George Ekama (1949–2023): A man of faith, humility and integrity and a world leader in wastewater treatment

An obituary for Professor George Ekama, who died on Feb 19, 2023 at the age of 73, is presented. George was a well-established world leader in the wastewater treatment field. His research was part of the original biological nutrient removal modeling research which developed at UCT in the 1980s and was incorporated into the famous IWA (International Water Association) Activated Sludge Models. These models have had a profound impact on biological nutrient removal research worldwide. George received numerous accolades for his work over the course of his career. In 2006, he received a National Research Foundation (NRF) A1-rating in recognition of excellent and impactful research in his field. He was one of very few environmental engineering professors listed on Thomson Reuter's 2002-2013 Highly Cited Researchers website.