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From mining impact to environmental solutions

02 January 2024 | Story Gerda-Marié van Rooyen | Photo Chris Nelson

Dr Maryam Amra Jordaan, co-founded SA Rebuilders.

Only 16% of plastic gets recycled in South Africa, despite technological advancements. While the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulation of 2021 assigns post-consumer recycling responsibility to producers, substantial efforts are needed to develop effective waste management strategies, heighten public awareness, discover practical solutions, and hold plastic-producing companies accountable.

Prioritising environmental sustainability

Dr Maryam Amra Jordaan co-founded SA Rebuilders with her husband, Yasar Amra, in 2016. By combining 3D printing, chemistry, and plastic recycling, they tackle socio-economic issues while prioritising environmental sustainability. As the daughter of a miner from Kimberley, Dr Jordaan is committed to mitigating the negative effects that industries have on the health, environment, and social aspects of local communities. She was honoured with an Alumni Cum Laude Award from the University of the Free State (UFS) for her work in this regard.

Dr Jordaan’s academic journey at the UFS from 2001 to 2013 includes a BSc in Chemistry and Physiology, BSc Honours, MSc, and a PhD in Organic Chemistry. She dedicated five years to lecturing and research on the Qwaqwa Campus and four years at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). During this time, she authored 19 pharmaceutical and environmental chemistry research papers and won numerous national and international awards. She entered the UFS with dreams of assisting in some way and ended up helping to solve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Remarkable potential for rapid prototyping and supply chain resilience through digitisation exists, but the current energy crisis hampers the full realisation of 3D printing’s potential,” Dr Jordaan explains. Added to this, is the complex endeavour of becoming a 3D engineer. “Expertise in materials science and project management is equally essential. Creativity, quick learning, and meticulous attention to detail are all characteristics necessary to excel as a 3D engineer.”

Seeking out biodegradable product alternatives

Dr Jordaan stresses the need for effective waste management, awareness, practical solutions, and accountability for individuals and plastic-producing companies. Therefore, she promotes reusable and recyclable shopping bags, among others, and instils this behaviour in her children. The Amras actively seek out biodegradable product alternatives, as they are fully aware of the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry.

They incorporated this ideology in the manufacturing process of organic butter by transforming the plastic waste from this process into a 3D filament. This product is currently undergoing SABS testing, after which it will be available to the local market.

News Archive

UFS Prestige Scholar shares her vision on crystallography with worldwide audience

2014-04-24

Dr Alice Brink

Dr Alice Brink, a Prestige Scholar and lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State, was selected by UNESCO to participate, together with some 15 other young scientists from all over the world, in a round-table discussion at the Opening Ceremony of the International Year of Crystallography.

During this event, that took place in Paris, France, Dr Brink could, on stage, share her vision as one of the next generation of scientists.

“The 15 crystallographers consisted of eight young, established scientists and seven ‘young-young’ scientists who are starting their careers. We participated in a group discussion in order for the crystallographic community to better understand the challenges faced by young scientists across the globe.

“It was a great privilege to be invited to be part of this talented and diverse discussion group and to hear the challenges that are faced by young scientists from different parts of the world. It is also comforting to hear that scientific difficulties that are found in South Africa are commonly experienced in both First and Third World countries,” said Dr Brink.

“Crystallography has directly influenced the development of numerous scientific fields such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering and material sciences. More inter-departmental collaboration would benefit greatly from crystallography, as this multi-faceted science provides foundation principles for applied research,” she said.

The United Nations declared 2014 as the International Year of Crystallography, and it was officially opened at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris by the Secretary-General of the UN, Ban Ki-moon.

The ceremony was video-streamed live to more than 500 destinations all over the world.

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