The Green Campus Initiative (GCI) from the Student Housing and Residence Life Unit in collaboration with the Vuna Leadership Academy and Durban Solid Waste conducted a Clean-up Campaign on Saturday, 01 October 2022.
The campaign was initiated by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) GCI, the Student Housing and Residence Life , in collaboration with the Vuna Leadership Academy at DUT and Durban Solid Waste. This Student-led initiative is aimed at raising awareness about the existing environmental sustainability challenges and encouraging students to actively participate in the quest to reduce waste on campus.
The purpose of the day was provided by Mr Phumlani Mnyango, Manager: Student Housing and Residence Life who alluded on the importance of such initiatives in times of ever-increasing temperatures, natural disasters’ and pandemics.
“The role of education, and particularly a DUT qualification, is to equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills that you can apply to solve societal challenges and our communities in a sustainable way. For students to come on a Saturday and actively participate in this initiative shows their willingness to contribute to the change, not only of our campuses, but the region and the greater society,” explained Mnyango.
The Clean-up Campaign started with an hour segment, with various speakers engaging about the importance of recycling and environmental sustainability.
The DUT Dean of Students, Dr Clement Moreku spoke on Environmental Sustainability in alignment to the ENVISION2030.
Dr Moreku said that this initiative is an example of the quest to the realisation of ENVISION2030 in many ways.
“At the center of the Clean-up Campaign is the drive for students to take initiative and contribute positively to the environment. The Stewardship perspective succinctly outlines the vital need for the creation of platforms for students to use their own knowledge and skills to pave a future that is inclusive and sustainable. More so, the sustainability perspective speaks of Green Eco-Systems,” he said.
Dr Moreku challenged students to come up with Green innovative and entrepreneurial ideas on how to reverse this challenge, whilst contributing to the economy of South Africa and the world at large as shared accountability is important. “Let us do it – The DUT Way,” said Dr. Moreku.
Other speakers;
Lindokuhle Mtshali (GCI Secretary)- The role of Green Campus Initiative (GCI) in Greening the campus
Siphelele Msibi (Vuna Leadership Academy Representative)- Environmental consciousness and commitment to sustainability
The Durban Solid Waste (DSW) was represented by Ms. Nokwazi Benede: Acting Education Officer. Ms Benede urged students to take care of the environment and engage in dialogues and debates on how they can reverse or slow down the climate change.
The DUT’s Registrar, Dr Maditsane Nkonoane was also in attendance to support and participate in the student lead initiative.
The first session was then followed by a campus clean-up walk about. Students were split into three (3) groups, cleaning the Steve Biko, Ritson, ML Sultan Campuses and surrounding areas.
“This is the first of many initiatives, the ultimate goal is for the GCI to create systems on how the university and particularly students, can create third-stream income through recycling and waste management,” concluded Ntuli, passing his remarks as the GCI Chairperson.
Pictured: GCI Executive Committee and the Dean of Students.
Makhosazana Twala
