The Tshwane University of Technology’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) will enter a new era when Prof Mxolisi Brendon Shongwe takes office as new Executive Dean on 1 June 2025.
The seasoned academic, researcher and manager previously served as FEBE’s Assistant Dean, expertly leading the Faculty's research strategy in line with the University’s goals, to ensure first-rate student and staff experiences as well as the highest levels of quality, integrity and ethics in research.
Prof Shongwe is ranked by the National Research Foundation (NRF) at level C2.
Prof Mxolisi Brendon Shongwe, newly appointed Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE)
His past academic responsibilities also included being Head of Department and Section Head. Bringing more than a decade of experience in teaching and learning as well as managing academic engineering programmes to his new role, Prof Shongwe is well equipped for the new position. His multi-disciplinary research interests, range from materials development, metallurgical processes, mineral processing and renewable energy to academic programme management.
Upon completing his Bachelor of Science Engineering Honours - as the best final-year student - Dr Shongwe continued his studies, subsequently obtaining a PhD in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand, a Master of Business Administration and a postgraduate diploma in Vocational Teacher Education from the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
He has supervised over 32 Masters and 9 PhD students to completion, published multiple book chapters and over 180 refereed papers and reviewed for more than 16 ISI journals while also serving as co-editor. He has received multiple awards for four consecutive years, including the Youngest Institutional/Faculty Researcher of the Year and the Outstanding Young Presenter in Advanced Materials; and the SciVal Elsevier Top 500 African Researcher by scholarly output between 2015 and 2020. Prof Shongwe has given keynote addresses in several local and international conferences.
He currently also is a Rail Manufacturing Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator board member. He is motivated by innovation, excellence and impact in engineering education and research.
Commenting on his appointment, Prof Shongwe said he is grateful for his appointment and accepts the role of Executive Dean of FEBE with a deep sense of purpose.
“This is more than just an appointment; it is an opportunity to help shape South Africa's future. Our vibrant nation with its immense potential, now, more than ever, needs skilled hands and innovative minds. TUT's commitment to "making knowledge work" resonates deeply with me, especially as we strive to tackle the critical challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. We will be the stronghold where solutions are hammered out and the dreams of our youth take flight,” he added.
The newly appointed Executive Dean also highlighted a number of immediate priorities he will focus on:
- To elevate excellence that will ensure TUT’s Engineering and Built Environment education is not just current, but visionary, equipping students for a rapidly evolving world.
- Ignite innovation to push the boundaries of research, turning brilliant ideas into tangible impacts that benefit South Africa.
- Empower TUT’s dedicated staff to really be the heart of FEBE and champion students’ growth and success relentlessly.
“I am ready and excited to roll up my sleeves and work alongside colleagues and peers to build a legacy of engineering and built environment brilliance that serves our nation and inspires the next generation. Let's make TUT's Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment a leading faculty in South African higher education and a beacon of progress for South Africa,” Prof Shongwe concluded.