Current and projected research projects, postgraduate supervision and research output for 2022+ are listed below:

Recent Collaborative Research

  • Catalysing Sustainable Futures in Africa: Transforming Engineering and Built Environment Higher Education to Bridge Knowledge and Technological Innovation Gaps, Higher Education Partnerships sub-Saharan Africa programme (HEPSSA), Royal Academy of Engineering, University of Cape Town, University of the West of England, Cardiff University, University of Johannesburg, Namibia University of Science and Technology, University of Botswana, Engineering Council of South Africa, The Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek) and the Chartered Institute of Building, 2024-2025, (GBP 99 970), PI: Mrs K Le Jeune
  • Developing an Afro-centric neighbourhood assessment framework to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of communities in South African urban precincts using Community-based Facilities Management and cyber technologies, Newton Fund, Engineering X, Royal Academy of Engineering, University of Huddersfield, Communicare, 2021-2024, (GBP 79 760), PI: Prof Michell
  • The Impact of Urban Digital Public Infrastructures on Social Sustainability and Inclusivity: Urban Infrastructures Digital Twins, Royal Academy of Engineering, University of the West of England, University of Cape Town, 2023-2024(GBP 5600) PI: Dr Alireza Moghayedi
  • Net-Zero Energy Project (NZEP) Sustainable Innovative Affordable House (SIAH), National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, Sow & Reap, DNK Group, 2023 (ZAR 999 980.88), PI: Dr Alireza Moghayedi, Mr Mark Massyn, Mrs Karen Le Jeune

Past Collaborative Research

  • Evaluating the role of urban smart farming on enhancing the sustainability of food production in African metropolitans in post-pandemic era, Royal Society, 2021 (GBP 5 970), PI: Dr Moghayedi.
  • Initiative Sanitation and hygiene Networking in Jordan (ISNJ), Engineering X, Middle East University, University of Cape Town, (GBP 10 000), Co-Applicant: Dr Moghayedi.
  • Sustainable Innovative Affordable Housing Initiative (SIAH-I), Frontiers Champions, Global Challenges Research Fund, Royal Academy of Engineering, 2020, (GBP 13 750), Champion: Dr Moghayedi
  • Disrupting the South African Engineering and Built Environment education using digital technology to align with the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolution, Newton Fund, Engineering X, Royal Academy of Engineering, University of Cape Town, Anglia Ruskin University, GetSmarter, 2020, (GBP 79 985), PI: Mrs Le Jeune
  • Inclusive and Accessible Public Transport System for Women and PRMs, Royal Academy of Engineering, Newcastle University, University of Cape Town, Cardiff University, University of Nigeria, 2020, (GBP 20 000), CoApplicant: Dr Moghayedi.
  • Interplay between density, design, and wellbeing towards developing resilient cities, Royal Academy of Engineering, Cardiff University, University of Cape Town, Loughborough University, Middle East University, Utopia, 2020, (GBP 20 000), Co-Applicant: Dr Moghayedi.
  • Strategic planning of urban water reuse interventions for community resilience, Royal Academy of Engineering, University of West London, University of Cape Town, Cardiff University, Loughborough University, Monash University Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Covenant University, TEKMANN, 2020, (GBP 19 964), CoApplicant: Dr Moghayedi.
  • Developing Sustainable Affordable Housing for South Africa using Innovative Technologies, Newton Fund, Engineering X, Royal Academy of Engineering, University of Cape Town, Leeds Beckett University, Central University of Technology, NHBRC, 2020, (GBP 79 985), PI: Dr Moghayedi.
  • PIVOT - Re-visioning Peripheral Geographies: Strategies for resilient urban development in the Global South, Frontiers Champions, Global Challenges Research Fund, Royal Academy of Engineering, University of Cape Town, 2020, (GBP 13 750), Co-Applicant Dr Moghayedi.

Short courses

  • 4th IR Technologies in built environment (PropTech, ConTech, FinTech, LegalTech)
  • Construction management, GetSmarter
  • BIM 4 Students

Research summaries for #EBE Talks Platform:

Inclusive public transport system for women in South Africa: 

https://ebe.uct.ac.za/talks/articles/inclusive-public-transport-system-women-south-africa

Interrelationships between sustainability and wellbeing in informal settlements: 

https://ebe.uct.ac.za/talks/articles/interrelationships-between-sustainability-and-wellbeing-informal-settlements

Use of water recycling systems in residential properties: 

https://ebe.uct.ac.za/talks/articles/use-water-recycling-systems-residential-properties

Sustainable innovative affordable housing initiative (SIAH-I): 

https://ebe.uct.ac.za/talks/articles/sustainable-innovative-affordable-housing-initiative-siah-i

Workshops

  • Knowledge Exchange Workshop #1, “Pedagogical Approaches for Integrating Sustainability in Engineering and Built Environment Courses”, AfricaSETi project, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 6 March 2024
  • Knowledge Exchange Workshop #2, “Are Technological Innovations crucial to Sustainability in Engineering and Built Environment Education?”, AfricaSETi project, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, 4 April 2024
  • Knowledge Exchange Workshop #3, “Integration of Technological Innovation and Sustainability Development Skills into Engineering and Built Environment Education in Africa”, AfricaSETi project, University of Botswana, Gaborone, 10 September 2024
  • Knowledge Exchange Workshop #3, “Integration of Technological Innovation and Sustainability Development Skills into Engineering and Built Environment Education in Africa”, AfricaSETi project, University of Botswana, Gaborone, 10 September 2024
  • Knowledge Exchange Workshop #4, “How do we deliver a well-informed, cross-sectoral workforce equipped with knowledge and skills in sustainable development and technological innovation within the context of the Quintuple Helix model, which is essential to drive sustainable development, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving in Southern Africa?”, AfricaSETi project, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 27 November 2024
  • Public Training Workshop #1, AfricaSETi project, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, 4 April 2024
  • Public Training Workshop #2, AfricaSETi project, University of Botswana, Gaborone, 11 September 2024

Awards

  • Sustainable Development Award, Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society 2021, Causality between challenges and extent of use of recycling water in residential properties.
  • Health, Safety and Wellbeing Award, Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society 2021, Perpetual impermanence of urban informal settlements: Improving population wellbeing through innovative changes in the global south.
  • Greenovate Property Student Awards 2021, First and Third Places; Greenovate Property Student Awards 2020, Third Place.
  • Le Jeune, K., Ontong, K., Massyn, M.  and Moghayedi, A. (2023). The Quintuple Helix Model view of South Africa, its Built Environment and technological transformation: laying the foundation for a bespoke educational framework. AUBEA2023 Conference: Creating Capacity and Capability: Embracing advanced technologies and Innovations for sustainable sutures in building education and practice. 26-28 November 2023, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand.  Paper received “Stream Best Paper [Building / Construction Education & Industry]" award
  • Gwabavu, M., Michell, K. and Shakantu, W. (2023) Facilities management and its effect on social sustainability: The context of South African Higher Education Institution. In Proceedings of SEEDS International Conference, University of Suffolk, United Kingdom. Paper received “highly commended” award for “Planning and Sculpting Positive Change”.
  • Moghayedi, A., Michell, K., Mahachi, J. & Awuzie, B. (2023) Developing Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable Housing (SIAH). SEEDS International Conference, University of Suffolk, United Kingdom. Awarded:
  • RISE Award: Best Poster in the “Field and Laboratory Research” Category
  • RISE Award: Highly Commended in the “Sustainable Developments” Category

Keynote Addresses

      2025

  • Michell, K. Invited Keynote address: 1st African Conference on Computing in Civil & Building Engineering held in conjunction with the 25th Conference of Construction Application of VR (ACCCBE2025 + CONVR2025). “The role of technological innovation in achieving net-zero and sustainability in construction projects”, October 2025.

  • Filtane, A. Invited Panel Moderator: 1st African Conference on Computing in Civil & Building Engineering held in conjunction with the 25th Conference of Construction Application of VR (ACCCBE2025 + CONVR2025). “BIM Adoption in South Africa – Lessons learnt internationally”, October 2025

  • Michell, K. Invited Keynote address: 1st Global Scholarship for Sustainable Built Environment Research Conference – _SURE-Built, University of Johannesburg. “The forgotten pillar of sustainability: Unleashing human potential”, September 2025.

  • Moghayedi, A. Invited Keynote speaker: International Workshop on Plastic Pollution in the Oceans, Brazil, September 2025.

  • Moghayedi, A. CIOB webinar: “Robotics in Construction: Revolutionising Productivity, Safety, and Site Operations” August 2025.

  • Michell, K. Invited Speaker: American University of Cairo Facilities Management Seminar on Facility Management vs Community Management: “Community-based facilities management”, January 2025.

  • 2024

  • Michell, K. Invited Speaker: The 33rd International Project Management Association World Congress, Cape Town, South Africa. “The forgotten pillar of sustainability: Unleashing human potential”, November 2024.

  • Michell, K. 4th Annual Africa FM International Conference hosted by the South African Facilities Management Association. Invited Panel Member SAFMA Panel Discussion on “Waking the Sleeping Giant", 20-22 October 2024.

  • Michell, K. Invited Keynote address: WABER & SuDBE Joint International Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa. “Sustainable urban development and management”, July 2024.

  • Michell, K. Invited Speaker: CIOB Members Forum, Cape Town, South Africa. “Community-based facilities management”, June 2024.

  • Michell, K. Invited Webinar: International Council for Building and Construction Research, Presidents Seminar Series. “Sustainable urban development and management in African cities: In search of Birnin Zana”, April 2024.

  • Michell, K. Invited Public Lecture to industry professionals and academic staff of the Namibia University of Science and Technology. “The Role of Technological Innovation on the Sustainability of Construction Projects”, April 2024.

    2022

  • Michell, K. Invited Keynote address: International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering (ICCCBE), Cape Town, South Africa. “The Role of Technological Innovation on the Sustainability of Civil and Infrastructure Projects”, October 2022.

Currently Under Supervision:

Doctoral Research

Professor Kathy Michell:

  • Petunia Gaoalafe (GLFPET001). “Revitalisation of urban heritage sites through community-based facilities management: The Context of Botswana”. (PhD candidate).
  • Aaron Kumbane (KHMAAR001). “Analysing the Operational and Maintenance Strategic Challenges for EffectiveAsset Management: Study on Distribution Systems in Limpopo province, South Africa”.  (PhD candidate). (Co-supervision with Dr Rolien Terblanche).
  • Tshilidzi Nephawe (NPHTSH002). “The role of strategic facilities management in delivering on corporate ESG to achieve sustainability”.  (PhD candidate). (Co-supervision with Dr Saul Nurick).
  • Mandisi Gwabavu (GWBMAN001). “Cyber community-based facilities management (CCbFM): A framework development for improving sustainability in Higher Education Institutions”. (PhD candidate).
  • Uche Ordor (ORDUCH001). “Investigating the response of urban spatial management to dimensions of the production of space in Cape Town”. (PhD candidate).

Dr Alireza Moghayedi (co-supervision with Professor Kathy Michell):

  • Tumelo Ramushu (RMSBOI006). “Assessing the impact and effectiveness of technological innovation in the management of corporate real estate assets in South Africa: A case for digital twin technology”.  (PhD candidate).

Dr Louie van Schalkwyk (co-supervision with Professor Kathy Michell):

  • Johann Andre Pretorius (PRTJOH025). “Adapting Retail Lease Structures for the Omni-Channel Era”. (PhD Candidate, from 2025).

Masters Research

Professor Kathy Michell:

  • Jack Lankalebalela (LNKJAC001). “Critical interlinkages in the facilities management value chain of local government-owned and occupied buildings”. (MSc in Property Studies).
  • Pierre Le Roux (LRXPIE014). “An investigation of the impact of application based online grocery shopping impacted footfalls in Regional and Super Regional shopping centres”. (MSc in Property Studies).
  • Cyril Ludaka (LDKCYR001). “An investigation into the impact of innovative technologies on electricity and water consumption of residential properties”. (MSc in Property Studies).
  • Lungiswa Ntombini (NTMLUN005). “Investigating factors that influence the use or uptake of Green Leasing within Corporate Real Estate Management in financial institutions in South Africa”. (MSc in Property Studies).
  • Romanie Smithdorf (SMTROM002). “An investigation into the effect of hybrid working and flexi-time arrangements for employers and employees”. (MSc in Property Studies).

Karen Le Jeune:

  • Fayyaadh Bassier (BSSFAY001). “Investigating the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) (Automation and Digitization) on Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) contractors in the context of South African Construction Industry”. (MSc Project Management).
  • Zamanje Khumalo (KHMZAM026). “Gender disparity in Construction Project Management Professional Registration”. (MSc Project Management). (Under examination).
  • Zeming Lu (LXXLEO001). “Testing Framework for Measuring Social Value in Renewable Energy Projects” (MSc Project Management).
  • Annitta Musendo (MSNCHI009). “From Talk to Action: Assessing the Role of Industry Events on Sustainability and Innovation in Africa”. (MSc Project Management).

Mark Massyn:

  • Phatela Samuel Lebogo (LBGPHA002). “Rethinking Stakeholder Engagement in Water Services Infrastructure Projects in South Africa: from Engagement to a Resilient Meaningful Engagement”. (MSc Project Management). (Under examination).
  • Moshoane Tafita Phasha (PHSMOS002). “Investigating the role of Project Management Office in local government: Project Management practice in the city of Polokwane”. (MSc Project Management). (Under examination).

Graduated students under supervision:

Doctoral Research

Professor Kathy Michell:

  • Lulama Ngobeni (NGBLUL001). “Using Urban Facilities Management Principles to promote Sustainable Water Management in Informal Settlements in South Africa”. (Doctor of Philosophy, UCT, 2024).
  • Mxolisi Miller (MLLMXO001). “A Collective Self-Governance Framework for Urban Facilities Management Settings: Application at Public Transport Interchanges in Economically Depressed Areas in Cape Town”. (http://hdl.handle.net/11427/39887). (Doctor of Philosophy, UCT, 2023).
  • Kolosa Madikizela (MDKKOL001). “The relationship between diversity, leadership and innovation in the South African construction industry”. (Doctor of Philosophy, UCT, 2022).

Masters in Philosophy Research 

Dr Alireza Moghayedi (co-supervision with Professor Kathy Michell):

  • Dylan Hübner (HBNDYL001). “An investigation of the energy and environmental sustainability impact of affordable net-zero energy house in South Africa”. (MPhil, UCT, 2025).
  • Jeffrey Mahachi (MHCJEF001). “Evaluating the impact of innovative technologies on the delivery and affordability of South African affordable housing”. (MPhil, UCT, 2023). 

Professor Kathy Michell:

  • Reneè Buerger (LGRREN003). “Examining the Influence Facility Managers exert within the Urban Domain: A case study of the Cape Metropole area”. (MPhil, UCT, 2023).

Dr Louie van Schalkwyk:

  • Raphael Madzingaidzo (MDZRAP001). “Investigating the Drivers and Barriers to Implementing Green Building Features and Initiatives (GBFIs) in South Africa’s Private Housing Sector”. (MPhil, UCT, 2025).

Karen Le Jeune:

  • Ann-Marie Ellmann (ELLANN002). “A discussion on how South African women architects experience gendered narratives in their professional trajectories”. (MPhil, UCT, 2023).

Masters Research 

Professor Kathy Michell:

  • Matholi Hlope (HLPBEA001). “Challenges of maintaining highly specialised infrastructure facilities at an institution of higher learning in South Africa”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Shane Jones (JNSSHA028). “Investigation into how Facilities Management has evolved to support the hybrid and remote workplace trends”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Bongani Magagula (MGGBON003). “An investigation into the impact of urban growth on sustainable rural-urban linkages - A case study of Eswatini”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Charmaine Mphahlele (MPHCHA004). “Management of shopping centres located in socio-economically deprived areas”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Lloyd Goliath (GLTLLO001). “Sustainable Urban Development and Management: A case study of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality (Gqeberha)”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2023).
  • Fulata Zimba (ZMBFUL001). “Investigating the Implementation of Facilities Management Strategies Within The Namibian Government”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2023).
  • Anelle Bailey (BLYANE002). “An investigation of the effects of potential electrical load-shedding on facility manager's strategic and operational decisions in industrial buildings: A case study of Perseverance Industrial Township, Nelson Mandela Bay”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2022).
  • Lafras Büchner (BCHLAF001). “Investigating the potential use of existing buildings for vertical farming”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2022).
  • Maria Mberema (MBRMAR004). “Identifying factors contributing to the delay of project timelines in public- private partnerships for housing development projects in Namibia”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2022).
  • Robyn Spolander (SPLROB003). “The critical success factors for landscape management of operations on sustainable urban drainage system (SuDS) projects”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2022).

Karen Le Jeune:

  • Amanda Ndlovu (NDLAMA011). “The Role of Technological Innovation in Overcoming Barriers faced by Women in the South African Built Environment”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2025).
  • JP Swart (SWRJOH018). “Exploring the dynamics and project success factors from a senior management stakeholder group perspective for Digital Transformation Projects”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2024).
  • Andries Thebe (MLDMOL001). “Investigating perception on the use of automated valuation models to appraise residential properties in Pretoria, South Africa”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Lunga Mabovu (MBVLUN001). “Lack of transformation inclusion in the strategic planning of business in the Built Environment Professions in South Africa”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2023).

Dr Louie van Schalkwyk:

  • Ben Brimble (BRMBEN001).. “From Cautious Pessimism to Community Acceptance: An Analysis of the Linkage between Public Participation Records and Community Acceptance of Wind Farm Projects” (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2025).
  • Liezl Emsley (EMSLIE001). “The Legal Complexities of Municipal Property Transactions in the Context of Social Value Creation”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Michelle Scholtz (SCHMIC083). “Regulatory Incentives for Private Property Owners to Pursue Private Embedded Generation Through Solar Photovoltaic Systems”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).
  • Scott Watermeyer (WTRPET001). “The Lessor’s Tacit Hypothec and Accession as Common Law Protection Measures for Landowners in Solar Energy Power Purchase Agreements”. (MSc Property Studies, UCT, 2024).

Dr Krystle Ontong:

  • Tshegofatso Mokgotho (MKGTSH015). “The impact of COVID-19-driven Digital Transformation on Project Management in South Africa”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2024).

Mark Massyn:

  • Shidumo Chabalala (CHBSHI001). “Exploring the behavioural competencies essential for Project Managers to successfully deliver projects in the South African Public Sector”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2025).
  • Kebone Lehulere (LHLKEB001). “How tertiary institutions ensure meaningful participation and engagement with stakeholders for sustainable water management”. (MSc Project Management), UCT, 2025.
  • Ntombifuthi Ngobeni (NGBNTO011). “Benefits Management and its value to the organisation: A study in a structured environment with Technology driven projects”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2025).
  • Sunboy Mpofu (MPFSUN001). “Impediments to the implementation of value management technique in the public sector projects in Eastern Cape”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2024).
  • Luntu Ndalasi (NDLLUN010). “Effectiveness of Project Management Unit at a Local Government Sphere (A case of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality in Mthatha, Eastern Cape)”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2024).
  • Bulelwa Leni (LNXBUL002). “Challenges in adopting a Project Governance system in local government” (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2023).
  • Eufemia Ishitile (ISHEUF001). “The Challenges Hindering Effective Stakeholder Management on Construction Projects: A Case Study of the Construction of the Sesfontein Settlement Area Office”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2023).
  • Rosina Shuuya (SHYROS001). “Stakeholder Management in the Upgrading of the Informal Settlements of Windhoek”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2023).
  • Wilton Antonio (ANTWIL001). “The Nature of Project Management in South African SMEs: A Look at Insurtech in the Western Cape Province of South Africa”. (MSc Project Management, UCT, 2022).

Honours Research

  • Lihle Mlondleni and Asakhe Ngubombini (2024) Enhancing the design process to incorporate sustainability through the application of technological innovation.
  • Warren Weidmann and Tyla Marais (2024) The Implementation of Cyber Building Technologies in Existing Commercial Buildings to Assist Landlords Achieve Net Zero Buildings by 2030.
  • Mutale Kumisuku and Naledi Kgosaone (2024) Bridging Innovation and Construction: Exploring the Adoption of Digitalisation in the Construction Industry.
  • Matthew Bester (2024) Assessing the feasibility and potential application of gravity energy storage in achieving sustainability in the construction industry.
  • Alexia Davids and Kirana Malapermal (2024) Investigating the impact of the adoption of urban facility management principles  and the Smarter City concept on the City of Cape Town’s sustainable development agenda.
  • Yusuf Bobat and Ashraf Lokhat (2021) An investigation into the impact of innovative construction methods on cost, time, and quality of sustainable, innovative, and affordable housing (SIAH).
  • Charlotte Musinga and Tlotliso Pepenene (2021) Investigating the impact of adopting innovative technologies on shopping centre performance.
  • Vuyokazi Mokoena and Tondani Makwarela (2021) Determining the barriers and challenges on developing Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable Housing (SIAH) in South Africa.
  • Jason Fisher and Tshepo Chipu (2021) Investigating the impact of high-rise development on social and environmental sustainability of affordable housing in South Africa.
  • Tristan Fernandes (2021) Investigating the lifecycle cost of Highrise Sustainable, Innovative, Affordable Housing (SIAH) in South Africa.
  • Stuart MacDonald and Justin Sproul (2021) The future of the office portfolio and the real estate industry in a post COVID-19 world.
  • Adeeb Isaacs and Muhammad Yaseen Harnekar (2021) Evaluating the impact of adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM) on the sustainability of construction projects.
  • Tatenda Mundoma (2021) Investigating the sustainability of the University of Cape Town main campus.
  • Devin Sheinbar and Blade Brink (2021) Evaluating the impact of implementing innovative technology on warehouse building performance in South Africa.
  • Jonathan Benfield (2021) Study the financial impact of decentralized/ off grid systems on the sustainability of houses.
  • Bryce Chambers (2021) Investigating the feasibility of innovative automated building methods on infrastructure construction projects.
  • Eric Xiao and Timothy Cleary (2021) The financial and environmental impact of using rooftop Photovoltaics in the South African commercial property market.
  • Barret de Willers (2021) The impact of Green Initiatives and Technology on the Life Cycle Cost of Commercial Buildings.
  • Simbarashe Geza and Ndumiso Dumakude (2021) The impact and effectiveness of thermally activated building systems (TABS) in the sustainability of commercial buildings.
  • Alex Vos and Christian Stehlik (2021) The role of Urban Facilities Management and innovative technologies in improving the environmental sustainability of the University of Cape Town campus.
  • Cailin Donachie (2021) An investigation into the use of cyber technologies to enhance the social sustainability of social housing communities in South Africa.
  • Matthew Skorpen and Keegan Poustie (2021) Investigating urban farming as a potential solution to high CBD vacancies in Cape Town.
  • Anita Ferger and Jared Phipps (2021) A Study to Identify the Critical Success Factors for Quality of Life in Communities using Community-Based Facilities Management.
  • Jan Maré and Hermina van der Berg (2021) An investigation into the environmental sustainability of retrofitting vacant commercial buildings into urban farms: Case of Cape Town.