Appointment of Dean: EBE

Dear colleagues and students

I am pleased to announce that Professor Aubrey Mainza has been appointed as the new dean of the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE), effective 1 August 2025.

Professor Mainza is a distinguished academic who has built his career at the University of Cape Town (UCT) over more than two decades. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UCT and an undergraduate degree in metallurgical and mineral process engineering from the University of Zambia. His journey through the academic ranks – from research officer to professor, and then head of department until ultimately becoming acting director of the Centre for Minerals Research – has been marked by dedication to research excellence, a commitment to student development and a deep understanding of academic leadership.

Professor Mainza brings a wealth of experience in academic governance and leadership to the role. He served as head of the Department of Chemical Engineering from 2019 to 2023 and has been a key contributor to numerous university and faculty committees, including the Senate Teaching and Learning Committee, University Equipment Committee, the Deans Advisory Committee and the Faculty Ad Hominem Committee.

His research credentials are well established both locally and internationally. He has supervised 13 PhD and 33 MSc students to completion and has published extensively in peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He has served as president of the Global Comminution Collaborative, and chairperson of the International Comminution Researchers Association; and he currently sits on the board of the KONA Powder and Particle Journal. He has also delivered several keynote and plenary addresses at international conferences. He has worked closely with the industry, with key involvement in designing and optimising comminution process plants in the mining industry.

In recognition of his academic contributions, Professor Mainza was inducted as a UCT Fellow in 2019. His leadership, research and mentorship have contributed meaningfully to the faculty and the university at large.

As he steps into this role, Professor Mainza carries with him a strong record of collaboration, vision and academic leadership. His appointment reflects UCT’s commitment to recognising excellence from within and building on a legacy of academic depth and institutional service.

He succeeds Professor Alison Lewis, who served as dean from 1 June 2015 and led the faculty with distinction. Professor Lewis’s tenure focused on transformation, research growth and nurturing the next generation of engineers. We appreciate Professor Lewis for her outstanding service and leadership.

Please join me in congratulating Professor Mainza and offering our support; and in saying “welcome, wamkelekile, welkom” as he takes on this important role.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

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