“Working with my father as my supervisor has been a unique experience,” says Danie Theron, a Civil Engineering student at Stellenbosch University (SU) whose research focuses on South Africa’s coastal regions.
Danie, who will graduate in December 2024 with a MEng (cum laude) in Civil Engineering, has worked closely with his father, Dr André Theron (Senior Lecturer at the Department of Civil Engineering), a respected figure in the field of coastal engineering and a long-serving member of SU’s Faculty of Engineering. Their collaboration comes at a pivotal moment, as Danie completes his degree and his father prepares for retirement.
“One of the highlights has been publishing my first journal paper alongside my father” Danie reflects. Seeing ‘Theron and Theron, 2025’ on a publication is a meaningful achievement,” he says. His father’s guidance has been invaluable, not just in the lab but also during casual moments at home. Their shared dedication to advancing coastal engineering has created memories that Danie will treasure long after graduation.
Growing up in a seaside town and engaging in water sports from a young age, Danie developed a fascination with the marine environment. “The enigmatic nature of coastal dynamics inspired me to study Civil Engineering, with the goal of becoming a coastal engineer or researcher,” he explains. His research addresses a critical knowledge gap in South Africa’s coastal monitoring, where decades of insufficient historical data have hindered effective management of beaches under increasing environmental and human pressures.
Theron’s research led to the development of South Africa’s first satellite-derived shoreline database, spanning nearly 40 years of data from 1984 to 2023. This resource has enabled him to conduct both national and localised assessments, ranging from seasonal shoreline changes to erosion and accretion trends. For example, at Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay, his analysis revealed a significant retreat of approximately 75 meters since 2012, pointing to the limitations of current sand bypassing practices. His research provides valuable insights for policymakers and other stakeholders involved in coastal management.
Danie’s contributions extend beyond South Africa. Using CoastSat, an open-source algorithm, he enhanced its accuracy and applicability, earning recognition within the global coastal research community. “I’m an enthusiastic supporter of open-source software and collaboration,” he says. “Improving CoastSat was both purposeful and rewarding, as it addressed limitations that previously hindered certain analyses.”
Looking ahead, Danie is exploring opportunities for further research and doctoral studies while also considering industry roles as a coastal engineer in Cape Town. “My goal is to apply my knowledge in ways that are both impactful and fulfilling, whether in research or industry,” he says.
Photograph: Dr André Theron and his son Danie Theron captured during a past Department of Civil Engineering prize-giving ceremony.
[Article by Amber Viviers]
