For RB Nemakhavhani, completing his PhD in Construction Management at the University of Johannesburg on 23 July 2025 was more than an academic milestone, it was the fulfilment of a vision shaped by perseverance, purpose, and a passion for sustainable development.

Achieving the qualification within four years of the six-year nGAP programme, Dr Nemakhavhani described the journey as both challenging and deeply rewarding. “This achievement represents years of commitment, sacrifice, and growth,” he said. “There were moments of pressure and uncertainty, but I remained focused on the bigger picture, contributing knowledge that can make a meaningful difference in the construction industry and society.”

His doctoral research focused on how servitized business-model innovations and product-service systems can accelerate the transition to a circular economy in property development. Through his work, Dr Nemakhavhani sought to bridge the gap between theory and industry practice by identifying practical ways to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen climate resilience.

“I wanted my research to go beyond theory,” he explained. “The construction sector has a major role to play in sustainability, and I wanted to contribute solutions that are practical, relevant, and impactful.”

Dr Nemakhavhani credits the nGAP programme for providing the support structure that enabled him to succeed. Reduced teaching loads allowed him dedicated research time, while mentorship and funding opportunities helped strengthen his academic development. “The mentorship I received was invaluable,” he reflected. “It sharpened my research thinking, writing, and publication skills, while the financial support made it possible to attend conferences, conduct fieldwork, and fully immerse myself in the research process.”

Despite the support, the journey came with challenges. Balancing teaching responsibilities, administrative duties, and demanding research deadlines often tested his resilience. Coordinating data collection within the construction sector also proved difficult at times. “There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming,” he admitted. “But careful planning, support from mentors, and staying committed to my purpose kept me going. I learned that resilience and consistency are just as important as intelligence in a doctoral journey.”

Now looking ahead, Dr Nemakhavhani is determined to build on his research by advancing sustainable construction practices, contributing to policy-relevant research, and strengthening postgraduate supervision. He also hopes to inspire future graduates to embrace sustainability and innovation within the built environment. “I want to continue producing research that has real impact and prepares graduates for the future of the construction industry,” he said. “Sustainability can no longer be optional, it must become central to how we design, build, and develop our communities.”

Encouraging current nGAP beneficiaries, he shared a message grounded in his own experience: “Use the opportunities provided by the programme wisely. Engage with mentors, collaborate with peers, and do not be discouraged by setbacks. Every challenge is part of the growth process, and the goal should always be to create impact beyond the qualification itself.”