Education Faculty intensifies sustainable waste management practices

The Education Faculty proudly celebrated the remarkable success of the second annual CPUT Waste Education Week, an inspiring event that brought enthusiasm and awareness to all campuses, beginning at the Wellington Campus and culminating at the Granger Bay Campus.

This campaign is dedicated to inspiring sustainable waste management practices. Life Sciences Lecturer Wilna du Plessis expressed her pride in launching the second annual Waste Education Week at Wellington Campus, an initiative envisioned by three Life Sciences students in 2023. She acknowledged the enthusiastic turnout and invaluable support from both exhibitors and students. “The way they took part in the activities and poetry competition was impressive. I feel happy and content.”

Throughout the week, the exhibitors, staff members, and students had a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by raising awareness and cultivating a culture of sustainability. The campaign aims to enhance awareness in support of CPUT's goal of becoming South Africa's first zero-waste university through the implementation of a three-bin system and creative approaches to sustainable waste management.

In her opening speech at the Wellington Campus, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Hanlie Dippenaar, emphasised that “this is not just an event — it’s an opportunity for students and the campus community, as future leaders, to truly engage in taking action for our planet”. Dippenaar highlighted that everyone was aware of the challenges “we face: pollution from plastics in our oceans, overflowing landfills, and waste that could have been recycled or repurposed. But here’s the good news — change starts with us. Every small decision we make — choosing to recycle, reducing single-use plastics, rethinking what we throw away — adds up to a big difference."

Prof Andile Mji, Dean of the Faculty of Education, highlighted the importance of waste management skills for his students, who will become future teachers. He emphasised that by providing them with these skills, they are empowered to teach essential practices to the next generation, thereby promoting a more sustainable and responsible society. “This is an initiative that is taking us as individuals forward.”

Reflecting on her overall impression of this year’s events, Dippenaar said: “The initiative is growing stronger every year! I look forward to the project changing waste management at CPUT. This is the way our students of today look after our planet and ensure the next generation will be able to inherit a planet that is alive and well.”

Candice Mostert, the guest speaker and passionate Director and Founder of Waste-ED, partnered with CPUT staff and students, along with support from local government councillors and the City of Cape Town, and developed a meaningful week-long programme. The exhibitors at the event included Waste Management, the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, Burro Tech, Snake Nation, Waste-ED/Nude Foods, BioBin, and various local campus exhibitors.

Mostert said this initiative serves as an important platform for learning, dialogue, and innovation. As the primary hosting partner of the event, Waste-ED is dedicated to the crucial mission of transforming waste into resources. They focus on designing zero-waste systems, providing practical education, and strengthening community capacity—each of which is essential for creating a sustainable future.

Written by Aphiwe Boyce
Email: BoyceAp@cput.ac.za