FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE
School of Physical and Mineral Sciences (SPMS)
Prof. Hasani Chauke
Director, School of Physical and Mineral Science
Welcome to the 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
Postgraduate Registration Guidelines
Undergraduate Registration Guidelines
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
|
|
Position |
Official Centre/Department Name |
Office Location (Building, Room Number): |
Main Contact Phone Number |
Official Email Address: |
|
Dr Malatji, KT |
Senior Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3013C |
015 268 2519 |
|
|
Dr Mashamaite, MP |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3008E |
015 268 4326 |
|
|
Dr Rikhotso, BN |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3008C |
015Â 268 4684
|
|
|
Dr Phaahla, TM
|
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3012D |
015 268 4294 |
|
|
Prof PE, Ngoepe |
Director PhD (Wits), MSc (UNISA), BSc Hons, BSc (UNIN) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3016 |
015 268 3269 /2561 |
Phuti.ngoepe@ul.ac.za |
|
Dr, Mangwejane SS |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3027 |
015 268 4506 |
seshupo.mangwejane@ul.ac.za |
|
Dr Mehlape, MA |
Senior Researcher PhD, MSc (UL), BSc Hons, BSc (UNIN) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3008E |
|
|
|
Dr, Masedi MC |
Senior Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3027 |
015 268 3964 |
|
|
Dr, Ngoepe NN |
Development Engineer PhD (UCT), MEng, BEng Hons, BEng (UP) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3008E |
015 268 3424 |
|
|
Dr, Mkhonto PP |
Associate Professor PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL), PGDipEng (Wits) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3009 |
015 268 4773 |
|
|
Dr, Shibiri B |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3032 |
015 268 3413 |
|
|
Prof, Maenetja KP |
Acting Director PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3011 |
015 268 4906 |
|
|
Prof, Ledwaba RS |
Deputy Acting Director PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3008D |
015 268 4905 |
|
|
Dr, Kgatwane KM |
Principal Systems Scientist PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3012 |
015 268 3962 |
|
|
Dr, Hlungwani D |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3034 |
062 6204493 |
|
|
Dr, Nemutudi B |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3033 |
0827325672 |
|
|
Dr, T Morukuladi |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3323 |
0794746163Â |
|
|
Dr, Molala BK |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3028 |
0768007086 |
barnardkgwajana@gmail.com |
|
Mr, Mokoena A |
Laboratory Technician National Diploma (UJ) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3012A |
015 268 3024 |
|
|
Dr, Mogshoa T |
Postdoctoral Researcher PhD, BSc Hons, BSc (UL) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3012A |
015 268 4681 |
|
|
Ms, Mamabolo MW |
Senior Secretary Secretarial Diploma (A.T. Computer School) |
Materials Modelling Centre |
Old Q-Block, 3rd Floor, 3016 |
015 268 3269 |
Â
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
E-mail:Â Salome.mamabolo@ul.ac.za
Stakeholders
Sponsors
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and The EnvironmentÂ
- National Research Foundation/South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (NRF/SAASTA)
- Anglo-American Platinum
- SANRAL
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
- Jive Media
- University of Free State
Affiliations
- SAASTEC
Staff
| Staff Member | Position | Research Interests |
| Mrs A Potgieter MSc(UP), Hons(UP), BSc(UJ), HED(UP) Email:Â annelize.potgieter@ul.ac.za Tel: +27 15 268 3519 |
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:Â 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.S.B Rikhotso MBA (UL), BCom Hons(MANCOSA), BCom(MANCOSA), HCert. Business Management(MANCOSA) Email:Â 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 |
|
Ms M.S Mamabolo N. Cert. (Capricorn TVET), N. Dip (Limpopo Computer College), Computer Literacy (UL) |
Secretary | Â |
| Vacant: | Outreach Coordinator | Â |
SCHOOL CONTACTS
Director
Prof HR Chauke
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3492
Email: SPMS@ul.ac.za
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
School Committees & Research
School Committees
School Management Committee
| Prof HR Chauke | Director of School: Chairperson |
| Prof RM Mampa | Acting Head: Chemistry |
| Dr MTD Rapholo | Head: Geology and Mining |
| Dr AM Mahladisa | Head: Physics |
| Prof KP Maenetja | Acting Director: Materials Modelling Centre |
| Mrs A Potgieter | Manager: University Science Centre |
| Mr GM Ramaphoko | Principal Administrative Officer (Secretariat) |
School Community Engagement Committee
| Prof HR Chauke | Director of School: Chairperson |
| Prof LV Mulaudzi | Representative: Chemistry |
| 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 |
| Ms SM Makololo | Administrative Officer (Secretariat) |
School Marketing Committee
| Prof HR Chauke | Director of School: Chairperson |
| Dr WN Masekoameng | Representative: Chemistry |
| Ms K Ramakadi | Representative: Geology and Mining |
| Mr M Netsianda | Representative: Physics |
| Dr MC Masedi | Representative: Materials Modelling Centre |
| Ms RM Ramohlale | Representative: Science Centre |
| Ms SM Makololo | Administrative Officer (Secretariat) |
School Research and Ethics Committee
| Prof HR Chauke | Director of School: Chairperson |
| Dr TC Maponya | Representative: Chemistry |
| Dr TC Leboho | Representative: Chemistry |
| Prof F Sengani | Representative: Geology and Mining |
| Dr SS Nkosi | Representative: Physics |
| Dr MG Matshaba | Representative: Physics |
| Dr B Shibiri | Representative: Materials Modelling Centre |
| Prof KP Maenetja | Representative: Materials Modelling Centre |
| Ms SM Makololo | Administrative Officer (Secretariat) |
School Teaching and Learning Committee
| Prof HR Chauke | Director of School: Chairperson |
| Prof L Macevele | Representative: Chemistry |
| Dr R Mhlaba | Representative: Chemistry |
| Ms A Nailana | Representative: Geology and Mining |
| Mr MA Letsoalo | Representative: Physics |
| Ms MF Komape | Representative: Physics |
| Prof AZ Tessema | Representative: Geology and Mining |
| Ms SM Makololo | Administrative Officer (Secretariat) |
School Library Committee
| Prof HR Chauke | Director of School: Chairperson |
| Dr R Mhlaba | 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 |
| Mr F Nkanyane | Representative: Geology and Mining |
| Ms Rc Malindisa | Representative: Physics |
| Dr MP Mashamaite | Representative: Materials Modelling Centre |
| Mr SB Rikhotso | Representative: Science Centre |
| Ms SM Makololo | Administrative Officer (Secretariat) |
Research Focus Areas
| Name | Research Interest |
| Prof MP Mokhonoana | Catalysts for clean transportation fuels. Zeolite-based wastewater remediation. |
| Prof T Magadzu | Nanotechnology: Hydrogen and energy storage materials, water purification and sensor technology. Catalysis: Heterogeneous catalysis and fuel cell technology. |
| Prof W Nxumalo | Development of heterocyclic compounds with medicinal properties. |
| Prof 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. |
| Prof MJ Hato | Nanotechnology Polymer Nanocomposites Adsorption Chemistry Metal oxides/Graphene oxides Rheology |
| Prof KD Modibane | Hydrogen technology Metal hydride for hydrogen storage. Nanotechnology Metal speciation Polymers Metal organic frameworks Photophysics, photochemistry and electrochemistry |
| Prof LV Mulaudzi | Chemical speciation, Sequential injection analysis, Innovative analytical techniques, Miniaturisation of chemical analysis |
| Dr R Mhlaba | Heterogeneous catalysis and renewable energy |
| Mr HF Makofane | Environmental Chemistry |
| Dr PS Ramaripa | Heterogeneous Catalysts Zeolite-based materials and their applications |
| Prof LE Rananga | Synthesis of Nano-composites and Nano-composite membranes. Applications of Nano-materials in water treatment. |
| Prof TT Netshisaulu | Energy Efficiency and Physics Education |
| Prof TE Mosuang | Hard Materials |
| Dr PS Ntoahae | Minerals |
| Dr MA Mahladisa | Computer Modelling |
| Prof NQ Hammond | Genetic aspects of ore deposits – gold mineralization in Precambrian terrains PGE mineralization, hydrothermal deposits Fluid inclusion and hydrothermal systems. Stable isotopes. |
| Prof A Tessema | Geophysics and Geohydrology |
| Dr OO Nubi | Nanotechnology |
| Ms E Denge | Fossil Fuels and Coal Formation |
| Mr M Khanyi | Geology of the Bushveld Igneous Complex and Limpopo Metamorphic Belt. |