Civic Engagement and Environmental Sustainability in Teaching and Learning at Higher Education Institution in South Africa

Abstract

This article seeks to provide an outline the scope of professional teaching and learning activities and their connection to civic engagement and the achievement of environmental sustainability at Rhodes University and in Makana Local Municipality. Activities in the context of rainwater water harvesting and sanitation research are used as examples. The improved hydrogen-sulphide test kit was used as the tool for the assessment of microbial water quality between April and July 2016. An approach to the improvement in the design and modelling of the performance of ventillated improved pit latrines under laboratory conditions is also described. All activities described have been taking place in the context of undergraduate and postgraduate student research projects at Rhodes University. They have implications for teaching and learning, civic engagement and environmental sustainability. Teaching and learning of the concepts of sustainability can facilitate the development of the necessary connection between academia and the society at large. This can have a significant positive effect on societal conditions in South Africa. Further endeavours similar those described in this article should be stimulated in South and beyond.

Identification of Bacteria in Rainwater Samples From Makana Local Municipality in South Africa.

“…The water is used to supplement the water requirements during a municipal potable water outage (Nhokodi et al, 2016). The current results suggested that the rainwater needs to be treated before human consumption and its microbial quality should be monitored regularly using previous reported approaches, e.g.…”

“…Three sampling sites with rainwater harvesting and storage tanks were identified around Rhodes University campus and were sampled on six occasions between April and July 2016 (Nhokodi et al, 2016). To eliminate any false negative results, all kits with sampled rainwater were incubated at 35-37 °C for 72 hours.…”

“…Makana Local Municipality (designated as Makana in further text) forms part of the Cacadu District Municipality and municipal drinking water supply is often interrupted (Nhokodi et al, 2016). Microbial water quality of the municipal drinking water supply has been shown not adhere to the South African drinking water standards (Nhokodi et al, 2016).…”

“…Microbial water quality of the municipal drinking water supply has been shown not adhere to the South African drinking water standards (Nhokodi et al, 2016). This forces the population to turn to alternate sources of potable water (Nhokodi et al, 2016). Microbial water quality of these alternative sources must be known as this information is of critical importance from the public health point of view (Tandlich et al, 2014).…”

Monitoring of potable water quality in Makana Local Municipality, South Africa

“…The Eastern Cape Province and the Makana area are prone to droughts and are water-scarce areas (Nhaka, 2012; Tandlich et al, 2015). At the same time, water interruptions are a common occurrence (Nhokodi et al, 2016) and thus water quality problems can be expected to occur. The aim of this article is to examine the physico-chemical and microbial water quality from the various potable water sources in Makana.…”