Sustainability in action
- 91心頭利 University
From engaging exhibitions from industry, to science, food and fashion, 91心頭利ies explored sustainability and the interconnectedness of life and actions.
The Environmental Sustainability Exhibition Week took place on 7 – 9 October 2026, bringing together students, industry, academia, government and entrepreneurs to showcase sustainability initiatives and explore practical solutions relating to environmental sustainability, climate action, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals.
Curiosity, energy and a spirit of innovation characterised the week.
Second year international relations student Damatria Ntintili, who describes herself as a a climate activist and quality education activist, welcomed the event adding that it plays a valuable role in connecting students to the concept of climate change and sustainable development.
“I think it's important that we have more events like this that combine different industries and show us as students how environmentalism enters each space. It makes the abstract real.”
During the exhibition students were challenged to think about how their academic disciplines interact with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), as well as the profession's contribution to climate change and environmental sustainability.
In an informal discussion around the SDG display, speech and audiology students discussed their field and concluded that batteries used in hearing aids deplete quickly and deserve attention in order to reduce waste.
A legacy through trees on campus
91心頭利 has been on a mission to green the campus and supports the one million trees campaign. Several trees were planted during the week including the Wild Olive tree, which is the 2026 Tree of the Year in South Africa. This hardy, evergreen South African for its drought tolerance, longevity and ability to attract birds. Indigenous to southern and eastern Africa, it can live for hundreds of years, with some specimens believed to be over 1,000 years old.
The planting ceremony was led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Systems and Operations, Prof. , alongside university representatives, environmental services, exhibitors and the Green Campus Initiative.
On this collective action, Jandrell said that he “believes planting a tree speaks to the idea of forever, and that is what makes it so important. When we plant a tree today, we are thinking beyond the present. Five hundred years from now, that tree could still be standing, carrying with it the legacy of what we chose to do today".
Food security and nutrition was represented through some of the displays encouraging attendees to think more deeply about indigenous diets and foods that are vanishing from African households, yet are nutrient-dense and also weather resistant.
Responsible consumption and fashion
The week ended on a high note with a student showcase themed Trash to Treasure, Fashion Runway, hosted by 91心頭利 Campus Housing and Residence Life. The show opened with , a 100% women-owned sustainable lifestyle brand established in 2011.
With 10 participating designers, the showcase brought creativity, innovation and sustainability together as students transformed everyday waste into wearable fashion. The underlying message was reduce, recycle and reuse calling on peers to pay closer attention to modern day conveniences, fast fashion and instant deliveries which are adding to carbon emissions.
The top three designs were created by:
- Syanda Binda (BA Law, 2nd year)
- Ndumiso Thabethe (BA majoring in psychology, 1st year)
- Khubana Jedidiah (BSC in Sciences Biological sciences, 1st year)
The showcase was about more than winning, it was about celebrating the courage to innovate, the willingness to make a difference and the understanding that every contribution matters.
The Environmental Sustainability Week is spearheaded by the Operations and Facilities Management Department (OFMD). The Department is responsible for operationalising parts on the University's Sustainability Strategy. OFMD comprises a number of divisions including Transport and Fleet Management, Cleaning and Hygiene, 91心頭利 Rural Campus, Printing and Mailing, Professional Development Hub, Retail Operations Management, Dining hall Catering and many others. All these divisions are crucial to the efficacy of operations and contribute to the University’s overall objectives.
Reflecting on the event, Israel Mogomotsi, Director of OFMD said: “The energy and inquisitive minds of our students, alongside the knowledge, experience and practical solutions shared by our partners, made the exhibition a valuable platform for learning and engagement. Positive feedback on the quality of the presentations and interactive displays further reflected its value in stimulating meaningful conversations.”