Prof. Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu

Prof. Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu

NRF Rating: C2 Associate Research Professor
Qualifications: Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Professional Background

Prof. Thywill Dzogbewu is an NRF C2-rated Associate Research Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the Central University of Technology (CUT), recognised as a leading authority in materials engineering, advanced manufacturing, and engineering business management. His academic identity is defined by a distinctive 360-degree, multidisciplinary research philosophy.

Rather than confining his inquiry to a single discipline, he integrates mechanical engineering, materials engineering, health sciences, and business management into a unified research strategy. This approach bridges the "valley of death" between academic discovery and commercialisation. His research spans laser powder bed fusion, shape memory alloys, 4D adaptive structures, titanium alloys for orthopaedic implants, and platinum group metals for decarbonisation.

In the biomedical space, his work has enabled the local production of customised prosthetics, reducing South Africa's reliance on costly imports. On the engineering and sustainability front, his research on the development of Metal Matrix Composites and AB₂ alloys is set to drive localisation in the South African mining sector and advance the hydrogen economy.

Professional Leadership & Service

Beyond research, Prof. Dzogbewu serves as Track Director for Materials Development at RAPDASA, Associate Editor of the South African Journal of Science, and guest editor for international MDPI journals — making him a transformative figure in South Africa's innovation and advanced manufacturing landscape.

Areas of Expertise

  • • Materials Engineering
  • • Mechanical Engineering
  • • Manufacturing Engineering
  • • Engineering Business Management
  • • Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing
  • • Biomaterials & Orthopaedic Implants

Selected Publications

Top Journal Articles

Top Conference Presentations

  • • Adam, I, Dzogbewu, TC, Combrinck, J and du Preez, W. (2022). Laser powder bed fusion of Co-Cr: a material comparison. RAPDASA-RobMech-PRASA-CoSAAMI Conference, MATEC Web of Conferences 370, 11002.
    https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202237011002 →
  • • Chibinyani, MI, Dzogbewu, TC, Maringa, M and Muiruri, A. (2023). Lattice and natural cellular structures in engineering designs built via additive manufacturing. RAPDASA-RobMech-PRASA-AMI Conference Proceedings.
  • • Dzogbewu, TC, Amoah, N, Jnr, SA, Fianko, SK and de Beer, DJ. (2022). Additive Manufacturing Interventions during the COVID-19 Pandemic: South African perspectives. RAPDASA International Conference, Somerset West, South Africa.
  • • Dzogbewu, TC, Whitehead, T, de Beer, DJ and Torrens, G. (2023). Adoption and use of customized wheelchairs manufactured for persons living with disability. International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED).
  • • Dzogbewu, TC and de Beer, DJ. (2023). The role of PGMs in decarbonizing the atmosphere: Additive manufacturing in perspective. International Conference on Advanced Manufacturing and Materials.

Contact Us
Prof. Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu

Prof. Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu

tdzogbewu@cut.ac.za