The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Department of Horticulture in conjunction with the South African Landscaping Institute (SALI) volunteered to give back to nature by cleaning outside DUT horticulture nursery at Steve Biko Campus, on Friday (15 June 2018).

The group of students from the department of Horticulture group of cleaned the garden and landscape of their departmental nursery in commemoration of Youth Month. The enthusiastic group consisted of 12 students. The group used wheelbarrows, shovels, bags and rakes ready to plough out weeds and rid the plants of litter.

A second year student and leader of the group, Mthobisi Mntambo, said Horticulture focuses on plants and taking care of the environment. He added that the cleanup was not only their way of commemorating Youth month (June) but they were also imparting knowledge they have gained in the classroom.

“Horticulture is the science, practise and knowledge of plants and it is basically about taking care of the environment before it takes care of you. We are out here in commemoration of youth month,” he said.

Horticulture group member, Nolwazi Manci, said cleaning the campus yard was all about supporting and acknowledging the heroes and heroines of June 16 1976, and, that they were doing it for the love and conservation of nature.

“Today is about June 16, so we volunteered to clean the campus yard. I really enjoy doing this and as a horticulture student, it helps conserve nature and I would encourage others to joins us in the fight to conserve nature. I would do this every day if I could, this is basically my life,” she said.

The participants were awarded with certificates by the Department of Horticulture and SALI.

Pictured: DUT horticulture second year students volunteering at the horticulture nursery

Tina Shabalala