Research Interest

Prof. Mashifana’s research focuses on the principles of the Circular Economy, specifically on eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products, components, and materials, and regenerating nature. Her work includes resource recovery from waste, innovative methods for using waste to treat wastewater, developing sustainable, environmentally friendly and climate resilient products entirely from waste, and closed loop systems, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability. Through these efforts, she aligns with and aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to environmental stewardship for the globe.

• Circular Economy
• Waste to Resource
• Sustainability
• Green Economy
• Wastewater Treatment
• Engineering Education

Publications:

1. Mashifana, T. and Sithole, T., 2021. Clean production of sustainable backfill material from waste gold tailings and slag. Journal of Cleaner Production, 308, p.127357.
2. Letsoalo, M.R., Sithole, T., Mufamadi, S., Mazhandu, Z., Sillanpaa, M., Kaushik, A. and Mashifana, T., 2023. Efficient detection and treatment of pharmaceutical contaminants to produce clean water for better health and environmental. Journal of Cleaner Production, 387, p.135798.
3. Mashifana, T.P., 2019. Chemical treatment of phosphogypsum and its potential application for building and construction. Procedia manufacturing, 35, pp.641-648.
4. Sithole, N.T., Tsotetsi, N.T., Mashifana, T. and Sillanpää, M., 2022. Alternative cleaner production of sustainable concrete from waste foundry sand and slag. Journal of Cleaner Production, 336, p.130399.
5. Mashifana, T., Ntuli, F. and Okonta, F., 2019. Leaching kinetics on the removal of phosphorus from waste phosphogypsum by application of shrinking core model. South African journal of chemical engineering, 27(1), pp.1-6.

Professional positions, fellowships & awards

Engineering Council of Soth Africa (ECSA)

Awards

• Winner First Runner Up, GCIP-SA 2024/2025 Awards (2025)
• Winner Best Women Led Team, global GCIP-SA 2024/2025 Awards (2025)
• NSTF-TW Kambule Award 2024
• Winner: Young Women Achiever of the Year, Gauteng Premier's Women Excellence Awards, (2023)
• Ten Outstanding Young Person, JCI South Africa, (2023)
• Finalist, Trans Union Rising Star South Africa, Service: Public & Private, October (2022)
• National Research Foundation, Research Excellence Award for Early Career / Emerging Researchers, November (2021)
• Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Dean's award for Top Achieving Staff (2020), University of Johannesburg.
• Vice Chancellor’s Promising Young Teacher of the year (2020), University of Johannesburg
• Inspiring 50 South African women in STEM (2020), Inspiring Fifty
• Top 10 Trailblazers, Southern African Women in Leadership, (2020)
• Finalist, Top 100 Young Independents (2019)
• Honorary award: Golden Key International Honour Society (UJ Chapter), (September 2019)
• Mail and Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans (under-35s), (2019)

Short Biography

Professor Tebogo Mashifana is a multi-award-winning researcher, innovator, academic leader, and inspirational figure who continues to shape the future of science and engineering in South Africa and beyond. She is a Professor of Circular Economy at the University of South Africa. An NRF-rated researcher and prolific scholar, Prof. Mashifana has authored over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, contributing significantly to knowledge in sustainable development and circular economy. She is a member of the prestigious South African Young Academy of Science and is a professionally registered Engineering Technologist. In addition, she is an innovator and an entrepreneur.