The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is looking at innovative solutions to solve climate change and the problems as a result of it such as drought and extreme weather.
Heeding a clarion call by the African Union, “Agenda 2063, the Africa we want” has resulted in Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching & Learning, with an endorsement Professor Babatunde Bakare, acting Dean in the Faculty of Engineering, launching a Women in Climate Change mitigation project. “Women are usually at the coal face of global warming issues as they are the ones that bear the grunt during difficult times. It is for this reason that we have launched this first forum that is informed by evidence-based research. It is not a random selectin of ideas, but a thought-leadership forum aimed at enhancing knowledge on how as a collective we can contribute to the Africa we want”, said Sibiya.
During the entire Africa month, MUT’s Women in Climate Change Mitigation have held round-table discussions aimed at solving problems such as pollution, hunger, disease, poor infrastructure, and unemployment. Climate change has an impact on all these issues especially in Africa and MUT has activities throughout the month to do with climate change.
Some of the highlights of the Africa month include the launch of MUT Climate Change mitigation project on 19 May 2023 with MUT joining a few universities in Africa to tackle climate change. One of these universities, St Monica’s College of Education will soon be a partner with MUT and has a Vice-Chancellor that is as passionate about climate change mitigation like MUT.
Closing out Africa month, were a group of five women whose research has intersected around climate change. They are Dr Thobeka Makhathini, senior lecturer Chemical Engineering, Dr Xolile Mkhize, senior lecturer in Community Extension, Dr Bongiwe Mvuyana, acting head of department, Public Management and Ms Xolile Ngubane, acting director in the Technology Station in Chemicals. Their work and research focus on air pollution, food security, human settlements and unemployment. They will be on 1KZN and on YouTube on 31 May 2023.