In the month of April, we celebrate Earth Month under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet” which highlights the role of community action in driving environmental progress. This year’s theme reminds us that stewardship is sustained by people rather than organisations or politics, one such person is the University of Zululand’s (UNIZULU) very own Multimedia Journalist James Thwala.
As the month draws to a close, we shine the spotlight on Thwala from the Communications and Marketing Division. Growing up in KwaHlabisa Thwala observed his mother tirelessly collect cans and was inspired by her dedication. When he began working at UNIZULU, he realised that he too could make an impact by doing his part to save the planet.
On a typical day, Thwala noticed he consumed two canned drinks, he began to wonder about the number of cans discarded by other staff members. As a Multimedia Journalist he attends many events and sees countless cans thrown away afterwards. He decided to collect his cans, those of his colleagues and leftovers from every event he covers. These small actions, he realised could add up to meaningful environmental change – reducing pollution and creating a cleaner workplace.
“There’s a lot we can do at UNIZULU to contribute to a cleaner and safe environment,” Thwala explains. “It’s not only about cans – bottles, plastic and paper can all be recycled instead of thrown away and polluting the planet. We must think of the next generation and preserve the planet for those who come after us.”
His vision for the future is to see recycling bins for every type of recyclable material placed across UNIZULU campuses alongside awareness campaigns about the dangers of pollution and the power of small, repeated efforts to create big change.
Of course, his journey has not been without challenges. “Some people look at me like I’m crazy and ask why I collect cans while employed,” he admits. “But recycling is not about money. Its humbling work, and if you know your reasons for doing it, it doesn’t matter what others think or say.”
His message to staff is simple yet powerful: “Let’s keep our campuses clean, everyone has a role to play and a little goes a long way.”
– Nomusa Mangxa
Pictures: Xolani Ncube
Caption
Feature image: James Thwala envisions a University environment characterised by environmentally conscious staff and students.
