The Spring 2025 Graduation Ceremony at the University of Venda marked a historic milestone for Dr. Phumudzo Gift Munyai-Matshotshi, who proudly crossed the stage to receive her PhD in Environmental Sciences (Geology). Her groundbreaking research, titled “Phytoremediation of Metals from Klein Letaba Gold Mine Tailings Limpopo Province, South Africa,” offers sustainable solutions to one of the country’s pressing environmental challenges, rehabilitating mine waste in an eco-friendly, cost-effective manner.
Her study highlights the potential of native vegetation to remove and stabilise metals from mine tailings. The findings not only contribute to South Africa’s efforts toward sustainable mining waste management but also position phytoremediation as a viable strategy for addressing environmental impacts of mining activities both locally and globally.
Yet, behind this remarkable achievement lies a deeply personal journey of resilience, sacrifice, and the power of perseverance. Geology was not Dr Munyai-Matshotshi’s first love. Her passion as a young learner was Electrical Engineering, and she was accepted into the University of Cape Town to pursue it. However, an administrative error in her matric year in 2004 delayed the release of her results. By the time they arrived in mid-February 2005, the programme had already reached full capacity. At this crossroads, her father offered life-changing advice, gently suggesting, “Why not consider Mining and Environmental Geology?”
Reluctantly, she enrolled at the University of Venda, stepping into an unfamiliar world where rocks, minerals, and geological formations seemed alien. “The first year was the hardest,” she recalls. “I had no background in Geography or Earth Sciences, so everything felt impossible.” But slowly, through perseverance and determination, things began to change. By her second semester, concepts clicked, confidence grew, and her interest in geology deepened.
What began as an academic detour turned into a calling. She completed her degree in record time, earning a distinction for her mini dissertation. “That was the moment I realised that life’s unexpected turns often lead us to remarkable opportunities,” she says with a smile.
Her academic journey was powered by an unwavering passion for environmental conservation, community-centred research, and sustainable strategies for the future. Sponsored by DSTI-NRF CIMERA, she pursued both her Master’s and PhD, gaining opportunities to share her work at national and international platforms. She won the Best Overall Presentation Award from the Council for Geoscience in 2022, had her research featured in Mining Weekly, and presented at the annual CIMERA Colloquiums.
Her crowning professional achievement came in 2025 when she was invited as a panel speaker at the Investing in African Mining Indaba, participating in the Disruptive Session on Tailings: Launch of the Global Tailings Management Institute. This platform allowed her to engage with industry leaders and policymakers, firmly positioning her as a thought leader in sustainable mining practices.
Reflecting on her journey, she offers this advice to aspiring geologists: “Approach geology with curiosity and an open mind. Be robust and flexible, because this field is full of challenges, but also incredible opportunities.”
For Dr Munyai-Matshotshi, this PhD is far more than an academic achievement; it is a deeply personal tribute to her late father, Mr Mboniseni Samuel Munyai who eagerly awaited this proud moment, and though he is no longer here, his love, encouragement, and unwavering support continue to guide her through life’s challenges and triumphs “I dedicate this doctorate to my beloved father, who always believed in me. His faith, love, and wisdom remain my greatest source of inspiration. I only wish he were here to witness this success. All is well.”
“This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable support, insightful guidance, and expert counsel of my supervisors, Dr Humbulani Rejune Mundalamo and Professor Jason Samuel Ogola, both from the Department of Earth Sciences in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture. Their expertise, critical feedback, and steadfast mentorship have not only shaped the direction of this project but also played a pivotal role in my academic and professional development. I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering support throughout this journey,” she emphasised.
Dr Munyai-Matshotshi currently serves at the Institute for Rural Development as an Innovation Champion for Local Economic Development, a position that enables her to bridge academic research with real-world applications, delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
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University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
