Siboniso Khethani Nyawo is a self-driven hydrologist.
Growing up in the rural areas of Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal, Nyawo experienced firsthand how scarce clean water was. His community relied on natural springs and rainwater harvesting to drink, while also sustaining their livestock.
That harsh reality sparked the 24-year-old’s passion for hydrology as he wanted to uncover ways for rural communities to access safe groundwater.
“Water is life for both people and animals.” This is his personal conviction.
In 2020, Nyawo joined the University of Zululand, diving into his desired career path. He enrolled for a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Hydrology and Zoology. By 2023, he had earned his BSc Honours in Hydrology. Fast forward to 2026, Nyawo has completed a Master of Science in Hydrology with an exceptional final mark of 93%. His thesis tackled the “Isotopic and Hydrogeochemical Evolution in a Semi-Arid Upper Umfolozi Catchment, KwaZulu-Natal”. The study involved hands-on work aimed at solving real water challenges in dry regions like his hometown.
“My study revealed that local precipitation serves as the primary source of both surface and groundwater in the study area. The interaction between surface and groundwater is primarily governed by baseflow, which recharges river pathway facilities, the transport of contaminants into both surface and groundwater via rock-water interactions and other geochemical mixing processes,” Nyawo said about his findings.
A Rising Star
Nyawo’s drive has taken him to international terrains; he was selected to participate in a student exchange programme with Chang’an University in China, an opportunity that broadened his horizons. Here, he was exposed to water purification methods employed in the country, using high tech equipment.
As a young rising scholar, he possesses great presentation skills. He excelled at the 2024 International Conference on Water and Environmental Sustainability, securing second place for his oral presentation.
Road to Obtaining a PhD
Nyawo has been awarded the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) scholarship for his doctoral studies. He is determined to obtain his PhD before the age of 30. He is eyeing a PhD to expand his master’s research, linking it to numerical and mixing models that predict how nano-scale solutes move through groundwater. The ultimate goal is to become a globally recognised professor, adding to the body of knowledge in hydrology and delivering solutions to the water crisis in South Africa.
Mentioning what motivates him, Nyawo said, “Every drop counts, regardless of its fluidity.” This, he explained, speaks to making a concerted effort to conserve every bit of water.
As the first in his family to graduate, Nyawo is breaking barriers and inspiring others. He concluded by saying that his journey proves that one person’s resolve can turn rural struggles into scientific breakthroughs.
– Philani Bhengu
Picture: Samkele Sokhela
