The Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proud to announce that two of its exceptional students, Nontuthuko Mbanjwa and Sabelo Mpungose, have been selected to represent South Africa in The Justice Journey Trilateral Youth Exchange Programme in Bremen, Germany.
The students departed on 18 August 2025 and will return on 04 September 2025, participating in this collaborative programme with young leaders from Namibia and Germany. This initiative directly aligns with DUT’s Vision 2030, which focuses on producing impactful and globally engaged graduates dedicated to building a more sustainable future.
The 24-month project, supported by the Bremen Development Network (BeN), Wakapinya Environmental Education, and Edge Schools Youth Initiatives, aims to tackle climate justice from multiple perspectives. The participants will develop a Multimedia Toolbox to be used in schools, promoting climate action and incorporating diverse, underrepresented knowledge systems from the Global South.
Nontuthuko Mbanjwa, an Advanced Diploma in Horticulture student, brings experience from her work with the eThekwini Municipality’s Zero Waste team and her co-founded initiative, Think Waste Africa. This initiative, based at the Faculty’s Nursery, was inspired by the vision of Professor Mack Moyo. “This programme will help me develop innovative solutions for climate challenges, foster collaboration, and build a global network of young leaders,” she stated.
Sabelo Mpungose, a final-year Shipping and Logistics student, will lend his expertise to the discussions on supply chain sustainability. “We are working on developing a Climate Action and Sustainability Toolbox which will be implemented in schools in Germany, Namibia, and South Africa,” Sabelo said. “This is a journey that will change my life forever.”
Executive Dean of Applied Sciences, Professor Suren Singh, commended their participation. “We are proud of Nontuthuko and Sabelo for carrying the Faculty’s flag internationally. Their work highlights the calibre of students we are developing, globally engaged, socially conscious, and dedicated to building a more sustainable future.”
Pictured: Nontuthuko Mbanjwa and Sabelo Mpungose.
Silindile Buthelezi
