BULAWAYO – National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is once again proving that the impact of its graduates extends far beyond the lecture room, with one alumnus inspiring the next generation of changemakers through the Youth Climate Action Fund.
This week, the strong bond between the university and its alumni community was on full display as NUST alumnus Mr Etienne Sibindi returned to campus in a leadership role, as one of the key drivers of Bulawayo’s climate resilience agenda.
A Civil and Water Engineering graduate, Mr Sibindi, now the Assistant Projects Lead for the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Youth Climate Action Fund, joined students for the launch of Project Isigcino, a youth-led green initiative supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
As he addressed fellow students during a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the NUST Campus Innovation Hub, Mr Sibindi highlighted the importance of young people stepping into leadership roles in the global fight against climate change.
“Young people have an important role in the fight against climate change. Each opportunity you get is a doorway to contribute meaningfully, not tomorrow, but today,” said Mr Sibindi.
His work with the Youth Climate Action Fund involves supporting city-aligned climate priorities such as reforestation, waste reduction, clean energy promotion, and awareness campaigns.
Through this role, he is bridging policy, community, and innovation, an embodiment of the NUST spirit of service, problem-solving, and leadership.
Project Isigcino, created by Blue Horizon NUST, is a student-led water conservation, climate action and sustainability club.
The club is run by engineering students and Project Isigcino, is a practical response to the climate pressures facing the city.
Students are using their technical knowledge to plant trees, promote energy conservation, and restore biodiversity in collaboration with organisations such as Green Hut Trust.
Blue Horizon lead coordinator Mr Takudzwa Zaza said their aim is to reduce urban heat island effects, improve local biodiversity and empower youth as leaders in climate resilience.
“We're on a mission to transform Bulawayo's urban landscape and empower youth to take action against climate change,” said Mr Zaza.
The launch was officially inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. M.E. Dlodlo, who set the precedent by planting the very first tree, an indigenous uXakuxaku sapling, at the launch site.
This act, in the VC's words, "marked a renewed commitment by the university to repopulate its foliage and restore the natural character of its grounds."
