Graduating, especially with a PhD, symbolises a significant achievement that marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and perseverance.
For Dr Keristena Grewan, it represents the transition from student to scholar, a rite of passage that grants her the credentials and authority to contribute knowledge in the environmental engineering field. For Grewan, graduation is not just an academic achievement, but a personal milestone that reflects growth, maturity and readiness to take on life’s challenges and opportunities.
An ex Maris Stella scholar, Grewan completed her Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and Environmental Management at UKZN in 2014. ‘My journey has come full circle,’ she said. ‘Ten years later, I have completed my PhD at UKZN after returning to continue my studies and reaffirm my commitment to sustainability, particularly in the areas of waste management and policy creation.’
Grewan’s interest in the environment began at a young age, sparked by the 2004 Jakarta earthquake. She failed to understand how scores of people died without any warning system for a natural disaster of that magnitude. Learning about the impact of natural disasters and climate change on agriculture also piqued her interest in geography and sustainability. She joined forums such as litter picking and recycling, but was unsure of how to further her studies in the area of sustainability.
‘I visited UKZN where a course counsellor suggested a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and Environmental Management, and I never looked back,’ she said. Upon completing her undergraduate studies in 2014, she searched for companies that focused on sustainability; Unilever emerged as a leading organisation at the time. She joined the company’s sustainability team, working in their Southern Africa and Singapore locations for over six years.
Over the past decade, Grewan has worked in the global sustainability field – leading ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategies, as well as compliance, waste, water and energy programme management for companies like Reckitt, Bridgestone, Coca-Cola and Kerrygold.
Her current focus is working with global corporations and government (UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme) to support South Africa’s Sustainability Development Goals and targets for a Just Energy Transition through the creation of energy and waste policies. ‘Sustainability is my purpose and passion. While working, my PhD never felt like a burden but rather, a contribution to a more sustainable world.
‘A PhD demands deep intellectual commitment and the ability to manage long-term projects. The intensity of the research can sometimes feel overwhelming, however, there are copious rewards, such as becoming an expert in my field and personal growth.
‘My PhD studies were a transformative experience, and graduating signifies the successful end of this journey and the beginning of a new chapter as a leader in the engineering field,’ she said.
Grewan said SA’s transition to a low-carbon economy, through the Just Energy Transition project, inspired her PhD studies. Estimates reveal that coal provides 80% of the country’s energy mix, while only 0.5% derived from renewable energy sources.
‘My thesis provides a detailed review on institutional frameworks currently in place in support of a Just Energy Transition. My PhD engaged in research that informed policy decisions by providing evidence-based analyses and recommendations towards the transition, perfectly aligning with my desire to make a meaningful impact. I also worked on the Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Review of the draft Waste-to-Energy Roadmap for South Africa.’
Grewan hopes to pursue postdoctoral studies in further support of the country’s Waste-to-Energy roadmap.
She thanked her supervisor, Professor Cristina Trois, for her guidance and motivation; her husband, Daniel Grewan for his love, patience and sacrifices; her parents for their encouragement; as well as God for giving her wisdom and strength.
Grewan, currently a Sustainability Director at a global food and beverage company, aspires to establish an NGO focusing on sustainability education, and support/work with UNEP on the development and implementation of sustainability policies.
Words: Swastika Maney
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini