Mr. Luthando Dayimani SRC Second Semester Report 2018

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 Luthando Dayimani
Luthando Dayimani

RU Environmental Committee Meeting

Date:              Wednesday, 11 April 2018

The Rhodes University Environmental Committee was born out of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary academic forum for the environment which established an Environmental Programmes Committee in 2002, and was re-constituted in 2006 as a fully-fledged Senate sub-committee. The Rhodes University Environmental Committee deals with environmental management and curriculum issues related to environmental concerns, while acknowledging that curriculum issues are primarily the responsibility of the Faculties.

Rainwater tank maintenance project.

The SHE Officer presented a proto-type pre-filtering system designed by Mr J Stapleton. The filtering system would require little maintenance and had been designed to be a self-cleaning system. A funding application of R650 000.00 had been submitted to the Communications and Advancement Division to assist with the rainwater tank maintenance project. It was noted that the contractor installing the filter would be asked to pump out existing water into holding tanks and to clean out the tanks. The filtering system would also be available to the public at a cost of roughly R450.00

[I am still waiting for the feedback from this meeting and if the proto-type filters will be made available and purchased through the green fund]   -However I am also thinking of connecting with the environmental next term when the academic schedule is manageable if it would be possible to maybe get each residence to raise funds to purchase their own filter-systems. As the green fund cannot provide for all the rank water tanks on campus.

Drought Buster Shower Workshop

DATE: Saturday 3 March from 2.30pm until approx. 3.30pm

 

This particular workshop was held at the RU environmental Centre by Eden Groove. The purpose of the workshop was to learn how to make the “drought-buster shower” (a water-saving shower made from used 5 litre plastic bottles)

The workshop was attended by a handful of environmental reps. Regardless of the poor attendance the workshop continue as usual and the individuals who were there really enjoyed the workshop and working together. The workshop was also an opportunity for myself to familiarize myself with the environmental reps as the “new” environmental councilor. Nikki Kohly who helped organize the workshop was also impressed with those who made it to the workshop and how the workshop gave everyone the opportunity to get to know each other. The main purpose of the workshop was to encourage the environmental reps to find and bring awareness to water issues and saving water strategies - However in the future the workshop could be advertised more and the environmental reps should be held countable for not attending environmental workshops.

Every drop counts

Date: 11 April 2pm to 4:30 pm

This particular workshop was held at the RU Community Engagement Centre is was attended by a handful of environmental reps, event was advertised well in advanced and individuals were asked to RSVP and meals where provided for them. The workshop however continued as normal and those who were there were also participating in a research project, which was a quick survey they had to complete. The workshop also gave insightful information about the water crisis in Grahamastown and how it is being managed and who will be affected by the water crisis. The main aim of the workshop was to encourage environmental reps to find innovative ways to encourage fellow peers to save water within their residences. Furthermore it was also the opportunity for us to get together as the environmental portfolio to discuss our visibility on campus and how we are working as a collective in achieving our environmental objectives.

Ubuntu Skate Fingo Square Clean

Date 20 March 9:30 to 12:30

Ubuntu Skate is a nonprofit organization run by RU students. The organization aims to help underprivileged children from our community (Rhini) to find innovate and creative ways to empower themselves through creative arts (skateboarding, art, dance and academically). The organization was asked by the Fingo Village Library to help clean up Fingo Square as it was trashed during the roadworks strikes. The organization agreed and also asked for the SRC, student body and community to help. The event was well attended by the public and students from RU, the cleanup of Fingo Square was a success as it happened on Sunday and it was out of central town. Ubuntu Skate will be having another event on the 2nd of June at Fingo Square and the SRC will be present to handover donated clothing.

Upcoming events:

Will be communicated in due time and the necessary protocol will be taken. However for now I cannot confirm any future events as our internal structures need to come to an agreement on upcoming events and how to ensure their attendance and planning.