Scelo Mthembu, a proud Durban University of Technology (DUT) alumnus whose journey is a shining example of the University’s values in leadership, innovation and community engagement. With a Diploma in Tourism Management and an Advanced Diploma in Ecotourism Management, Mthembu has turned his education into a tool for making a real difference.
Mthembu is the founder of the Ecotourism Empowerment initiative, a project rooted in promoting sustainable tourism, conservation, and youth development. Through tree-planting activities, school-based education programmes, and preserving traditional crafts, he’s bringing people together to restore ecosystems and create opportunities for rural communities.
Mthembu shared that DUT equipped him with the skills and values to stand on his own, and to create job opportunities and make meaningful impact on his community.
“One of my significant projects is the Ecotourism Empowerment initiative which promotes youth development, sustainable tourism, and conservation. Through this initiative, we organise school-based events, engaging elders in preserving traditional crafts, and plant trees to restore ecosystems, ensuring that both youth and elders benefit from these efforts,” shared Mthembu.
When asked on why he had started this initiative, Mthembu shared that he had started the initiative to promote sustainable tourism whilst giving back to rural communities.
“I started the Ecotourism Empowerment initiative because I wanted to promote sustainable tourism and give back to the rural communities like Hluhluwe. The most rewarding part is seeing young people learn about conservation and sustainable practices while elders get to share their traditional knowledge. Watching communities come together to improve their environment and livelihood is incredibly fulfilling,” he said.
Mthembu further shared that the initiative focuses on crafts like basket weaving, beadwork, and pottery. The indicated that the community would work with elders to pass skills to the younger generation while finding ways to market the crafts to tourists and modern consumers.
“This ensures that the crafts remain relevant and become a source of income for the crafters. The tree-planting activities has also improved environments in schools and communities by creating greener spaces and helping with erosion and control. Their school based events have educated students about nature conservation and encouraged them to take care of their surroundings. These activities bring people together and inspire them to be part of positive change,” he said.
Mthembu’s goal is to promote ecotourism as a way to empower communities while protecting the environment. He aims to see more rural areas benefiting from sustainable tourism, with young people leading the way. By combining education, conservation, and entrepreneurship, he wants to create a model that can be used across the country.
Mthembu attributed his leadership style to his community projects to his experience as a House Committee Chairperson at DUT.
“Being a House Committee Chairperson taught me to listen and value everyone’s input. I learned how to resolve conflicts, manage different personalities, and create a supportive environment for students. This role helped me develop a leadership style based on teamwork, empathy, and effective communication, which I now apply in my community projects,” he explained.
Mthembu is currently serving as a Vice Chairperson of the Hluhluwe Creative Council which focuses on skills development, career guidance and youth empowerment.
His advice to current students who wish to aspire to make a difference in their communities is to start small. “Focus on the needs in your community and find ways to address them using the skills and resources you have gained. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and always stay committed to your vision,” advised Mthembu.
Pictured: Scelo Mthembu
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