Two North-West University (NWU) students, Makatu Mashanyu and Fhatani Munwana, have been nominated for the national ACCESS Habitable Planet Workshop (HPW) annual awards. These nominations recognise their contributions to science education and environmental initiatives.
The awards, hosted by ACCESS – the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth Systems Science – honour individuals who have made significant contributions to the Habitable Planet Programme.
Makatu has been nominated for the Dumisani Ndaba Award, which recognises long-term impact within the programme, while Fhatani has been nominated for the Right Now Award, which acknowledges outstanding contributions over a short period.
Makatu, an MSc Chemical Engineering student and geology laboratory technician, has been involved with the HPW since 2020. "The HPW community is about building a network of people who are passionate about the planet, and I am grateful to be part of that journey," he says. He has become a core lecturer, social media representative and outreach leader.
His lecture, “Not Too Hot”, which simplifies mathematical concepts, has gained recognition. "Making complex ideas accessible is important, and the HPW has given me a platform to do that," he says. His contributions extend beyond lectures – he has promoted the HPW through social media, organised online engagement campaigns, and represented the programme at national and international events. In 2023, he featured in a short film about the HPW that was screened at the United Nations General Assembly.
Fhatani, a second-year BSc Agriculture student specialising in agronomy and agricultural economics, has been active in the HPW since 2024. "Being part of the HPW has been a transformative experience, and I hope to continue making an impact," she says. She has served on the local organising committee for HPW44, contributed to the first HPW Schools Programme at the NWU, and represents the North West region on the Planeteers Representative Committee.
Both students have contributed to the HPW’s mission of advancing earth systems science education. The winners will be announced later this year.
Makatu Mashanyu.
Fhatani Munwana.
