CSIR senior researcher
Chemical Engineering
CSIR Biosciences
South Africa
He obtained his PhD in chemical engineering from the North-West University in 2009. Hlabela started his career as a researcher focusing on acid mine drainage treatment technologies before moving to the government sector where he led research in the areas of water, energy and environmental security as well as the impact of climate change on water infrastructure.
Hlabela’s research focuses on the design, optimisation, operation and maintenance of water distribution networks, wastewater treatment processes and ports infrastructure.