UKZN Excels at ACUHO-I SAC Green Campus Conference

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) showcased its commitment to environmental sustainability at the ACUHO-I Southern Africa Chapter (SAC) Green Campus Conference, hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg recently.

The annual conference brought together Higher Education Institutions from across Southern Africa to share best practices, innovative ideas and collaborative approaches to promoting sustainable campuses.

UKZN was represented by delegates from the Department of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA), Green Campus Initiative (GCI) ambassadors and student leaders, who participated in workshops, presentations, community outreach activities and networking sessions focused on advancing sustainability within university residences and campuses.

UKZN’s participation was crowned with two prestigious achievements. The University won the Eco Runway Competition, which challenged institutions to create garments from recycled and environmentally friendly materials, demonstrating innovation and creativity in sustainable fashion.

In addition, Mr Funeka Shabalala of UKZN’s Howard College campus was named Green Student of the Year for his outstanding commitment to sustainability and creative contribution to environmental awareness. Under the guidance of Residence Life Coordinator Ms Bongekile Hadebe, Shabalala also designed the garments that secured UKZN first place in the Eco Runway Competition.

Reflecting on the conference, Shabalala said it was a rewarding opportunity to represent UKZN, showcase his creativity and learn from sustainability leaders and students from other universities. The experience strengthened his confidence as a designer, enabled him to build valuable networks and reaffirmed his belief that creativity can be a powerful tool for driving environmental change. Despite having no formal training in fashion design, the recognition inspired him to continue developing his skills and using sustainable fashion to make a meaningful impact.

The achievements at the conference reflect the collective efforts of the Department of Student Residence Affairs and the Green Campus Initiative in promoting sustainable living within student residences. Across UKZN’s campuses and residences, students and staff have embraced sustainability through a variety of programmes that encourage environmental responsibility and behavioural change.

These initiatives include recycling and waste separation campaigns, residence clean-up projects, community gardens, water and energy conservation awareness programmes, upcycling competitions, biodiversity initiatives and educational campaigns that encourage students to adopt sustainable lifestyles. Through these programmes, student residences continue to play a vital role in supporting UKZN’s sustainability agenda and fostering environmentally conscious communities.

Residence Life Coordinator at the Pietermaritzburg campus, Ms Nonjabulo Ntombela, emphasised the importance of broadening participation in sustainability initiatives across the Institution.

“Participating in the ACUHO-I SAC Green Campus Conference 2026 was an invaluable experience for the Department of Student Residence Affairs,” Ntombela said.

“It provided us with an opportunity to showcase the sustainability initiatives taking place across UKZN residences while learning from other institutions. Although our Department has taken the lead in driving many of these initiatives, achieving a truly green campus requires a collective effort. We therefore call on more staff members, students, colleges and professional support divisions across the University to become actively involved in sustainability initiatives. Together, we can build a culture of environmental responsibility and transform UKZN into a truly sustainable university for current and future generations.”

The conference provided an important platform for delegates to exchange ideas, learn from best practices and strengthen partnerships that will contribute to advancing sustainability across Higher Education Institutions.

DSRA congratulated Shabalala on receiving the Green Student of the Year award and the entire delegation on winning the Eco Runway Competition. These achievements reflect the University’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and environmental stewardship, while reinforcing UKZN’s vision of building a greener and more sustainable future.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Supplied