South Africa has officially launched an ambitious international higher education collaboration through the Erasmus+ Programme titled FUTURE21, a project valued at €800,000 and designed to transform how universities teach sustainability and address socio-ecological challenges.
Running from 2026 to 2029, the initiative is led by Nelson Mandela University, with UMP serving as a key partner. International collaborators include Häme University of Applied Sciences in Finland and the University of Inland Norway. South African partners also include Forestry South Africa, the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, and the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region.
At UMP, the project team includes Dr Ratsodo Phillip Tshidzumba (local coordinator and Lecturer: Forestry), Dr Lucky Makhubela (project participant and Lecturer: Forestry), Dr Marinkie Madiope (project participant and Director: Academic Support Services), and Dr Woudi Von Solms (project participant and Senior Lecturer: Tourism).
Strengthening sustainability education
FUTURE21 aims to strengthen universities’ capacity to respond to pressing environmental and social challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods and green skills development.
Through the project, universities will introduce new academic programmes, revise existing curricula and expand opportunities for students to engage with real-world sustainability challenges.
Key outputs include the development of new honours-level programmes, revised modules in natural resource management and sustainability science, and short learning programmes. These initiatives are expected to benefit more than 125 short-course participants and over 40 honours students annually.
Dr Marinkie Madiope, Director of Academic Support Services and a member of the UMP project team, said the collaboration offers valuable opportunities for the University.
“We are excited to be part of the Erasmus+ FUTURE21 project. This collaboration provides a unique opportunity for the University of Mpumalanga to contribute to innovative sustainability education while strengthening partnerships with international universities and industry stakeholders.”
UMP project leader and local coordinator, Dr Ratsodo Phillip Tshidzumba, added that the team is enthusiastic about contributing to international collaboration that will strengthen sustainability education and prepare students to address real socio-ecological challenges in South Africa and beyond.
Advancing sustainable futures
By combining international collaboration, curriculum innovation and applied learning, the Erasmus+ FUTURE21 project aims to position South African universities at the forefront of sustainability education in Africa while preparing graduates to address complex environmental and societal challenges.
The UMP team will contribute to curriculum innovation, staff development and the implementation of socio-ecological learning initiatives.
Story and pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.