The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the professorial inauguration of Professor Megersa Olumana Dinka, a distinguished expert and Head of the Department: Civil Engineering Science on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at the Ubuntu Chambers, Auckland Park campus. The event offered a profound exploration of Prof Dinka’s journey and significant contributions to the water engineering profession.
Prof Dinka’s address, titled “Lake Water Balance Modelling,” served as a highlight of the ceremony. Esteemed guests, including UJ’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Mpoti Ralephata, and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), Professor Daniel Mashao, were present to celebrate Prof Dinka’s achievements.
Contributions to Water Engineering discipline
Prof Dinka’s inaugural speech delved into his personal and professional journey, emphasising the synergy between industry exposure and academic pursuits that propelled him to become a successful academician and researcher.
In the first part of his address, Prof Dinka outlined his significant contributions to the water engineering discipline. Notable among these is the impactful water supply project developed for the community around Haramaya University in Ethiopia, addressing issues of water access for an underserved community.
He also shared insights into his involvement in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project and contributions to water management in Ethiopian Sugar Industries. Additionally, his efforts in addressing water management challenges in the South African water supply and his commitment to human capacity development in Ethiopia and South Africa were highlighted.
Major research projects and activities
Professor Dinka’s expanded on his major research projects and activities in water and environmental engineering. Emphasising the importance of publication, he showcased projects such as the hydrology of Lake Basaka, water management in Ethiopian Sugar Estates, and research on water losses in South African water supply systems. His research spanned diverse areas, including the impact of land use and climate change on water resources, geo-hydrological investigations, and solutions for waste and water treatment.
Views on water supply challenges, Climate Change, SDGs, and 4IR
In the third part of the address, Professor Dinka delved into his general views on challenges and opportunities in South African water supply, climate change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). He shared insights into ageing infrastructure, water losses, and the impact of digitalization on the education sector.
Contribution to the Water Engineering profession
Professor Dinka’s personal journey from a humble background in Ethiopia to becoming a Full Professor at UJ is an inspiring narrative. Overcoming societal expectations and personal obstacles, he pursued academic excellence, demonstrating that hard work, determination, and faith in one’s abilities can lead to extraordinary achievements.
As a qualified scholar and full-time academic, Prof Dinka’s expertise lies in the establishment of the water engineering profession. Specialising in hydraulics, hydrology, and water management, his teaching, research, supervision, and publications underscore his substantial contribution to the water engineering discipline.
Prof Dinka’s commitment to knowledge transfer and capacity development is evident in his supervision of numerous doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. His dedication extends beyond personal success to fostering the growth of high-quality postgraduate students.
About Professor Megersa O. Dinka
Currently a Full Professor in water engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering Science, University of Johannesburg, Professor Dinka holds the esteemed title of a registered Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) since 2018. He has been a rated (Y2) researcher by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa from 2018 to 2022. Professor Dinka is a member of various professional bodies, including ECSA, SAICE, IMESA, Soil Science Society of Ethiopia, Oromia Society of Economic Development, and UJ Civil.
Watch the Inauguration here:
