A staff member of the Department of Nature Conservation said he was “deeply honoured” to have received the Gold Award in the Community Engagement Awards. Dr Sibonelo Thanda Mbanjwa, a Lecturer in the department and a major contributor to this publication, said the recognition was “a collective victory that highlights the power of collaboration, dedication, and shared vision,” adding that community engagement has always been at the heart of his academic and professional journey. It reflects a commitment to using knowledge, research, and innovation to uplift and empower communities while addressing pressing social and environmental challenges.
This award reaffirms the importance of partnerships between the University, local schools, community organisations, and civic stakeholders in driving meaningful change. He said it serves as a reminder that sustainable solutions emerge when diverse voices are brought together, and communities are active participants in shaping their own development.