A delegation from Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) Nature Conservation department attended a crucial Waste Management Stakeholders Forum aimed at tackling pollution and waste management issues in Umlazi Township and surrounding areas. The forum, which gathered government organisations, private sector representatives, and community leaders in the waste management industry, was a significant step towards fostering collaboration for cleaner and healthier environments.
The meeting, which took place at Umlazi G Section, on 6 March 2025, focused on developing strategic plans to address the growing challenge of waste management, specifically in urban communities like Umlazi. It underscored the critical need for concerted efforts from all sectors to manage waste effectively, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change. The importance of collaboration across government bodies, private companies, and local communities was emphasized as the key to achieving sustainable waste management solutions. Mangosuthu University of Technology’s commitment to environmental health and the wellbeing of its students and surrounding communities was a central theme of the discussions. It was highlighted that MUT plays a pivotal role in advancing both environmental education and practical solutions for waste reduction.
The Nature Conservation Community Engagement Committee’s participation in the forum was an extension of the university’s ongoing efforts to engage with the local community on environmental matters. One key aspect emphasized during the forum was the need for ongoing assessment and monitoring of the actions being implemented to evaluate the effectiveness of waste management strategies and practices. Dr Melford Mbedzi, Londi Mbuyisa, and Ntombizanele Tshali, all lecturers in the Department of Nature Conservation, represented MUT at the forum. Reflecting on the discussions, Dr Mbedzi noted that the meeting provided valuable actionable insights, forward-thinking strategies, and impactful recommendations on how MUT students and staff can contribute to waste reduction and recycling practices in their local community. “The collaboration between different sectors has paved the way for a coordinated effort to address waste management, which will have a long-lasting impact on the community,” said Mbuyisa.
The forum marked an important milestone in fostering partnerships for a cleaner future. The members of the Nature Conservation Committee agreed that continued engagement between stakeholders is essential for the success of waste management strategies and for achieving environmental sustainability in Umlazi and its surrounding areas.