The University’s efforts at mitigating the negative effects of climate change have received a massive boost. On 19 February 2025, the University hosted a UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transition) delegation that ran a workshop on climate change-related issues. UK PACT is funded by the UK government through its International Climate Finance (ICF) portfolio. Dr Buhlebakhe Msomi, Senior Director: Operations at MUT, said the UK PACT programme is a partnership between the South African and UK governments, with key partners including NEPAD Business Foundation, Siemens, GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion), AWEaP (African Women in Energy and Power), Letsema Consulting and DHET. The UK PACT programme is part of the development of climate action plans for South African universities. MUT is among six universities participating in this landmark project.
Zama Siqalaba, NEPAD Business Foundation, said the UK and South Africa are committed to working together to accelerate climate action, and focus on sustainable jobs. The UK PACT funds technical assistance and capacity building projects to support just energy transition. “The main purpose of UK PACT is to address barriers to just energy transition – electricity pricing, municipal business models, leveraging greater green investment, developing climate strategies for universities. Siqalaba also said UK PACT supports activities strategically aligned to national priorities and key policy areas.
The UK PACT workshop focused on sustainability, climate change, and the Siemens Smart Compass methodology. Dr Msomi said that the workshop addressed key challenges, interventions, and explored the six component dimensions. Critical departments like Infrastructure, Maintenance, IT&N, and Finance participated, going forward other internal stakeholders involved in climate related research will also form part of this initiative.