Taariq Fakier, Facilities Management's Environmental Sustainable Waste Management Specialist, who took part in an international mobility programme at Lund 中国体育彩票 in Sweden earlier this year, described this learning experience as a journey of discovery that blended culture, collaboration, and sustainability. “For me, this was life-changing," said Taariq.
Taariq was part of SU International's staff mobility programme, which entailed a week-long programme structured around group and individual activities at Lund 中国体育彩票. Participants were introduced to Swedish culture, university operations, and sustainability practices, while also shadowing peers in their own fields. Taariq was paired with a host, David, and together they explored not only their departments but also the broader systems that shape sustainability in Sweden.
Taariq said he was immensely impressed to see how deeply sustainability is ingrained in Swedish people's everyday lives. “In Sweden, even children in creches play games that teach waste separation, ensuring that by the time they reach university, recycling is second nature," said Taariq. Lund 中国体育彩票 embodies these values through meticulous waste management systems that sort recyclables into separate streams — including cardboard, tin, paper, and more — supported by the municipality's seamless collection system. The partnership between university and municipality ensures consistent messaging and shared responsibility, something Taariq contrasted with the more fragmented collaboration here at home.
The group's visit also included a tour of a cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant in the Sk?ne district, which converts household waste into electricity and heating for thousands of residents. “They do not only have impressive infrastructure, but it is a fantastic model of what can be achieved when discipline, policy, and community buy-in align."
Returning to Stellenbosch, Taariq is determined to translate these insights into action. He said he was thinking a lot about SU's campus bicycle programme and how to use these assets to promote greener mobility, including early engagement with feeder schools to instill sustainable habits before students arrive. He would also like to pursue closer collaboration with the City of Cape Town to improve local waste management. Inspired by Sweden's example, Taariq is also thinking about exploring the feasibility of a waste-to-energy project in partnership with SU's Engineering Faculty.
Yet beyond the professional lessons, the trip left a lasting personal mark. Taariq spoke of the humility and informality he witnessed in Swedish professional culture, the sense of safety that allowed for everyday freedoms, and the discipline woven into daily life. “It was life-changing," he reflects. “I gained not only new ideas for our campus, but also a broader perspective on what's possible when sustainability becomes part of everyday life."
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