KZN Takes Action on Climate Change with Youth Initiatives

KwaZulu-Natal Government Initiates Climate Change Education Program in Partnership with US Universities
The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) government is taking proactive steps to address climate change by sending young people to the United States for education and training. This initiative follows a series of devastating weather events, including floods in 2019, 2021, and 2022, and a recent tornado affecting six districts.
At the EnergyWaterFoodClimate Nexus summit in Durban, KZN agriculture and rural development MEC Thembi Madlopha-Mthethwa emphasized the province’s vulnerability to violent weather, highlighting the significant impacts on lives, infrastructure, and livelihoods. KZN Premier Thami Ntuli underscored the broader consequences on food and energy supplies.
The summit, co-hosted by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU), aimed to foster global collaboration on resource security and environmental sustainability. The provincial government is implementing several climate change strategies, including land management improvements, water conservation, and sustainable energy initiatives.
Dr. Victor Ibeanusi of FAMU announced 14 scholarships for KZN students to study environmental solutions in the US. Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, KZN’s co-operative government and traditional affairs MEC, confirmed the government’s commitment to sending 11 matriculants from each district for specialized training.
MUT’s acting vice-chancellor, Prof Nokuthula Sibiya, expressed plans to establish a center of excellence focusing on energy, water, food, and climate challenges, with hopes of ongoing collaboration with both local and international universities.