On 19 August 2025, the university hosted a transformative sustainability workshop aimed at strengthening pathways for female students into impactful careers. With support from the British Council South Africa, the event created an inspiring platform for students to engage with practitioners, explore career options, and build the skills required to drive meaningful change.
The workshop brought together 65 participants from the Faculties of Humanities and Economic and Management Sciences, many of whom are pursuing qualifications in communication and business-related fields. The atmosphere throughout the morning was one of purpose and possibility, as students connected their academic journeys to the pressing challenges and opportunities in the world of sustainability.
Professor Venora Leenderts opened the event with a warm welcome and a powerful message on women in leadership.
A highlight of the morning was the address by Vinay Rajah, Higher Education Consultant at the British Council South Africa. Reflecting on her experience of the workshop, she shared:
“It was truly heart-warming to look out at this sea of young women in the audience and to get that intuitive feeling that the work being done on the ground is indeed impactful and changing lives, one young participant at a time. As clichéd as it may sound, it speaks directly to our Country Director George Barrett’s vision for the initiatives we engage in – seeking tangible, measurable impact. The British Council is not just a funding agency; we are committed to making a fundamental difference in the lives we are fortunate enough to touch.”
Guest practitioners Cathie Lewis (Head of Impact at GCX) and Lize Brand (Discipline Lead: Organisational Sustainability at Zutari) led the central session of the workshop, titled "In the Shoes of a Sustainability Practitioner". Through engaging discussions, they introduced students to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Doughnut Economics framework, and real-life examples of sustainability in action. The session included a practical case study and group exercises designed to help students explore how their academic backgrounds can align with real-world sustainability roles.
Feedback from students was a powerful reminder of why these initiatives matter:
“I don’t have to limit myself to one box. I can branch out into initiatives that make a difference in the world,” said Tabane Matabane, a BCom Financial Accountancy student.
“Listening to women leaders and being in a room full of women made me feel empowered — I can do this,” said Kara Viljoen, a BA Honours Corporate Communications student.
Vinay Rajah closed her reflections with a message of encouragement:
“My engagements with some of the participants after the workshop left a huge impact on me personally. Louise, you’ve done a great job by putting your students at the heart of all that you do. Kamogelo is just one example of that.”
This event was made possible through the support of the British Council, whose commitment to building equitable opportunities in higher education continues to create spaces where young women can thrive. The workshop forms part of a broader initiative to prepare students for sustainable futures by expanding their knowledge, skills, and professional networks.
