The Department of Ecotourism at the Durban University of Technology hosted the Msunduzi River Clean-up as part of the institutions’ ENVISION2030 strategic perspective on sustainability of ensuring environmental sustainability, a core aspect at DUT.
The theme of the clean-up event was: Think Global, Act Local. Giving an overview of the event was Janice Naidoo, who is from DUT’s Riverside campus.
Naidoo explained that the project involved the clean-up of the Msunduzi River that runs on the periphery of the Riverside Campus. Students (351) from the Department of Ecotourism participated in this event which is running for the second year as it started in 2023,” she added.
Naidoo shared that the project was a powerful educational experience for the students. “Students gained hands-on knowledge in a natural environment, learned about teamwork, and problem-solving,” she said.
She indicated that the project provided students with valuable lessons about the impact of collective action and the importance of commitment to the environment. “They learned that even small actions can lead to significant changes. This project has also enhanced DUT community awareness about the importance of river conservation,” she explained.
Naidoo relayed that the it was a collective effort by the department. “Every staff member played a crucial role in ensuring its success. Departmental projects as such helps unify the department and builds camaraderie amongst staff members. The project was also made possible by sponsors namely, Aquelle and the South African Health Foundation,” she commented.
Naidoo professed that the objective of this project was to clean up the Msunduzi River and the adjacent open spaces to promote environmental stewardship and community pride amongst students and staff.
Such campaigns, he said, was vital for the DUT community as a whole. “This type of initiative provides a multifaceted learning experience that enriches DUT community academically, socially, and personally,” she added.
She explained that such events raised awareness about environmental issues and encourages sustainable practices within the DUT community.
For student, Busisiwe Joyful Ngcamu, who is doing her Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism, she said that participating in the river clean-up campaign was one of the most fulfilling and truly rewarding experience he had ever had. “Getting together with other students and lecturers volunteering on this initiative felt amazing. It felt incredible to see the immediate impact of our efforts as we removed litter and garbage within a short period of time, revealing the river’s natural beauty. Leaving with a sense of accomplishment, I felt very proud to contribute to such an important initiative for our environment and community,” she said.
Looking ahead, the department plans to continue our efforts by organising more clean-up events, educating more people, and possibly, expanding to other areas. “We also hope to inspire other departments and communities to undertake similar projects. It is hoped that this initiative inspires students to lead clean-up initiatives in their own communities. We also hope to instil life-long learning in students,” shared Naidoo.
The forthcoming projects include the Adopt-a-River Programme, an initiative which will encourage students to take ownership of the local environment by committing to regular river clean-ups. The next project is the reviving of the Tree-Naming Project at the Riverside Campus, to foster a deeper connection between students and the natural environment.
Pictured: Attendees at the much-anticipated clean-up campaign at the Msunduzi River.
Janice Naidoo/Waheeda Peters
