Murendeni Liphadzi

Murendeni Liphadzi’s passion for transforming Africa’s built environment has shaped his career as a researcher, educator and leader. As deputy director at the Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre and academic facilitator at the University of Johannesburg, Murendeni, 34, leads research in sustainable construction, digital leadership and entrepreneurship. His work champions technologies like building information modelling (BIM) and virtual reality to advance innovation and leadership development in the sector. With qualifications that include a PhD in engineering management and a master’s in construction manage- ment, Murendeni mentors the next generation of built environment professionals by supervising postgraduate research, facilitating lectures and fostering critical thinking. His leadership helped South Africa secure gold and bronze medals at the Brics BIM competition, underscoring the power of collaboration and innovation on a global stage. Beyond academia, he advises communities and small and medium enterprises on infrastructure projects, ensuring development is both sustainable and inclusive.

• PhD in Engineering Management, University of Johannesburg
• Master’s in Construction Management, University of Johannesburg
• Bachelors Quantity Surveying, University of Johannesburg
• National Diploma in Building Science, University of Johannesburg
• Building Information modelling (BIM) for Executives, MODENA

• Mentoring students who successfully completed their master’s degrees in 5D BIM and prefabrication studies. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of education and its role in driving innovation in our industry. As the lead expert for BRICS BIM in South Africa, my collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was a significant highlight, culminating in South Africa winning a gold medal in 2023 and a bronze in 2024 at the international level. These achievements showcased the importance of teamwork and collaboration in reaching our goals.
• Organised various research events on behalf of my centre (SHSCRC), which taught me the value of effective communication and networking within the research community. Additionally, receiving multiple NRF research funding awards has been instrumental in supporting research and development initiatives, underscoring the importance of securing resources to foster innovation.
• Finally, being part of the UJ Digital technical team that successfully launched the UJ Digital platform was a transformative project. This experience highlighted the significance of adaptability and technical know-how in today’s evolving landscape. Overall, these milestones have reinforced my belief that continuous learning, collaboration and adaptability are vital for achieving success in our field.

There are different individuals I know and work with who embody ethical leadership and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility. In their own right, they have made significant contributions to their fields, emphasising the importance of integrity and resident-driven solutions. Their work inspires me to embrace a more inclusive and culturally relevant approach in my own endeavours. Their guidance has shaped my perspective and fuelled my passion for advancing decolonising efforts in education, particularly within the built environment. Their examples remind me of the importance of creating a framework that respects and integrates diverse cultural contexts. Overall, I strive to emulate their dedication and vision as I navigate my own journey.