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At the recent Strategic Climate Change Workshop chaired by KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thami Ntuli, Dr Joseph Bwapwa, Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), delivered a compelling presentation on the University’s pioneering efforts toward spatial integration for climate action.
Dr Bwapwa’s presentation showcased MUT’s active response to climate change challenges, particularly its support for the Umlazi Township community, and highlighted the Institution’s potential contributions to broader provincial and national climate goals.
Dr Bwpwa outlined some key achievements, including the successful completion of a climate change short course that trained 38 students, using advanced equipment supplied by German collaborators, supported by Dr Olu Ajayi, the Chief Executive Officer of Siyacanda Energy. Dr Bwapwa demonstrated how MUT’s state-of-the-art facilities enable crucial work in air quality sampling, analysis and monitoring, as well as addressing marine oil pollution and industrial atmospheric waste.
Looking ahead, Dr Bwapwa shared MUT’s ambitious vision to expand training programmes for unemployed graduates and community members in Umlazi Township, alongside specialised workshops aimed at equipping local leaders with the skills necessary to empower their communities in climate resilience.
A significant part of his presentation emphasised MUT’s commitment to the energy transition, particularly through advancing hydrogen production as a clean, zero-emission fuel alternative to fossil fuels, a vital step toward reducing pollution and mitigating climate change impacts.
Despite encouraging progress, Dr Bwapwa acknowledged ongoing financial constraints and called for strengthened collaborations and partnerships. He stressed that such support is essential for scaling up MUT’s climate initiatives and amplifying their impact across KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
“It was a particular honour to have the workshop chaired by the Premier himself,” said Dr Bwapwa, reflecting on the event’s significance. His participation underscores MUT’s growing role as a leader in climate action research and community engagement’, said Dr Bwapwa.