My name is Sandile, although my parents may be uneducated themselves, they are incredibly passionate about education and furthering oneself, something which from a young age I appreciated the value in, and made it a focus for my life.
I am doing my Masters in Analytical Chemistry at Stellenbosch University, focusing on the separation of the derived chemical from the tyres. Working with the REDISA research group, collaborating with Process engineers and other analysts, I feel that the work we are doing is going to make a real difference to the country by changing the way that beneficiation of waste tyres is viewed.
The research I am working on focuses mostly on environmental impacts. The focus of the research is on the on chemical recovery from waste tyres. Once completed my research will educate more people about recycling – not only waste tyre recycling, but other raw materials that are being thrown away at the end of their life cycle.
This will benefit the economy of South Africa in improving the way people look at waste and start to find the value in it. My goal is to be known as one of the most outstanding researchers and I would like to make a positive change in my community, particularly encouraging the youth to study further and consider science and engineering as a career.
I want the youth to look at me as a role model and realise that despite circumstances, if you are passionate about something and work towards it, you can achieve anything.
For example, there is great value in the oil derived from the tyres. The oil can be used to manufacture new tyres or as an energy source. The research and work we do, is not only limited to South Africa but can be done globally. The possibilities are endless.”
