The second quarter of 2026 marked a transition point across RAMMS: several master’s studies reached submission or final review while new doctoral and industry-linked projects expanded the programme’s modelling capability.
Research approaching completion
Hanno Moes submitted his digital-twin dissertation on the Epiroc Scooptram ST14 and awaited examination. Adam Neethling was finalising his visual-odometry dissertation, while Hloni Manyakoana’s mine-cycle simulation had reached a second internal review. Dion de Villiers’s three-case productivity study awaited final supervisor approval.
Ryno Strydom submitted his predictive-maintenance and digitalisation dissertation. Christophar Chagwedera completed the data and core RAM-C maintenance-sourcing model and moved into the case-study phase.
New model building
Phemelo Selomane began a conveyor-system digital twin with Thungela. Gael Mutombo combined measurements and simulation for vibratory-screen condition monitoring. I’yaaz Kala moved a Cummins engine model into experimental validation.
At doctoral level, Zvikomborero Hweju continued a test-rig-backed digital twin of a diamond core drill. Vincent Kikanga progressed from his completed MSc into shaft-conveyance dynamics and steelwork-integrity inspection.
Across the portfolio the same pattern is visible: connect a physical mechanism to measurable data, validate it in a defined operating domain, and keep the eventual decision in view.