Student wins award for research into metal packaging

Mthabiseni Majola recently won the prestigious Gold Research Award from the Metal Packaging Association of South Africa (MetPac-SA).

The aspiring researcher and Advanced Diploma in Business Law student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), was honoured for her outstanding research on Consumer Practices and Challenges in Recycling Metal Packaging in South Africa. This project brought together 28 students from five universities across the country.

Ms Majola, 21, from Newcastle, shared her excitement on receiving a call from Dr Ravi Nadar, Research Analyst of MetPac-SA informing her about winning the gold award in the competition.

“Winning the Gold Research Award is a milestone achievement that holds deep personal significance. It validates my hard work and dedication, proving that perseverance and commitment yield great rewards,” said Ms Majola. “Moreover, this achievement reflects positively on DUT, as it demonstrates the institution’s ability to produce high-calibre students who can compete and excel at a national level. I take great pride in representing DUT and hope that my success brings recognition to the university’s research excellence.”

She indicated that according to MetPac-SA, her research demonstrated exceptional dedication, analytical rigor, and a strong commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges.

“My ability to synthesise data, generate actionable insights, and propose practical solutions was particularly noteworthy. These qualities, combined with my diligent approach to research, set me apart from other participants. Research has always been an area of great interest for me, and this achievement has further solidified my passion for contributing to meaningful and impactful studies,” said Ms Majola.

Her role was conducting quantitative research, including Likert- scale surveys (a scale used to represent people’s attitudes to a topic), data analysis, and various research methodologies. Ms Majola feels this experience allowed her to gain invaluable insights into waste management and sustainability practices.

Giving insight on the competition, Dr Nadar, said its purpose was to raise awareness about the value and recyclability of metal packaging, while also equipping students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in their future careers.

“The excellent work delivered by the students not only highlights the potential of South Africa’s future researchers but also underscores the importance of fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,” said Dr Nadar.

Sharing her congratulatory remarks, Dr Nomcebo Mthombeni, Interim Director of Research and Postgraduate Support unit at DUT congratulated Ms Majola.

“On behalf of DUT, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mthabiseni Majola for her exceptional achievement in securing the prestigious Gold Research Award from MetPac-SA. Her work exemplifies the core values of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, which prioritises innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. We are immensely proud of how she has represented DUT on a national platform, competing alongside peers from leading universities. This achievement underscores the calibre of our students and the transformative power of our research-focused academic environment,” said Dr Mthombeni.