DSI-NRF SARChI Research Chair in Future Transport manufacturing Technologies

In the heart of South Africa’s bustling economy, transportation plays a pivotal role in enabling societal contributions to GDP growth. As the DSI-NRF SARChI Research Chair in Future Transport Manufacturing Technologies, I am deeply involved in the manufacturing of transport equipment, a key element in providing safe, reliable, and affordable transport.

My focus is on the future of transport manufacturing technologies, a crucial infrastructure for ensuring cost-effective manufacturing of diverse transport equipment including rail-cars, buses, aircraft, and ships. My research is dedicated to developing manufacturing technologies for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), with the aim of ensuring future technological capability.

In addition to technological development, I am also committed to fostering commercialization infrastructure through the establishment of an incubator. This initiative is designed to support SMMEs their journey towards becoming key players in the transport manufacturing industry, thereby driving economic growth and innovation..

Gibela Research Chair in Manufacturing and Skills Development

As the Gibela Research Chair in Manufacturing and Skills Development, I am committed to driving growth and impact in the field of manufacturing. My role extends beyond the tenure of the current contract, with efforts focused on securing financial resources to enhance the chair’s influence.

My responsibilities encompass a wide range of research and innovation activities. This includes the supervision of postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students, securing external research funding, and contributing to the body of knowledge through publications and presentations.

I am actively involved in organizing biennial conferences to showcase the development and impact of the chair. These events serve as a platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and highlighting advancements in manufacturing and skills development.

My role also includes enhancing research capacity within the Industrial Engineering department, other departments in the faculty, and the broader university. This involves nurturing talent, fostering a culture of innovation, and facilitating the exchange of ideas.

Community service is an integral part of my work. I participate in projects that align with my current research, leveraging academic insights to address real-world challenges and contribute to societal development.

Professor, Industrial Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology

In my role as a Professor at the Tshwane University of Technology, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation. My responsibilities span a wide range of areas:

Educational Media Applications : I make extensive use of technological and other educational media applications to enhance the learning experience.

Curriculum Development : I provide expert guidance in curriculum development and design, collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure relevance and applicability. Mentorship : I mentor lecturers and associate professors, fostering their professional growth and development.

Academic Supervision : I contribute to the academic supervision of students, inspiring them to cultivate an academic spirit and undertake postgraduate studies.

Research: I ensure subject-scientific research over the entire spectrum of requirements set for recognized researchers.

Supervision and Examination: I act as a successful supervisor for masters and/or doctorate students and serve as an external examiner or supervisor of students at other universities.

Publications: I regularly publish articles in accredited journals, contributing to the body of knowledge in my field.

Conferences: I present at local and international conferences, resulting in publications of articles in preferably accredited journals.

Funding: I apply for national and international external funding for research and innovation.

Community Projects: I initiate and lead community-based projects that add value to the mission and vision of TUT.

Leadership: I participate in and administer leadership in departmental, faculty, and institutional committees and activities.

Collaboration: I engage with the working methods and programs other local or international universities and research institutions.

Visits and Guest Lectures: I visit overseas universities, participate in study projects under the guidance of or in conjunction with specialists, participate in seminars of study groups, and accept invitations to act as a guest lecturer.

Founder and Non-Executive Director

As the founder and non-executive director of RMCERI, Khumbalani wears many hats. He sets the course for RMCERI’s growth, envisions a thriving ecosystem of rail-related startups, and dreams of bullet trains powered by renewable energy. Khumbalani bridges academia, industry, and government, connecting CEOs, professors, and engineers. He champions garage inventors, believing that every nut and bolt can birth a startup.

Acting Centre Manager

In His tenure as the acting center manager, Khumbalani brought a dynamic energy to RMCERI. He ensured the smooth day-to-day functioning of the incubator, from coordinating workshops to managing resources. Khumbalani continued to connect stakeholders, negotiating partnerships with rail industry giants and mentoring fledgling startups. His passion lay in fueling creativity and driving innovation within the rail ecosystem.

Head of Department (HOD), Industrial Engineering Tenure

As a department head, I provide academic leadership by evaluating and aligning qualifications according to HEQSF standards, leading research and community engagement initiatives, and strategically planning and managing departmental goals.

I support staff in research, innovation, and community engagement, manage academic programs and student enrollment plans, and oversee budget and staff performance. I also teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels to contribute to the department's success.

Director and Founder

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Lecturer, Research Leader, Postgraduate Coordinator

• Coordinating of the Post Graduate(PG) Activities in the deparment.
• Assesment and acceptance of PG.
• Department Research and Innovation Committee Chairman.
• Appointment of appropriately qualified experts to offer courses.
• International partnership engagement.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics Group Leader.

Senior Lecturer, Research Leader, Postgraduate Coordinator

As a Senior Lecturer, the professor delivered high-quality lectures to postgraduate students, providing mentorship and guidance. In the capacity of a Research Leader, they spearheaded research initiatives, collaborated with colleagues, secured funding, and published research findings. Additionally managed all postgraduate activities, assessed student applications, and ensured compliance with academic regulations, and oversaw research projects, promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, and evaluated research proposals .

Visiting Researcher

Enhancing Research Mentorship in Adaptable, Reconfigurable, and Changeable Manufacturing System Design for international collaboration and future problem-solving in advanced manufacturing and robotics. Specializing in article writing on Assembly system design, manufacturing system simulation, and knowledge-based system design. Expertise in research funding applications to prestigious agencies such as the National Research Foundation and Horizon 2020. Providing postgraduate supervision for thesis and dissertation writing, article preparation, research direction, and recruitment. Proficient in preparing research reports, analyzing past research, and evaluating institutional, consortium, and national research in manufacturing. Leading the planning, forecasting, and budgeting of a new five-year research plan.

Acting Head of Department Industrial Engineering

As the Acting Head of Industrial Engineering, I provided leadership in curriculum development, managed academic programs, and supported staff in research and community engagement. Additionally, I addressed immediate needs and collaborated with colleagues to achieve departmental goals.

Part Time Lecturer

In my role as a Lecturer, I was responsible for teaching and research in several key areas:

Teaching: I lectured in Manufacturing, Automation, Production Technology, Control of Machines, and System Dynamics. My goal was to impart knowledge and skills to students, preparing them for successful careers in these fields.

Research: I conducted research in Reconfigurable Manufacturing and Knowledge-Based Systems. My work contributed to advancements in these areas, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing and automation

Lecturer

Instructing on Computer Aided Design & Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations, and Drawing, students gain vital skills for success in engineering. Through practical and theoretical learning, they develop a deep understanding of industry technologies, empowering them for future careers.

Trainee Mines Engineer

Involved in the design of pumps for leakage elimination as part of a completed research project. Served as Deputy Mines Engineer and undertook responsibilities such as acting mines engineer, designing and implementing a Computerized planned maintenance system, researching the best approach to pump leakage management, and supervising various sections including Transportation, Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil.

Trainee Plant Engineer

Assisted in implementing computerized maintenance systems for electrical, mechanical, and electronic sections. Supervised boiler monitoring and maintenance. Attended departmental meetings and provided maintenance reports.

Trainee Production Planner

• Monitored steel production from raw materials to finished products.
• Negotiated customer orders, optimizing plant capacity.
• Attended production meetings and facilitated collaboration.
• Mentored junior industrial engineers.
• Resolved production process bottlenecks.