Merging Architecture and Ubuntu

Architecture grad's project building community in South Africa

Harnessing the creativity of his community origins, Wandile Mthiyane, founder of Ubuntu Design Group and Andrews University Master’s student is seeking funds to assist in building the group’s very first home for a family of an unemployed, disabled couple.

Mthiyane, 22, a former DUT Town and Regional Planning student moved to the United States of America in 2012 after being awarded with a five-year scholarship to pursue a triple major in Architecture, Town Planning and Civil Engineering at the prestigious Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. He was also awarded just over R40 000 ($5000) from the University as well as just over R49 000 ($6200) from the American Embassy.

The KwaMashu, Durban, native was then brought together with other young bright minds from all over the world by World Merit 360 in New York to discuss and brainstorm ways to effect global change in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This task fitted well with Ubuntu Design Group’s work which aims to effectively develop communities around the world. The project, which is actively seeking to reignite the spirit of Ubuntu (I am because you are), has won several international awards.

<<< Read the full story at Durban University of Technology >>>