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FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE

School of Physical and Mineral Sciences (SPMS)

Welcome to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. This is a department that offers modules of Anthropology and Sociology in the Faculty of humanities under the School of Social Sciences.

Prof. Hasani Chauke

Prof. Hasani Chauke

Director, School of Physical and Mineral Science

We are firmly committed as a school to innovation, excellence, and the well-being of the communities we serve. Our two centres of excellence also demonstrate this dedication.

Through postgraduate student training, the School conducts research, fuels innovation, and promotes human capital development through the Materials Modelling Centre. The centre employs large-scale computational modelling approaches to predict, improve and understand various materials’ physical and chemical properties.

We also reach out to our communities through community engagement activities and raise awareness of science and technology through the Science Centre. The science centre provides scientific and technological skills to the surrounding communities to improve their livelihood. The centre, among other things, gives lectures to learners, teachers, and communities and hosts interactive exhibitions, workshops, and live demonstrations.

Local and international partnerships include the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), SASOL, ESKOM, CSIR, Mintek, NECSA, and Johnson Matthey in South Africa; Cardiff University (UK), University College London (UK), University of Kent (UK), Argonne National Laboratory (USA), and many others in Italy, Japan, and China. We also work with SAASTA, SAASTEC, SANRAL, the University of the Free State, the University of Ghent, the NRF, and the NSTF.

The school has a committed, dedicated, and competitive staff that continues to uphold its vision and mission, as well as various targets that have been set to contribute to and sustain the development needs of Limpopo Province and South Africa as a whole.

PROGRAMMES GUIDELINES

The school has the following main programmes.

Postgraduate Diploma
in SciComm

LEARN MORE

Postgraduate Registration Guidelines

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Undergraduate Registration Guidelines

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MATERIALS MODELLING CENTRE

Materials Modelling Centre uses a wide variety of computational modelling techniques to study metal alloys, energy storage materials and minerals.

Such studies are closely linked to experimental studies and relevant applications. It collaborates with various institutions locally and internationally. The Centre continues to train postgraduate students in identified focus areas.

Staff Members

 

Prof PE Ngoepe, OMS Position: Director Research Interests
  PhD (Wits), MSc (UNISA), BSc Hons, BSc (UNIN) Minerals, Alloys, Polymers, Energy Storage Materials
Email: phuti.ngoepe@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3269
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3016
Prof HR Chauke Position: Deputy Director Research Interests
  PhD (UL), MSc, BSc Hons, BSc (UNIN) Large scale computational modelling of metals and alloys, mineral beneficiation and energy storage materials using first-principles quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) methods, using high-performance computing.
Email: hasani.chauke@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 2206
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3036
Prof KP Maenetja Position:  Associate Professor Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc  (UL) Surface study of metal oxide catalysts in Li, K Mg and Na air batteries.
Coating materials used on the cathode materials in metal ion batteries
Email: khomotso.maenetja@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4906
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3011
Prof RS Ledwaba Position:  Associate Professor Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) Material Science, Energy Storage Materials 
Email: raesibe.ledwaba@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4905
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3008D
Dr PP Mkhonto Position: Senior Researcher Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL), PGDipEng (Wits) Minerals processing (Flotation), Materials modelling of minerals.
Email: peace.mkhonto@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4773
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3009
Dr MA Mehlape Position: Senior Researcher Research Interests
  PhD, MSc (UL), BSc Hons, BSc (UNIN) Computational Modelling of Materials and
Minerals Processing
Email: mofuti.mehlape@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4776
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3010
Dr KT Malatji Position:  Senior Researcher Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc  (UL) Computational Materials Science and Energy Storage Materials
Email: kemeridge.malatji@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3964
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3013C
Dr MC Masedi Position:   Senior Researcher Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc  (UL) Computational Materials Science and Energy Storage Materials
Email: cliffton.masedi@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3964
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3012C
Dr NN Ngoepe Position:  Development Engineer Research Interests
  PhD (UCT), MEng, BEng Hons, BEng (UP) Synthesis of Lithium NCM batteries Froth flotation
Email: noko.ngoepe@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3424
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3044
Dr KW Phoshoko Position:  Principal Systems Scientist Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) Computational Materials Science, Energy Storage Materials, High-Performance Computing, Scientific Computing
Email: katlego.phoshoko@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3961
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3013
Dr KM Kgatwane Position:  Principal Systems Scientist Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) Materials Science
Computational Modelling of Nanomaterials for energy storage Machine Learning Potentials
High Performance Computing
Email: kenneth.kgatwane@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3962
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3012
Dr SS Mangwejane Position: Postdoctoral Researcher Research Interests
  PhD, MSc (UL), PGDip. Power Engineering (SU), BSc Hons, BSc (UNIN) Computational modelling of platinum chalcogenides and their related surfaces.
Email: seshupo.mangwejane@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3413
Location: Old Q-Block, Office Number: 3027
Dr B Shibiri Position: Postdoctoral Researcher Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) Computational Materials Science and Energy Storage Materials
Email: beauty.shibiri@ul.ac.za
Tel: 015 268 3413
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3032
Dr MP Mashamaite Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) Computational Modelling of Materials and Alloy development.
Email: mordecai.mashamaite@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3964
Location: Old Q Block, Office Number: 3008E
Dr TM Phaahla Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow Research Interests
  PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) Material science, computational chemistry, theoretical physics, metal nanoparticles and hydrogen storage in bimetallic sub-nanoclusters
Email: tshegofatso.phaahla@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3413/3964
Location: Old Q-Block, Office Number: 3012D
Mr A Mokoena Position: Laboratory Technician Research Interests
  National Diploma (UJ) Lithium ion batteries, cathode materials
Email: abraham.mokoena@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3024
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3012A
Dr SJ Mothapo Position: Principal Administrative Officer
  PhD (UFH), MPA (UL), B Admin (UL)
Email: sentshuhleng.mothapo@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 2122
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3023
Ms MW Mamabolo Position: Senior Secretary
  Secretarial Diploma (A.T. Computer School)
Email: wilheminah.mamabolo@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 3269
Location: Old Q-Block, Office number: 3016

SPMS SCIENCE CENTRE

The UL Science Centre is a place identified to enable visitors to actively participate in the interactive exhibits and experimentation where hands-on experience of science and technology coupled with fun and joy are given priority.

Participants are given the opportunity to discover some answers to questions often posed about nature, science and technology. The University of Limpopo Science Centre was established and officially opened in 1997.It serves the surrounding community with scientific and technological skills which will be meaningful in improving their ways of living.   The Science Centre also aims at promoting Science and Technology  awareness  and  instilling  the  love  of  Science  subjects  in  the  community.  It provides both Science and Technology activities which are related to the school education curriculum. The Centre is open to teachers, school classes and members of general public.

We offer school support programmes, both in house and outreach to provide hands on experience to science and math curriculum based topics for both educators and learners. We also conduct science awareness programmes to showcase and create awareness amongst the public of the cutting edge research in the different fields of Science and Technology, and also to expose young people to different types of careers in these fields. Schools and members of the public are invited to visit the centre.

Bookings and Enquires

Tel: 015 268 3099
Fax: 086 651 3164
E-mail: Salome.mamabolo@ul.ac.za

About the Centre

The Science Education Centre is the Limpopo Province’s premier science outreach facility. It supports maths, science and technology education, and offers innovative learning experiences that contribute to building South Africa’s science, engineering and environmental capacity. Located on the campus of the University of Limpopo, Mankweng, the Science Education Centre houses a large collection of STEMI exhibits, and offers a broad programme of science-related events, activities and programmes for the general public, school and university community. The Science Education Centre is now the most popular educational destination in the Limpopo Province.

Fablab

A fablab is a group of off-the-shelf, industrial-grade fabrication and electronics tools, wrapped in open source software and programs. The concept was pioneered by the Massachusetts institute of Technology (MIT) and introduced to South Africa in 2005 by the Department of Science & Technology (DST) under the auspices of the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy- Implementation Unit (AMTS-IU).

Limpopo Fablab’s goal is to provide a stimulating Learning environment with access to modern digital manufacturing facilities with a rapid prototyping capability; in which product invention, skills transfer and job creation is promoted and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and innovation (STEMI) interest is generated. Due to the open nature of the facility, the youth of Limpopo have access to the Fablab, which introduces them to the world of science and Technology- an environment where most adults previously needed a technical professional qualification to earn a right to access and experiment. Learners, Teachers and community members are welcomed at the Fablab, from 7 year olds to 70 year olds.

Stakeholders

Sponsors

  • Department of Science and Technology
  • Department of Environmental Affairs
  • National Research Foundation/South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF/SAASTA)
  • Anglo-American Platinum

Partners

  • MINTEK
  • NRF/SAASTA
  • Statistics South Africa
  • Limpopo Department of Education
  • South African Botanical Institute (SANBI)
  • Custodians of Rare and Endangered
  • Wildflowers (CREW)
  • Limpopo Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET)
  • South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
  • Wildlife and Environment Society
  • (WESSA)
  • Eco-schools programme
  • Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands (FROHG)
  • The Botanical Society of Southern Africa ( BOTSOC)
  • The Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA)
  • National Herbarium (PRE)
  • AP Goossens Herbarium
  • Schweikert Herbarium (UP)
  • MOSS herbarium (WITS)
  • WWF
Staff
Staff Member Position Research Interests
Mrs A Potgieter
MSc(UP), Hons(UP), BSc(UJ), HED(UP)
Email: annelize.potgieter@ul.ac.za
Mobile: +27 82 825 7819		 Manager Science Education, Indigenous knowledge Interactive science exhibits
Ms RM Ramohlale
MPhil in Science and Technology Studies ( US), PGCE (UL), BSc Hons (UL), BSc (UL)
Email: refilwe.ramohlale@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4185/3099		 In-Reach Coordinator Science Communication,
Effective Evaluation of activities/programmes in Science Centres
Mr S. Rikhotso
BCom Hons(MANCOSA), BCom(MANCOSA), HCert. Business Management(MANCOSA)
Email: sandile.rikhotso@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 2756/3099		 Laboratory Technician(Programmes Coordinator) Science Centre Management and Marketing, Customer Relationship Management, Services Marketing, e-Marketing
Mr Ramodika Makgakga
MSc(UL), BSc Hons(UL), BSc (UL)  
E-mail: ramodika.makgakga@ul.ac.za
Tel: 015 268 4186/3099		 Outreach Coordinator  

School Committees & Research

School Committees

School Management Committee

Prof HR Chauke Director of School: Chairperson
Prof RM Mampa Head: Chemistry
Ms MTD Rapholo Head: Geology and Mining
Dr AM Mahladisa Head: Physics
Prof PE Ngoepe Director: Materials Modelling Centre
Mrs A Potgieter Manager: University Science Centre
Mr GM Ramaphoko Principal Administrative Officer (Secretariat)

 

School Marketing and Community Engagement Committee            

Prof HR Chauke Director of School: Chairperson
Prof LV Mulaudzi Representative: Chemistry
Ms K Ramakadi Representative: Geology and Mining
Mr MA Malape Representative: Physics
Dr  KT Malatji Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Mr SSB Rikhotso Representative: Science Centre
Ms E Denge Representative: Geology and Mining
Dr. C Masedi Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Ms RM Ramohlale Representative: Science Centre
Mr M Netsianda Representative: Physics
Dr MM Maluleka Representative: Chemistry
Ms SM Makololo Administrative Officer (Secretariat)

 

School Research and Ethics Committee

Prof HR Chauke Director of School: Chairperson
Prof T Magadzu Representative: Chemistry
Prof N Hintso-Mbita Representative: Chemistry
Dr F Sengani Representative: Geology and Mining
Prof C Baiyeghuni Representative: Geology and Mining
Dr SS Nkosi Representative: Physics
Dr MG Matshaba Representative: Physics
Dr MA Mehlape Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Dr KP Maenetja Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Ms SM Makololo Administrative Officer (Secretariat)

 

School Teaching and Learning Committee

Prof HR Chauke Director of School: Chairperson
Dr L Macevele Representative: Chemistry
Dr R Mhlaba Representative: Chemistry
Ms N Ramakoloi Representative: Geology and Mining
Dr P Ntoahae Representative: Physics
Ms SM Makololo Administrative Officer (Secretariat)

 

School Library Committee

Prof HR Chauke Director of School: Chairperson
Dr R Mhlaba Representative: Chemistry
Ms Maponya Representative: Chemistry
Dr F Sengani Representative: Geology and Mining
Dr M Gandamipfa Representative: Physics
Dr PP Mkhonto Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Ms SM Makololo Administrative Officer (Secretariat)

 

School Health and Safety Committee

Prof HR Chauke Director of School: Chairperson
Ms MM Matjena Representative: Chemistry
Ms MTD  Rapholo Representative: Geology and Mining
Ms RC Malindisa Representative: Physics
Dr NN Ngoepe Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Mr SB Rikhotso Representative: Science Centre
Dr PP Mkhonto Representative: Materials Modelling Centre
Ms SM Makololo Administrative Officer (Secretariat)
Research Focus Areas

Name

Research Interest

Dr MS Thomas

Synthesis of liquid crystalline materials.
Synthesis of catalysts for the oxidation of phenols and styrene.

Prof MP Mokhonoana

Catalysts for clean transportation fuels.
Zeolite-based wastewater remediation.

Dr T Magadzu

Nanotechnology:
Hydrogen and energy storage materials, water purification and sensor technology.
Catalysis:
Heterogeneous catalysis and fuel cell technology.

Dr W Nxumalo

Development of heterocyclic compounds with medicinal properties.

Dr RM Mampa

Synthesis and characterisation of organo-bridged bi- and tri-metallic complexes as molecular wires,
NMR spectroscopic methods for structure elucidation of biologically active natural products,
Complexation of organometallic complexes with grapheme, graphite, carbon nanotubes,
Synthesis of bio-organometallic compounds and
Development of bio-inorganic compounds containing selected transition metals.

Dr AA Ambushe

Trace and ultra-trace analysis, elemental speciation, fingerprinting the sources of pollution using stable isotope ratio measurements, food authentication, food safety and related health risk assessment, monitoring organics such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other emerging pollutants in environmental matrices (water, soil, sediment,  etc.), phytoremediation study

Dr MJ Hato

Nanotechnology
Polymer Nanocomposites
Adsorption Chemistry
Metal oxides/Graphene oxides
Rheology

Dr KD Modibane

Hydrogen technology
Metal hydride for hydrogen storage.
Nanotechnology
Metal speciation
Polymers
Metal organic frameworks
Photophysics, photochemistry and electrochemistry

Mr LV Mulaudzi

Chemical speciation, Sequential injection analysis, Innovative analytical techniques, Miniaturisation of chemical analysis

Mr ME Letsoalo

 

Mr R Mhlaba

Heterogeneous catalysis
and renewable energy

Mr HF Makofane

Environmental Chemistry

Mr LC Murulana

Corrosion of Materials, Adsorption studies, Reactions kinetics and Thermodynamics of solutions.

Mrs PS Ramaripa

Heterogeneous Catalysts
Zeolite-based materials and their applications

Ms LE Rananga

Synthesis of Nano-composites and Nano-composite membranes.
Applications of Nano-materials in water treatment.

Prof JN Dunlevey

Industrial Minerals.
X-Ray Crystallography
Geochemistry
Stratigraphy

Prof KE Rammutla

Nanotechnology
Sensing devices
Fast Ion Conductors

Prof TT Netshisaulu

Energy Efficiency and Physics Education

Prof B Millsteed

Stratigraphy and Palaeontology

Dr TE Mosuang

Hard Materials

Dr PS Ntoahae

Minerals

Dr MA Mahladisa

Computer Modelling

Dr ML Diko

Environmental and Economic Geology
Current thrusts in Medical Geology, Applied Clay Mineralogy and Natural Hazards

Dr NQ Hammond

Genetic aspects of ore deposits – gold mineralization in Precambrian terrains
PGE mineralization, hydrothermal deposits
Fluid inclusion and hydrothermal systems.
Stable isotopes.

Dr A Tessema

Geophysics and Geohydrology

Mr OO Nubi

Nanotechnology

Ms E Denge

Fossil Fuels and Coal Formation

Ms T Makohliso

Mineralogy and Petrology

Mr M Makulana

Stratigraphy and sedimentary basin analysis

Mr M Khanyi

Geology of the Bushveld Igneous Complex and Limpopo Metamorphic Belt.

Mr L Wilsenach

Mineralogy and Crystallography
SPMS Research Units Staff
Staff Member Position Research Interests
Mrs A Potgieter
MSc(UP), Hons(UP), BSc(UJ), HED(UP)
Email: annelize.potgieter@ul.ac.za
Mobile: +27 82 825 7819		 Manager Science Education, Indigenous knowledge Interactive science exhibits
Ms RM Ramohlale
MPhil in Science and Technology Studies ( US), PGCE (UL), BSc Hons (UL), BSc (UL)
Email: refilwe.ramohlale@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4185/3099		 In-Reach Coordinator Science Communication,
Effective Evaluation of activities/programmes in Science Centres
Mr S. Rikhotso
BCom Hons(MANCOSA), BCom(MANCOSA), HCert. Business Management(MANCOSA)
Email: sandile.rikhotso@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 2756/3099		 Laboratory Technician(Programmes Coordinator) Science Centre Management and Marketing, Customer Relationship Management, Services Marketing, e-Marketing
Mr Ramodika Makgakga
MSc(UL), BSc Hons(UL), BSc (UL)
E-mail: ramodika.makgakga@ul.ac.za
Tel: +27 15 268 4186/3099		 Outreach Coordinator  

DEPARTMENT CONTACTS

Director

Prof HR Chauke
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3492
Email: SPMS@ul.ac.za

Acting Senior Secretary

Mrs C Mabaso
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3492/3494
Email: clerence.mabaso@ul.ac.za

Principal Admin Officer

Mr M Ramaphoko
Tel: (+27) 15 268 2603
Email: SPMS@ul.ac.za

Principal Admin Officer

Ms M Makololo
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3688
Email: SPMS@ul.ac.za