Nosipho Gloria Sunduza, a 71-year-old maritime advocate and founder of AMEET, is also a Mandela University Alumnus, with a master’s degree. AMEET, a 100% black female-owned initiative, would be anchored in and aligned with formal science, climate education, and indigenous knowledge systems.
This engagement sought to explore how the University could contribute to the establishment of AMEET as a community-rooted marine education and eco-tourism enterprise.
From left, Nosipho Sunduza, Mike Pantsi, Nomthandazo Pukwana, Dr Bruce Damons and Jonathan Joseph
Ms Sunduza’s initiative speaks directly to the University’s goals of enabling community-led innovation and intergenerational entrepreneurship, while preserving marine heritage and promoting sustainable ocean practices.
AMEET’s vision, focusing on school-based marine education, community tourism, and the documentation of ocean heritage, was identified as strategically aligned with an NRF (NFRF) grant project.
It is facilitated by the Engagement Office around the pillars of eco-pedagogy, climate resilience, and indigenous knowledge.
It also holds transformative potential as a model for inclusive engagement that bridges generations and knowledge systems.
The Engagement Office, as part of the NFRF team, will now begin a co-design process with Ms Sunduza to support the development of AMEET’s key pillars. Faculties and research entities engaged in ocean sciences, marine heritage, and community-based learning will be invited to contribute to this pilot.
This initiative seeks to further an institutional commitment to nurturing socially embedded intergenerational entrepreneurship, advancing inclusive environmental education, and elevating the voices of Indigenous knowledge-holders in shaping sustainable coastal futures.