University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) PhD candidate in Geography, Ms Mahlomola Phala, presented a chapter of her PhD research at the 8th International Conference and Postgraduate Colloquium of Environmental Research (POCER 2026), hosted by the University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Phala received an award for the best poster presentation. She received a National Research Foundation (NRF) Knowledge, Interchange, and Collaboration (KIC) grant and the UKZN College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science Conference grant that enabled her attendance at POCER 2026.
POCER 2026, themed: ‘Weaving a Resilient and Sustainable Future’, provided researchers, particularly Early Career Researchers (ECRs), with a platform to showcase their work and engage in meaningful discussions. The programme included a pre-conference workshop covering key topics such as grant-writing and life cycle assessments to evaluate the implications of sustainable materials and develop skills for impactful research and career progression. The conference facilitated engagement between researchers and industry professionals, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange between experts and researchers seeking solutions for vital environmental challenges.
In her research, Phala is investigating illegal waste dumping in a South African local municipality, focusing on the institutional and governance barriers to effective municipal waste management, community perceptions, the geospatial distribution of dumping sites and the resulting environmental, health and socio-economic impacts.
By integrating stakeholder perspectives with geospatial analysis, she aims to develop evidence-based recommendations to improve waste management practices and support informed policy and planning. Phala addresses a critical environmental and public health challenge affecting community well-being and urban sustainability, while also contributing to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those relating to health, clean water, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action and terrestrial ecosystems.
“Receiving the Best Poster Presentation Award served as significant recognition of my work,” said Phala.
She completed her undergraduate and honours qualifications in Environmental and Resource Studies at the University of Limpopo, and graduated with a master’s Degree in Geography from the University of the Free State in 2024. Choosing UKZN for its excellent, supportive environment and strong commitment to research, Phala is balancing her PhD research with full-time work in environmental compliance and monitoring. Complementing her studies, her role demands high levels of organisation and resilience and has enabled her to cultivate a strong work ethic and ability to thrive under pressure.
Attending POCER and delivering her presentation titled: ‘Institutional and Governance Barriers to Effective Municipal Waste Management: Stakeholder Perspectives from Thabazimbi Local Municipality’, was a valuable experience that enabled Phala to engage with leading experts and expand her international academic network.
Her work demonstrates relevance to sustainable municipal waste management and sparked insightful discussions and constructive feedback that strengthened Phala’s research.
Looking ahead, she aims to establish a career bridging research, government policy, industrial practice and community engagement to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to complex environmental challenges through collaborative partnerships.
Phala thanked her supervisor, Dr Ntombifuthi Nzimande, for her mentorship and support, as well as her family, friends and the Christian Revival Church community for their prayers and encouragement.
She also thanked UKZN and the NRF for contributing to her research and attendance at POCER 2026.
Words: Christine Cuénod
Photograph: Supplied