The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Green Campus Initiative (GCI), under the Student Housing and Residence Life Unit, will represent the University at the 13th Green Campuses Conference, hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand’s Braamfontein Campus from 12 to 16 July 2026.

The DUT delegation will depart on Sunday, 12 July 2026, joining delegates from 20 higher education institutions from across South Africa in discussions on advancing sustainability within the higher education sector. Held under the theme, Advocacy & Sustainability: Smart Campuses for the Future, the conference will provide a platform for delegates to exchange best practices, share innovative ideas and strengthen collaborations that promote sustainable campuses.

DUT will be represented by Green Campus Initiative student leaders from the Durban and Midlands campuses, together with staff members from the Student Housing and Residence Life Unit, including agricultural specialist Dr Harry Swatson.

The primary purpose of attending the conference is to showcase DUT’s commitment to sustainability through the Green Campus Initiative while engaging with delegates from other higher education institutions to exchange knowledge and explore innovative approaches that can further strengthen sustainability across the University.

Commenting on the importance of the conference, Senior Residence Life Officer Ms Refilwe Twala said “Attending the Green Campuses Conference provides us with an important opportunity to showcase the work of our students from the Green Campus Initiarive Student Housing and Residence Life Unit in promoting sustainability across our residences and the wider University community. It also allows us to gain valuable knowledge, exchange best practices with other institutions and identify innovative approaches that will strengthen our environmental programmes and further support DUT’s ENVISION2030 commitment to sustainability.”

The GCI delegation is looking forward to participating in discussions on smart campuses, sustainable residence communities, waste management and recycling, as well as initiatives that encourage environmental stewardship among students.

During the conference, DUT will deliver an institutional presentation highlighting the work of the Green Campus Initiative, including student-led programmes such as the One Residence One Project, clean-up campaigns and environmental awareness initiatives implemented across student residences on the Durban and Midlands campuses. The delegation will also exhibit sustainable arts and crafts created by GCI students, participate in the Eco-Runway featuring garments made from recycled materials, present a conference paper and facilitate a workshop.

The conference is also expected to provide valuable networking opportunities with sustainability practitioners, staff and student leaders from institutions across the country. The knowledge and experience gained will help strengthen the Green Campus Initiative, enhance sustainability programmes within student residences and inspire more students to become champions of environmental sustainability initiative.

As the delegation prepares to represent the University, the Green Campus Initiative has encouraged the DUT community to recognise that sustainability is a shared responsibility. By making environmentally conscious choices, every member of the University community can contribute to building a greener and more sustainable future.

The 13th Green Campuses Conference will bring together delegates from 21 higher education institutions across South Africa:

• Durban University of Technology (DUT)
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
• Capricorn TVET College
• Central University of Technology (CUT)
• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU)
• Stellenbosch University
• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• University of Fort Hare (UFH)
• University of Johannesburg (UJ)
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• University of Limpopo (UL)
• University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
• University of the Free State (UFS)
• University of the Western Cape (UWC)
• Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
• University of Venda (Univen)
• Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

Pictured: The Student Housing and Residence Life Unit are set to be part of the University at the 13th Green Campuses Conference.

Sinamile Sithole