Clothing Management second-year students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) led a Sustainability Awareness Campaign, which ran for three days starting from 08, 13 and 15 August 2025 across all Durban campuses as part of their Project-Based Learning (PBL) initiative titled Reimagine Denim: A Circular Apparel Consumption Initiative
The campaign highlighted the environmental impact of textile waste, particularly denim, and promoted sustainable practices and consumer awareness. As part of their outreach, the students visited all five DUT Durban campuses.
The campaign focused on the harmful effects of textile waste, with denim being one of the most polluting fabrics in the fashion industry. Denim requires large amounts of water and energy during production and, when discarded, adds to the growing problem of environmental pollution. Through this project, students aimed to educate the DUT community and encouraged environmentally conscious behaviour.
Awareness stands were set up on campus to engage students and staff in conversations about denim waste, its impact on the planet, and how small actions could contribute to sustainability. As part of this effort, students asked their peers to donate unwanted or defected denim garments, which will then be repurposed or upcycled to give them a new life.
Lecturer Winiswa Mavutha, who teaches Apparel Technology, explained that the whole point of the campaign was for students to collect denim around campus and upcycle it into different products. She highlighted that the process of upcycling involves turning an old denim jacket or pair of jeans into something new through restyling, redesigning, adding trims, dyeing, or other creative techniques. The idea is to bring new life to old items while minimising waste. Instead of throwing away denim and contributing to pollution, the project gives garments back to their owners in a refreshed form, showing that fashion can be both sustainable and stylish. According to Ms Mavutha, this initiative teaches students practical ways of managing textile waste while also promoting sustainability in the clothing industry.
Second-year Clothing Management student Ngcobo Ndabenhle expressed that the campaign was about more than just fashion. For him and his classmates, it was a chance to make sustainability a lifestyle and to show that the clothing industry can move away from wasteful habits. He explained that the main goal was to spread awareness, minimise waste, and inspire students to take small steps that can make a big difference for the planet.
The students have already received positive feedback, with many agreeing to donate denim items. One of the students who donated, Farzana Bayat, a third-year Civil Engineering student, said she decided to contribute because she no longer uses her denim clothing. She believes that giving it a new purpose through upcycling is the best option rather than keeping it unused or throwing it away. Her contribution reflects the campaign’s growing success in building a culture of recycling and responsible fashion choices on campus.
Tutor for Project-Based Learning, Kiara Ramdial, expressed her excitement about the campaign. She noted that it was inspiring to see students actively engaging their peers, staff, and the wider campus community. She emphasised that the campaign was more than just collecting denim; it was about educating people on the environmental effects of denim waste and encouraging a shift towards sustainable practices. She added that the real success of the project lies in whether the message of sustainability is understood, embraced, and acted upon.
Project leader and lecturer Nokwanda Biyase added that the initiative responds directly to the institutional call from CELT to adopt Project-Based Learning. “This decision has been one of the best for our programme. It not only raises awareness and shifts consumer behaviour, but also aligns with DUT’s Envision 2030 strategy, which places sustainability at the heart of university activities,” she said.
Biyase praised the students commitment to global climate action and sustainability goals. “Our students are contributing to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13), Climate Action, (SDG 12), Responsible Consumption and Production, and (SDG 17), partnerships for the Goals, while also aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063 aspirations. We are proud of their innovation and sense of responsibility,” she explained.
She further acknowledged strong industry partnerships formed through the project, including with the Mr Price Group, where Sustainability Director Natasja Embriosi shared critical insights into industry challenges. As part of their support, a denim collection box has been placed at the Mr Price Apparel Head Office.
Biyase concluded by thanking CELT for their support and said the students efforts will culminate in an exhibition later this semester, showcasing the outcomes of their creativity, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
Pictured: DUT second-year Clothing Management students with their tutor and lecturer at Steve Biko Campus, driving the Denim Sustainability Campaign to promote upcycling and eco-friendly fashion.
Pictured: DUT second-year Clothing Management students with their tutor and lecturer at Steve Biko Campus, driving the Denim Sustainability Campaign to promote upcycling and eco-friendly fashion.
Photographer: S’bonelo Dlamini
Sinamile Sithole
