Back from Dr Leizel Williams–Bruinders, Lydia Izu, Professors Brenda Scholtz, Ines Oldenburg and Jorge Marx Gomez. Front, Prof Zenixole Tshentu, Dr Ife Fashoro, and Profs Clemens Hillenbrand and Jean Greyling.
The event brought together academics, researchers, and industry experts, as well as representatives from both institutions, as well as a delegate from the University of Vechta, Germany.
The University of Oldenburg, a globally recognised research institution, has maintained a 25-year-long partnership with Mandela University, focusing on interdisciplinary research in renewable energy, climate change, and digital learning.
This workshop aimed to strengthen institutional ties, explore new project opportunities, and addressing pressing global challenges through innovative solutions.
Resilience in Smart Cities, Sustainable Development, and Smart Health Research
Prof Zenixole Tshentu, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science, welcomed attendees and highlighted the benefits of smart cities, including improved quality of life, economic growth, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, job creation, and bridging the digital divide.
As Prof Jorge Marx Gomez stated, "Resilience in smart cities is not just about technology - it’s about perseverance, efficiency, and empathy in research and problem-solving."
Meanwhile, Jessica Suplie from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) delivered an online presentation on the 2030 Agenda and the urgency of accelerating sustainable city development.
Smart Health Research and SDG3
Professor Brenda Scholtz and Carmen Bekker from Computing Sciences focused on smart health solutions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3): Good Health and Well-Being.
Prof Scholtz discussed how AI and digital transformation are revolutionising healthcare, emphasising the need for ethical considerations and governance in health data management to align technological advancements with patient privacy and public health goals.
Carmen a PhD student and lecturer in Computing Sciences, presented her research on improving physical activity levels to boost employee well-being and productivity, highlighting the responsible use of smartwatch data in health initiatives.
Dr Ife Fashoro, another lecturer from Computing Sciences, addressed misconceptions about smart cities, stressing that they should be tailored to local needs, rather than relying solely on high-tech solutions that may widen the digital divide. She emphasised the importance of "smart people" and the role of open data in fostering innovation.
A highlight was the uYilo Smart Microgrid project, featuring a solar array and second-life electric vehicle batteries that reduced energy costs by 38%. Vukile Mnyande discussed how mentorship and funding have supported innovations in energy, transportation, and urban development.
The day ended with a call for more research and collaboration, especially in integrating AI in healthcare and exploring open data solutions for community health, alongside the need to inform policymakers to ensure support for these initiatives.
Resilience in Education and Psychological Well-Being
The second day, hosted at Father’s House Church in North End, Gqeberha, focussed on education, resilience, and social well-being. Professors Ines Oldenburg and Clemens Hillenbrand from the University of Oldenburg led discussions on educational entrepreneurship and building resilience in learners.
Key takeaways included the importance of protective factors in overcoming adversity, highlighted by the Kauai study, which showed that children facing socio-economic challenges thrived with strong support systems.
Experts emphasised that practical activities and mentorship programmes are crucial, especially in communities with limited access to technology, and discussed mental health challenges among students from low-income backgrounds.
Unplugged Coding and the Future of Resilient Education
On the final day Prof Jean Greyling introduced unplugged coding as a tool for building resilient education systems. The session highlighted the Tangible Coding program, which targets 16,000 South African schools without computer labs. The program has trained 50,000 teachers and reached 200,000 learners across Africa, promoting inclusive education with adaptive learning strategies.
A key success was its adaptation for blind and visually impaired learners, with global applications in Kenya, Ireland, and the US. Challenges, such as teacher resistance and the need for sustainable coding clubs were noted, but the program's positive impact on critical thinking and learner engagement emphasised its long-term potential.
Later, the attendees joined the launch of the Tangible Africa Mandela Bay 100 Project at Masifunde Changemaker Academy, where Prof Greyling formally introduced the project. Entrepreneur and activist Mkhuseli Jack gave an inspiring speech, encouraging educators to empower students through digital literacy and innovation.
Entrepreneur and activist Mkhuseli Jack
Strengthening Global Collaboration for a Smarter Future
The workshop highlighted that resilience, sustainability, and education are essential for building future smart cities. The 25-year collaboration between Mandela University and the University of Oldenburg continues to drive groundbreaking research and international collaboration.
Topics, such as renewable energy, smart technologies, mental health, and digital education were discussed, laying the foundation for future projects and funding opportunities.
Prof Jorge Marx Gomez emphasised that the work done was just the beginning, with much more to come. The workshop is a catalyst for transformative change, inspiring researchers, educators, and city planners to rethink the future of resilient, tech-driven societies.
In the words of Prof Jorge Marx Gomez, “The work we’ve done here is just the beginning. Together, we can build the resilient cities of tomorrow.” Professors Scholtz and Jorge Marx Gomez have a 14-year long history of co-managing four collaborative research projects between the two universities to successful completion.
As South Africa and Germany strengthen their commitment to sustainable development, this workshop serves as a catalyst for transformative change, inspiring researchers, educators, and city planners to reimagine the future of resilient, technology-driven societies.