Forty (40) DUT students will attend the five-day Green Campus Initiative (GCI) Annual Conference at the University of Western Cape.

The conference will take place from Sunday, 28 June 2015, to Thursday, 2 July 2015. For the past three years since inception, the conference has taken place at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The conference allows participating universities to report on what they have done towards greening their environments and exchange ideas on their programs, to name but a few.

“We (DUT) will have the largest number of delegates at the conference. In the previous year (2014), we went with 22 delegates and this year, we have added 20 more. The campaign at DUT has been receiving positive feedback from students as we grow with each passing year. The things that the GCI at the University has done are an indication that we are improving and growing,” said Siyanda Dube, DUT GCI Chairman.

GCI DUT was launched in 2012 with the aim of promoting climate change interventions at the University. A year later (August 2013), DUT was named the best Institution with a Green Campus Initiative in the African Green Campus initiative. DUT scooped the award after Dr Blade Nzimande, Higher Education and Training Minister, called on leaders of colleges and universities to sign the Climate Change Commitment Pledge.  According to Dr Nzimande, campuses that address climate challenge serve students better and also help in creating thriving and ethical societies.

The DUT GCI has done various marches and campaigns and embarked on projects such as the solar charging systems which were installed at all DUT campuses. The University’s GCI not only focusses on recycling but energy saving and sustainable living as well.

“We are always delighted to attend the conference because we get more exposure which assists us to improve our work as the GCI at DUT. This year, we are looking forward to the fashion show. The winner will be chosen on the basis of their garments being aligned with environmental friendliness. We are also eager to take part in the community outreach projects that have been planned during the conference,” said Mfaniseni Mnguni, Recycling Officer.

– Noxolo Memela

Pictured: DUT GCI delegates before departing Durban for the Western Cape where this year’s GCI Annual Conference will take place.