“VUT’s Green Campus Initiative won the Best Behavioural Change and Awareness Programme Award at the 2026 Green Campuses Conference, showcasing sustainability leadership.”
21 July 2026 | Story by: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied
4 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has won the Best Behavioural Change and Awareness Programme Award at the 13th Green Campuses Conference (GCC) 2026, further strengthening its position as a national leader in environmental sustainability. Hosted by the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International: Southern African Chapter (ACUHO-I-SAC) in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the conference took place from 12 to 16 July 2026 in Johannesburg.
In addition to the national award, the Green Campus Initiative secured Third Place in the Best Green Residence Award category, while Ms Tracy Chabalala and Ms Relebohile Masiu received special recognition for their presentation on best practices in campus sustainability.
Bringing together students, sustainability practitioners and higher education institutions from across South Africa, the conference provided a platform to exchange innovative ideas, showcase best practices and explore practical solutions for building greener, smarter campuses. Delegates participated in exhibitions, presentations, panel discussions and the highly anticipated Eco Runway competition.
Representing VUT were Ms Tracy Chabalala, Chairperson of the Green Campus Initiative, and Ms Relebohile Masiu, the Initiative’s Public and Stakeholder Relations Officer, who delivered a presentation titled “Sustainability Through Collaboration.”
Their presentation demonstrated how meaningful partnerships are at the heart of VUT’s sustainability journey, highlighting the Green Campus Initiative’s collaboration with the Department of Residence Living and Learning, student structures, University departments and external stakeholders to promote environmental responsibility across the institution.
Ms Masiu explained that sustainability is about creating lasting behavioural change rather than limiting environmental efforts to one-off activities.
“Sustainability extends beyond clean-up campaigns and tree planting. It is about building partnerships that inspire people to rethink waste, embrace innovation and become active participants in protecting our environment.”
She highlighted several collaborative projects undertaken by the Green Campus Initiative, including projects with Main Residence, the VUT Fashion Police Student Structure and the VUT Printing Department, where waste materials were creatively repurposed into functional products and sustainable fashion pieces.
These innovative creations were later showcased during the conference exhibition and on the Eco Runway stage, demonstrating how creativity and environmental consciousness can work hand in hand.
For Ms Chabalala, sustainability is equally about celebrating successes and learning from setbacks.
During the presentation, she shared some of the practical initiatives led by the Green Campus Initiative, including campus clean-up campaigns at the Vanderbijlpark and Sebokeng campuses, the maintenance of flower beds and the greenhouse hydroponic system.
She also reflected on an unsuccessful seedling cultivation project, describing it as a valuable learning experience that reinforced the importance of continuous improvement and resilience in sustainability work.
Beyond the conference presentations, VUT students played an active role in shaping discussions on environmental responsibility.
Ms Nicole Mpho Ramadimetja Matabane served as a Gauteng regional facilitator during the development of the conference sustainability manifesto, while Mx Kekeletso Ngubeni presented the group’s manifesto to delegates.
Adding a uniquely VUT touch to the conference, Mr Sandile Zac Biyela created an artwork commemorating the University’s 60 years of excellence, symbolising both its rich legacy and commitment to building a greener future.
The University’s creativity was once again on full display during the gala dinner, where VUT participated in the Eco Runway competition.
Mx Ngubeni, Ms Bridget Mkansi and Ms Chabalala modelled garments designed from repurposed waste materials, while Mr Andrew Sambo and Mr Biyela proudly escorted the models carrying the maVUTi flag, showcasing sustainability through fashion and innovation.
The conference accolades reflected the impact of the Green Campus Initiative’s collaborative approach to environmental sustainability, recognising both its awareness programmes and the creativity of its student-led projects.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ms Chabalala expressed her pride in the team and the progress made throughout the year.
“I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to lead the Green Campus Initiative of 2026, and the Best Behavioural Change and Awareness Programme Award proves to me that the work that we have been doing is noticeable. I am very proud of my executive team and all the pioneers of green spaces and sustainability at VUT.”
These achievements underscore VUT’s commitment to embedding sustainability into campus life through collaboration, innovation and active student participation.
The success of the Green Campus Initiative reflects the collective efforts of the Department of Residence Living and Learning, dedicated student leaders, University departments and strategic partners who continue to champion environmental stewardship across the institution.
As VUT celebrates 60 years of Inspiring Thought and Shaping Talent, the Green Campus Initiative demonstrates that sustainable development is not only about protecting the environment, it is also about empowering students to become responsible leaders, innovators and changemakers who will shape a more sustainable future for generations to come.