25 Societal Impact & Sustainability “FADA’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals is not just symbolic – it’s actioned daily through our teaching, research and community projects. From circular fashion and climateresilient cities to digital storytelling and waste reclamation, we embed sustainability and social justice into every facet of our creative practice, advancing the university’s strategic vision for sustainable societal impact.” The awareness of, and active participation in, issues of social responsibility and environmental sustainability is central to FADA’s ethos. This influences not only our teaching and public image, but also how we conduct our daily operations. The faculty holds paperless meetings whenever possible and has recycling stations for paper, glass, and tin placed throughout the building. Staff is reminded on a regular basis to reduce electricity consumption by turning off lights and using space heaters as little as possible. FADA also places a significant emphasis on addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating this commitment into both teaching and learning initiatives and our community engagement programmes as follows: – Fashion Design contributed to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainability-focused community projects. The ‘Sustain Her’ initiative, in partnership with NGO Love Our City, repurposes fabric and clothing into reusable menstrual pads, addressing period poverty. The Advanced Diploma program collaborates with Fashion+ on ‘ClothesToGood,’ a non-profit that recycles, downcycles, and upcycles old clothing, supporting employment for people with disabilities and producing materials for early childhood development. – Multimedia students engaged in transformative community partnerships that integrate digital innovation. The ‘Green Documentary Project’ in Eldorado Park, led by Dr. Lee-Ann Modley from the Department of Geography, Environmental Management, and Energy Studies, aligns with multiple SDGs by incorporating digital storytelling into sustainability education. – Architecture students contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through a community pilot project at Marlboro Station, Gauteng. Their work explores inclusive urban models to enhance climate resilience, reduce river pollution, mitigate urban heat, and improve housing accessibility. Six UJ teams submitted projects to the C40 Competition, with one team winning and their proposal now under consideration for implementation by the City of Johannesburg. – Visual Art Honours students collaborated with Bekezele Creche and the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) in Johannesburg, contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Master’s student Wilma Mutize researched recycling and waste reclamation for community
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