The Durban University of Technology (DUT) City campus staff and students recently embarked on a clean-up campaign to restore the beauty of their campus and surrounding areas.
The clean-up was led by Mr Sibongiseni Mthalane, a technician from the Video Technology department. This initiative aimed to tackle the growing issue of pollution in the area, particularly the surrounding area that had turned into a homeless spot.
The organisers plan to conduct follow-up clean-ups to ensure that the surrounding areas remain tidy and benefit the broader community. Additionally, they aim to engage with local authorities to address the root causes of pollution and work towards a long-term solution.
Mthalane explained the importance of taking ownership of their
Mr Sibongiseni Mthalane leading the clean-up campaign.
environment, stating: “The area outside our campus belongs to the municipality, but they have not been paying attention to it. So, we are taking it upon ourselves to clean it up and make our campus beautiful again.”
He also highlighted the need for a collaborative effort, saying, “We want to create a clean and healthy environment that reflects positively on our campus and the community.”
The clean-up was done by the DUT staff members, cleaners, maintenance department, and students working together to tidy up both the inside and outside of the campus.
Shepherd Xolo, a Lab Assistant from the Video Technology department, who participated in the clean-up, expressed his motivation for his participation in the clean-up event.
“I want my work environment to be clean, and I’m grateful for this initiative. It will make our campus a healthy environment for everyone,” he said.
A Video Technology student, Mbuso Gumede also joined the clean-up, driven by a desire to see his campus clean and to be proud of his learning environment. He hoped that other departments will follow suit and contribute to maintaining a clean and healthy campus.
The clean-up initiative has sparked a sense of community and social responsibility among the City campus. As Mthalane noted: “This is not just about cleaning up our campus, but also about taking care of our neighbours and the environment we share.”
The success of this initiative has set an example for future collaborations between staff and students to maintain a clean, healthy, and beautiful campus environment.
Pictured: DUT staff and students during the clean-up campaign.
Photographer: Nondumiso Sibiya.
Sinamile Sithole
