On Monday, 04 August 2025, the UP-Campus Tours 2025 team visited the Future Africa University of Pretoria campus as part of this year’s theme, which is ‘Going Green’. While the theme encourages environmental responsibility, this tour went beyond symbolism. It was an immersive learning experience that brought us face-to-face with how sustainability, research, and innovation are integrated into real campus life.

Led by the Curator, Mr Richard Hay, the tour introduced us to Future Africa as a space designed for interdisciplinary research. The campus is more than a physical location. It is a living ecosystem where scientists and students tackle complex global challenges, especially those relating to climate, food security, and sustainable development.

A central part of the experience was understanding the campus’s sustainable design. Buildings are constructed using recyclable materials and modular systems, making future renovations easier and more cost-effective. Rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient technologies are built into the infrastructure, showing how thoughtful design supports long-term environmental goals.

We were particularly fascinated by the living systems in place across the campus. From reed-filtered dams and open canals to living walls that regulate indoor temperatures, the campus functions as both a research hub and a living laboratory for ecological design. Mr Hay explained how these systems not only conserve resources but also contribute to biodiversity and create a calming, green environment.

The heart of the tour lay in the botanical and agricultural research taking place. Future Africa focuses on indigenous and underutilised plants such as Pelargonium and landrace vegetables. These species are being studied for their nutritional value, resilience to climate change, and potential economic uses. The conservation of endangered species like Warburgia salutaris, used for traditional medicines.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the visit was the emphasis on community engagement. The campus supports over 250 local food gardens by distributing hardy, easy-to-grow plants like Egyptian walking onions. By bridging the gap between research and community needs, the campus promotes sustainable agriculture and household food security.

Through this tour, we saw firsthand how Future Africa embodies the core philosophy of sustainability in action. Rather than treating plants and green spaces as secondary features, the campus integrates them as key tools for ecological, economic, and cultural resilience.

The visit was more than a campus tour. It was a meaningful engagement with a space that redefines what a university can be. Future Africa demonstrates that academic excellence and sustainability do not exist in separate worlds. They thrive together when supported by vision, research, and a commitment to community.