By Mosima Rafapa
Once, one of her high school teachers told her, she would “never amount to anything,” but Dr Witske Meyer refused to let those words define her future. Instead, she turned them into fuelling her determination. This determination would, a decade later, lead her to earn a Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Through unwavering faith and the steadfast support of her parents, Dr Meyer transformed self-doubt into strength and setbacks into stepping stones. “I had incredibly supportive parents who always reminded me never to let anyone define my potential,” she reflected. “They encouraged me to trust in God’s grace and believe that I could do all things through Him. Their prayers and support carried me through.”
Her academic journey began in 2014 with a qualification in Engineering Draughting. A year later, she enrolled in the Extended Programme for Mechanical Engineering at TUT, a placement she initially viewed with disappointment, but which ultimately became one of the best decisions of her life.
“One of my favourite lecturers, Dr Karel Kapp, encouraged me to embrace the experience and not rush the process. The extended programme gave me time to adjust to University life and master the fundamentals of engineering. That strong foundation was crucial to my success and deepened my passion for the field, especially my later research in the strength of materials,” she said.
That passion grew even more as Dr Meyer gained experience in the mining and earth-moving industries, where her interest in research in abrasion-resistant materials was sparked. Her doctoral study, titled “The Effects of Inter-Critical Annealing on the Mechanical Properties of Abrasion-Resistant Steels,” explores cost-effective and sustainable solutions for industrial applications.
“My time in the mining sector inspired my research,” she explained. “The earth-moving and mining industries are major contributors to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, but they face challenges that require innovative, affordable solutions. I wanted to prove that not everything has to be expensive or complex to be effective. My goal is to develop achievable, replicable and sustainable innovations that benefit both the industry and local communities.”
Dr Meyer attributes much of her success to the guidance and mentorship of her supervisors, Prof Tamba Jamiru, Dr Lodewyk Beneke and Dr Taoreed Adesola Adegbola, as well as her first-year lecturer, Dr Kapp, who supported her from the very beginning.
“They have taught me so much, not just about research, but also about discipline, reporting and perseverance. Their consistency and commitment kept me motivated throughout the ten-year journey. They never lost interest or momentum and better yet, they matched my passion for the topic every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for better mentors,” she said gratefully.
Co-supervisor and former lecturer, Dr Lodewyk Beneke, described Dr Meyer as a dedicated and exceptional student from the very start.
“Witske displayed remarkable discipline, a strong work ethic and genuine passion for engineering. Even during her undergraduate years, she stood out for her commitment and the quality of her work. Supervising her through her Master’s and Doctoral studies was a privilege. She set clear goals, worked tirelessly and achieved them with excellence. The Department is extremely proud to have her as one of our young female academics,” he said.
Dr Witske Meyer's doctoral study, “The Effects of Inter-Critical Annealing on the Mechanical Properties of Abrasion-Resistant Steels,” explores cost-effective and sustainable solutions for industrial applications.
