Nelson Mandela University Office of Research Development

Day 4 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University concludes!

The final session of the conference covered the recent successes of the AAUN, as well as the strategies for the future of the network. We congratulate the ELAAD Fellows on receiving their certificates of completion during the programme, as well as the winners of the award for best poster presentation.

Day 4 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University!

The first session of the day covered the implications of circular innovations in such fields as water, engineering and energy. Our programme director for the day was Dr Christine Minoo Mbindyo. Speakers for the session included Dr Victor Chike Agbakoba, Dr Marion Holmes, Dr Jacqui Crozier McCleland, and Dr Emma Ayesu-Koranteng.

Day 3 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University concludes!

The last session of the day included an opportunity facilitated by Dr Nehemiah Latolla to give Early Career Researchers (ECR) to network and work together on creative prompts.

ELAAD Fellows at the AAUN Conference at Nelson Mandela University!

The ELAAD Fellows attending the conference had the opportunity to meet in a closed session to discuss and strategise a recommendation report on Australia-Africa relations.

Day 3 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University continues!

The second of the sessions for the morning was entitled Circular Economy Solutions for Coastal and Industrial Futures, chaired by Prof David Dodoo-Arhin. Speakers for the session included Dr Albert Kagande, Ms Likhona Nqunqa, Ms Zizonke Dlamini, and Mr Vuyani Chipunza.

Day 3 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University!

We hope the dialogues from the sessions help our delegates to think of new ways of promoting systemic change, decoupling economic growth from resource use, and designing out waste and pollution.

Our programme director for the day was Dr Marija Petrovska. Speakers for the session included Prof Mohamed Muse Jibril, Prof Syden Mishi, Mrs Riette Kotze, and Prof Selorm Dorvlo.

The Conference Dinner for the AAUN Conference 2026 hosted by Nelson Mandela University!

This special event included live entertainment, cultural experiences, engaging conversation and great food. We hope all the delegates enjoyed the evening. Our programme director for the evening was Dr Nehemiah Latolla, the Welcome Addresses were given by Professor S Muthwa, Professor Aldo Stroebel, and Professor David Mickler, while Dr Gcina Mhlope told stories with a cultural focus, delving into our recent history as a country and a continent. The toast was given by Professor Andre Keet.

Day 2 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University concludes!

Part of the programme that we hope all our delegates enjoy is the poster presentations and exhibitions, which give delegates the opportunity to explore departments and institutions from a variety of fields.

The panel discussion for the afternoon focuses on the application of circular practices in the creative industry. Speakers for the session included Prof Pamela Maseko, Unathi Lutshaba, Ms Lucilla Booyzen, Prof Kwadwo Adusei-Asante, Mr Sam Mensah, Prof Christopher Isike, and Mr Sello Maake Ka-Ncube.

Day 2 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University continues!

As we continue to investigate the possibilities afforded by circular economies, we learn how to position it not only as a tool, but also as a lever for just transition, job creation, and social innovation.

Speakers for the session included Prof Mathew Neuhaus, Dr Shamin Aryampa, Dr Verena Tandrayen, Prof Gordon O’Brien, Prof Harmony Musiyarira, and Prof Jorge Gomez.

Day 2 of the AAUN Conference 2026 at Nelson Mandela University!

The purpose of the AAUN is to provide a platform for addressing complex global challenges through joint research, capacity building, and policy engagement. This is as true this year as ever, since the theme this year is Circular Economies for Inclusive and Sustainable Futures, as we work toward a new future of holistic and inclusive models of sustainability.

Thank you to our speakers, such as Prof Azwinndini Muronga, HE Tegan Brink, Prof Aldo Stroebel, and Prof David Mickler who gave the Welcome Remarks, as well as Prof Paulo de Souza, HE Moses Vilakati, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Dr Tawanda Muzamwese, and Mr Ross Stewart.