DUT’s ENACTUS students are making strides in the field of recycling and biodiversity.
The University is part of the ENACTUS Global Network that comprises of more than 1600 tertiary institutions in 38 countries. The team consists of vibrant and passionate young future leaders whose mandate is to change the world by transforming lives, uplifting societies and building dreams. Membership is open to all faculties to students from all levels of study including BTech, Master’s and PhD.
DUT students have formed a team and applied a business concept to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. The non-profit organisation recently embarked on a project of recycling soap, to aid Open Door Crisis Care Centre, an onrgainsation dedicated to helping victims of abuse and violence, those in conflict or dealing with addiction, HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancies and other traumatic issues. ENACTUS-DUT ventured on this mission with the vision to bring together future leaders and to create a better, more sustainable world.
“The idea to recycle soap came from research done by the students that soap used in hotels and lodges is hardly used until it is exhausted and then discarded. The team decided to sterilise the soap and produce various forms of new soap from it, including liquid hand wash, powdered detergent and bar soaps,” said Agnes Mukurumbira a BTech Food and Nutrition Technology student and ENACTUS-DUT member.
Mukurumbira said the group is currently making soap samples and is working on marketing their product to be eventually sold to various shops for low-income consumers. The global ENACTUS organisation also holds national competitions annually in Johannesburg.
This year, on 10 July 2014, 21 teams participated in four leagues. ENACTUS-DUT also participated and competed against the likes of Walter Sisulu University, Vaal University, Stenden University and the University of Western Cape. ENACTUS-DUT made it through to the semi finals, and was placed third overall in the national competition.
Besides scooping third position, ENACTUS- DUT also won numerous accolades in the theme sections of the national competition, winning in categories such as the Triple Bottom Line Sustainability, Business Solutions for Community Development, Capacity Building through Effective Empowerment and Best Application of Technology.
The ENACTUS-DUT team have also recently assisted in establishing a formal carwash in Clermont which employs 14 youths. The carwash uses a green machine that utilises one litre of water to wash cars.
The DUT-ENACTUS team is continuing to help communities to be more self-sufficient and encourage more students to be involved in such worthwhile causes. If students are keen to learn more about the organisation, contact ENACTUS- DUT president Nandipha Gqibithole on 078 916 0744 or email: nandieg5@gmail.com.
– Talent Buthelezi
Pictured: ENACTUS-DUT students are ecstatic upon coming third at the Global ENACTUS Thematic Awards.
