UWC Students Champion SDGs in Library-hosted Competition, Leading the Way in Advancement
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) Library recently celebrated South African Library Week by highlighting the pivotal role students play in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Under the theme “Libraries Foster Social Cohesion,” UWC hosted a national webinar and a student competition that showcased the creativity and passion of its students in addressing global developmental challenges through research.
Recognising that today’s students are the driving force behind a more sustainable future, the UWC Library launched a competition inviting students to explore the connections between their research projects and the SDGs. The competition received an overwhelming response, with numerous poster design and essay writing categories entries.
“The level of engagement and innovative thinking displayed by our students was truly inspiring,” said Professor Jose Frantz, UWC’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation.
“Their projects not only reflect their ingenuity but also their unwavering belief in the power of education and community engagement to drive meaningful change.”
The UWC community came together at a special event to honour the winners and organisers of the SDG Competition. Prof Frantz added: “Our students have demonstrated their commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world.”
She also commended the dedication and innovation displayed by the participants and organisers. “Their efforts are a testament to the transformative power of education and the crucial role libraries play in fostering social cohesion and supporting initiatives aligned with the SDGs.”
The competition took place during South African Library Week (SALW) 2024 activities on campus. The competition aimed to foster engagement with the SDGs agenda and promote the library as a hub for co-curricular activities and holistic student experiences.
The winners in the poster category were:
- Nosipho Magoxo
- Zaria Williams
- Nabilah Ebrahim
Clinical supervisor for the Occupational Therapy Department, Zaria Williams said the research poster aimed to analyse the correlation between a pressing social issue in Fisantekraal – the lack of personal identification documents – and the specific SDGS such as;1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8.
In the essay category, the top three positions were:
- Yuvir Naidoo and Ryan Bird (tied for first place)
- Nosipho Magoxo
- Vashna Rampersad
Ryan Bird from the Institute of Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics, Department of Biotechnology said the essay research focused on characterising bacterial oxalotrophs in termite mounds called ‘heuweltjies,’ which are common in the Swartland region and the Global Impact on SDG 2, 13 and 17.
Through initiatives like the SDG Competition, the UWC Library reinforced its position as a hub for co-curricular activities and holistic student experiences.
By providing access to information, promoting environmental awareness and addressing socio-economic disparities, libraries serve as catalysts for positive change, empowering students to take ownership of their role in shaping a better future.
As the world continues to grapple with global challenges, events like these remind us that the key to achieving the SDGs lies in engaging and empowering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers – our students.
“In order to live the broader SDGs agenda, the Research Support staff in the library have also incorporated SDG themes in their KPAs,” said Mr Nqotole.