Prof. Sindiso Mpenyu Nleya is an accomplished academic and technology leader specializing in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, wireless and 6G networks, IoT, quantum computing, and intelligent systems. With extensive experience in academic leadership, research, and postgraduate supervision, his work applies emerging technologies and optimization techniques to address practical challenges in African and developing country contexts.

Actively engaged in responsible AI, ethics, digital inclusion, and sustainable computing, he contributes to advancing computer science education, innovation, and technological capacity in Zimbabwe and beyond.

EDUCATION

• PhD in Computer Science – University of Cape Town

• MSc in Computer Science – University of Zimbabwe

• BSc (Hons) in Applied Physics – NUST, Zimbabwe

• Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education – NUST, Zimbabwe

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems

• Cybersecurity and Network Security

• 5G/6G, Wireless Networks and Cognitive Radio

• AI-Driven Optimisation and Mathematical Modelling

• IoT, Smart Systems and Digital Transformation

• Quantum Computing and Quantum Cybersecurity

• Responsible AI, AI Governance and Ethics

• Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Technologies

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Member, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

• Member, International Association of Engineers (IAENG)

CONTACT DETAILS

Email: sindiso.nleya@nust.ac.zw

Telephone: +2638612004410

Extension: 2335

PUBLICATIONS

1. Sindiso Mpenyu Nleya, Mthulisi Velempini, Policy and Governance Dimensions of AI and Deepfakes (Book Chapter), Mitigating the Risks of AI Deepfakes, Pages 18–36, CRC Press, 2026.

2. SM Nleya, S Ndlovu, M Velempini, Food’s Future: Sustainability and Agricultural Robotics, Frontiers in Robotics and AI 12, 1696483, 2026.

3. S Kanjera, SM Nleya, M Velempini, W Mapenduka, Hybrid Botnet Detection in Internet of Things Using Genetic Algorithms and Light Gradient Boosting Machine Technique, IEEE AFRICON, 1–10, 2025.

4. AW Chigaba, S Nleya, Mpenyu, M Velempini, S Dube, Suku, A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm-Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework for Spectrum Sharing in 6G Cognitive Radio Networks, MDPI, 2025.

5. AW Chigaba, S Nleya, Mpenyu, M Velempini, S Dube, Suku, A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm-Deep Reinforcement Learning Framework for Spectrum Sharing in 6G Cognitive Radio Networks, Preprint, 2025.

6. SM Nleya, M Velempini, TT Gotora, 5G: The Evolution of Wireless Networks and Their Impact on Society, Advanced Wireless Communications and Mobile Networks – Current Status and Future Directions, 2025.

7. Sam Takavarasha Jr, Sindiso Nleya, Dharm Singh Jat, The Proceedings of the 2024 3rd Zimbabwe Conference on Information Communication & Technology (ZCICT), Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 2024.

8. Nleya, Sindiso Mpenyu, and Mthulisi Velempini. "Industrial Metaverse: A Comprehensive Review, Environmental Impact, and Challenges." Applied Sciences 14.13 (2024): 5736.

9. P Phetho, SM Nleya, and Velempini, Mthulisi, Centralized Multicasting AODV Routing Protocol Optimized for Intermittent Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks, Transactions on Mobile Communications and Applications 8, 1–11, 2024.

10. S. M. Nleya and M. Velempini, AI-Based Metaverse Cybersecurity Overview: Innovative Threats, Mitigation and Open Challenges, Artificial Intelligence and Metaverse through Data Engineering, 2024.

11. N. M. M. Khumalo, S. M. Nleya, N. Marabada, S. Ndlovu, S. S. Dube and N. Ncube, Tamper-Resistant Document Management System Integrated with Blockchain Technology, 3rd Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2024.

12. TT Gotora, N Ventura, ME Dlodlo, SU Nleya, Hybrid Predator-Prey Model For Licensed Assisted Access Communication, IEEE AFRICON, 1–5, 2023.

13. S. M. Nleya and M. Velempini, Industrial Metaverse: A Comprehensive Review, Environmental Impact and Challenges, Preprint, 2023.

14. T Zengeya, R Mackenzie, SM Nleya, SS Dube, S Ndlovu, N Marabada, Incident Reporting System: A Case for Bulawayo, 2nd Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2023.

15. S Ndlovu, D Andile, SM Nleya, SS Dube, T Zengeya, N Marabada, Web Application for Reading Water Meters, 2nd Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2023.

16. S Ndlovu, SMG Sitsha, SM Nleya, SS Dube, T Zengeya, N Marabada, Blockchain-Based Electronic Voting: Case of Student Council Polls, 2nd Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2023.

17. Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa, Herbert Chimhundu, Maria Tsvere & Sindiso Nleya, Transmission of Traditional Culture through Digital Technology in Zimbabwe, East African Journal of Education and Social Sciences 4 (3), 1–6, 2023.

18. SS Dube, E Chiwera, SM Nleya, S Ndlovu, T Zengeya, N Marabada, Tomato Leaf Disease Detection System Using Convolutional Neural Networks, 2nd Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2023.

19. SM Nleya, M Velempini, TT Gotora, Modelling Lanchester Style DDOS Attack and Defense, 1st Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2022.

20. SM Nleya, S Ndlovu, Smart Dairy Farming Overview: Innovations, Algorithms and Challenges, Smart Agriculture Automation Using Advanced Technologies: Data Analytics and, 2022.

21. S Ndlovu, S Moyo, S Nleya, S Dube, Precision Fish Farming Systems: A Mapping Study, 1st Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2022.

22. E Shumba, BM Ndlovu, S Nleya, N Moyo, An Assessment of Internet of Things (IoT) Adoption Readiness in Water and Sanitation in Zimbabwe: A Case of the City of Gweru, 1st Zimbabwe Conference of Information and Communication Technologies, 2022.

23. FJ Kiwa, H Chimhundu, M Tsvere, S Nleya, Survey on Developing an Animated Interactive Digital Game Using Computer Tools in Relevance to ICH with Shona as a Vehicle, Inf. Technol. (The) 19, 1–16, 2022.

24. Fungai Jacqueline Kiwa, Herbert Chimhundu, Maria Tsvere, Sindiso Mpenyu Nleya, Findings for an Animated Interactive Digital Game Using Computer Tools in Relevance to Intangible Cultural Heritage with Shona as a Vehicle, IOSR Journal of Computer Engineering 23 (6), 01–11, 2021.

25. S Nleya, S. M., & Ndlovu, Audit of Mathematical Concepts in Pre-colonial Africa, In A. Nhemachena & N. Hlabangane (Eds.), Decolonising Science, Technology, 2020.

26. G Mahlangu, S Musungwini, S Nleya, An Algorithm for Using Internet of Things (IoTs) to Improve Load Management in Electric Power Grid, Foundation of Computer Science, 2018.

27. Nyasha Phiri and S. M. Nleya, Database Assisted Spectrum Sharing, Symposium of Research in the Computing Sciences, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, 2017.

28. S. M. Nleya, Design and Optimisation of a Low Cost Cognitive Mesh Network, PhD Thesis, 2016.

29. T. T. Gotora and S. M. Nleya, "A Collaborative Research Review Platform for Enhancing Project Quality in Universities", UbuntuNet-Connect 2016, Conference on: "Optimizing the Impact of NRENs on Africa's Research." Entebbe, Uganda, 3–4 November, 2016.

30. T. X. Brown, E. Pietrosemoli, M. Zennaro, A. Bagula, H. Mauwa, S. M. Nleya, "A Survey of TV White Space Measurements", Chapter, e-Infrastructure and e-Services for Developing Countries, Volume 147 of the series Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, pp. 164–172, 21 April 2015.

31. Nleya, S. M.; Bagula, A.; Zennaro, M.; Pietrosemoli, E., "Optimisation of a TV White Space Broadband Market Model for Rural Entrepreneurs", Journal of ICT, Vol. 2, 109–128, River Publishers.

32. S. M. Nleya, A. Bagula, M. Zennaro and E. Pietrosemoli, “A Non-Cooperative TV White Space Broadband Market Model for Rural Entrepreneur (Composite Metric)” (Book Chapter – Submitted), Springer-Verlag, May 2015.

33. S. M. Nleya, A. Bagula, M. Zennaro and E. Pietrosemoli, "A Non-Cooperative TV White Space Broadband Market Model for Rural Entrepreneurs (Throughput)", ITU Kaleidoscope Conference, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, 3–5 June 2014.

34. S. M. Nleya, A. Bagula, M. Zennaro and E. Pietrosemoli, “A TV White Space Broadband Market Model for Rural Entrepreneurs”, Global Information Infrastructure and Networking Symposium, Trento, Italy, 28–31 October 2013.

35. Marco Zennaro, Ermanno Pietrosemoli, Sindiso M Nleya and Antoine Bagula, ”On the Relevance of Using Affordable Tools for White Spaces Identification”, 8th IEEE International Conference on Wireless and Mobile Computing, Networking and Communications (WiMob 2012), Barcelona, Spain, 2012.

36. S. M. Nleya and A. Bagula, "Combinatorial Auction for TV White Space Based Networks", UCT Postgraduate Symposium, 2012.

37. Nyathi T, Nleya S.M, Chilumani K.R, "Low Cost Remote Controlled Drip Irrigation Management System for Small Scale Farmers", Proc. of the 5th Appropriate Technology Conference, Pretoria, South Africa, November 2012.

38. Nleya, S., Nyathi T and N Kokera, “Enhancing Crop Production in Zimbabwe Through the Use of ICTs”, Proceedings of the 4th Conference on Appropriate Technology, Ghana, Accra, 2010.

39. Nleya, S. M., Mangena, S. B., Mobile Philosophers Problem, Proceedings of SACLA 2007, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 2007.