Sefako Makhatho Health Science University, South Africa
Author Profiles
Google Scholar
Scopus
🎓 Academic Qualifications
Prof. Motaung’s academic path is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence. He earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry and Physics (2004) from the University of the North, followed by a B.Sc. Honours in Chemistry (2005), M.Sc. in Chemistry (2008), and Ph.D. in Chemistry (2012) from the University of the Free State (UFS). His academic credentials also include a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (2018) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), highlighting his commitment to education and teaching.
🧠 Leadership & Management Qualifications
In addition to his scientific achievements, Prof. Motaung has acquired substantial training in leadership and management. He holds a Project Management Certificate (1 year) and an Advanced Diploma in Labour Law (2 years) from UFS. Furthermore, he completed a Certificate in Values-Based Leadership from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business, and an Executive Development Program (2 years) from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. These credentials underscore his versatility and leadership capacity in both academic and administrative spheres.
👨🔬 Professional Experience
Prof. Motaung’s professional career began as a Tutor and Laboratory Assistant (2004–2005) at UFS. He then served as an Assistant Professional Officer (2006), Junior Lecturer (2007–2012), and Chemical Waste Manager (2010–2012) at the same institution. From 2013 to 2015, he advanced to become a Senior Researcher and Research Leader at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Port Elizabeth. In 2015, Prof. Motaung joined the University of Zululand, where he served as Associate Professor and Head of Department (Y2 Rated) until 2019, and then as Professor and HOD (Y2 Rated) until 2021. He further held the title of Senior Professor and Head of the Material Science Niche Area at the University of South Africa (2021–2024). Currently, he is a Senior Professor and Research Group Leader at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University.
🧑🎓 Postgraduate Supervision & Mentorship
Prof. Motaung has supervised and co-supervised a wide range of Honours, MSc, and Ph.D. students, nurturing future scholars in polymer chemistry, natural fibers, biomass composites, and nanotechnology. To date, he has successfully guided 16 Honours students and numerous MSc and Ph.D. graduates. Notable projects include the development of shear thickening fluids, gold nanorod encapsulation, cellulose derivatives for cancer treatments, and ZnAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ polymer composites.
🏅 Departmental Leadership and Achievements
During his tenure as Head of Department at the University of Zululand, Prof. Motaung led the department to significant achievements. The department was named Research Department of the Year in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and earned the Role Model Department title in 2016. It was also awarded the Most Research Productive Department and the University Gold Revolving Cup in 2016 and 2018. He received multiple individual recognitions for his contribution to research output between 2015 and 2018, solidifying his reputation as a transformational academic leader.
🏆 Awards and Honors
Prof. Motaung’s career has been recognized with numerous national and international awards. These include the Emerging Researcher Award (2012) from CSIR, and the Productive Researcher Awards from the University of Zululand in 2017, 2018, and 2019. He received the Global Innovation Competition Program Ministerial Award (2018), Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (2018), and the Innovation Award (2019). In 2019, he was honored with the Research Peace International Award, and most recently in 2024, he received the prestigious Science Father Nanocomposites International Award, recognizing his impact in the field of nanocomposites.
🔬 Research Focus & Impact
Prof. Motaung’s research expertise spans polymer science, material chemistry, nanocomposites, and eco-friendly bio-materials. His interdisciplinary research combines scientific excellence with real-world application, influencing sustainable solutions, energy development, and medical innovations. He remains a driving force in African and global scientific communities, with continuous contributions to academic advancement and societal development.
Notable Publications📝
📝 Synthesis of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Carbon Dots for the Detection of Fe(III) in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: L.P. Magagula, C.M. Masemola, T.E. Motaung, N. Moloto, E.C. Linganiso
Journal: Processes
Year: 2025
📝 Microwave-Assisted Reduction of Graphene Oxide to Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: J.T. Mhlongo, B. Tlhaole, L.Z. Linganiso, T.E. Motaung, E.C. Linganiso
Journal: Processes
Year: 2025
📝 Sustainable Conversion of Corncob Biomass Waste into High Performance Carbon Materials for Detection of VOCs at Room Temperature
Authors: L.P. Magagula, C.M. Masemola, T.E. Motaung, N. Moloto, E.C. Linganiso
Journal: Molecules
Year: 2025
📝 Structure and Optical Properties of Er³⁺ Doped ZnSe Nanoparticles
Authors: L.A. Miya, L.F. Koao, S.V. Motloung, H.C. Swart, T.E. Motaung
Journal: Optical Materials
Year: 2024
📝 Effect of Silica Content in a Bio-Polymeric Blended Nanocomposite for Efficient Adsorption of Mercury in Basic Aqueous Solution
Authors: A. Tshikovhi, S.B. Mishra, A.K. Mishra, T.E. Motaung
Journal: Fibers and Polymers
Year: 2025