can be used by future researchers or plant designers to build a water treatment plant to provide water scarce regions with clean water,” he said. “Such a plant would also provide jobs for the local community.”
Naidoo previously worked as part of the water treatment team at Mintek in Johannesburg, an experience that dovetailed perfectly with his master’s research. He is now training under the Technical Manager for Aqua Asphalt Verulam, and is directly involved with the management and optimisation of the chemical processes used in asphalt production.
“Water treatment is a booming industry,” he noted. “With the downsizing of current chemical process plants in South Africa, water treatment creates a niche for chemical engineers.”
Naidoo plans to progress in his role and become an industry expert, possibly undertaking a PhD in the future. He also intends to obtain professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) within the next three years.
He credited Mohammadi for his academic guidance and thanked his parents, Mr Calvin and Mrs Kriba Naidoo for instilling the values of hard work and perseverance; his fiancée, Ms Sashka Naidu for her constant encouragement; his friends Mr Viroshan Pillay, Mr Keshavan Pillay and Mr Cole Naidoo for their camaraderie, and his manager Mr Lallchand Phalai for professional mentorship.
When he isn’t running simulations or fine-tuning chemical processes, Naidoo enjoys playing and watching soccer, fishing and taking road trips.
The words he lives by reflect his approach to both work and life: “Let the heart tell you what and the mind tell you how.”
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
