From learning to leading: Sustainability in higher education

Group of students graduating university.

Publication
September 02, 2025

Author

Jameel Essop

Director | Sustainability and Climate Change, PwC South Africa

Contributors

Sa'eed Hassanmia Tawildar, Senior Manager | Sustainability and Climate Change , PwC South Africa

Yuvika Bansiparsadh, Manager | Sustainability and Climate Change , PwC South Africa

Nolitha Khungwayo, Associate | Sustainability and Climate Change , PwC South Africa

The strategic role of higher education in sustainability

From learning to leading

Sustainability is no longer a footnote in our global story—it’s the defining narrative of our time. Across South Africa, universities and private education providers are taking bold steps to embed sustainability into their teaching, research, operations and community engagement.

These institutions are not only preparing graduates to lead responsibly—they are building the intellectual and operational foundations for a more resilient economy and society.

Why it matters to business and government

Institutions are equipping future leaders with the skills and values needed to navigate complex sustainability challenges.

Universities are driving research in climate resilience, ethical governance and sustainable infrastructure.

Through partnerships and student-led initiatives, institutions are influencing real-world change beyond campus boundaries.

Key insights

HEIs are redesigning academic programmes to reflect the interconnected nature of climate change, biodiversity loss and social inequality. Tools like systems thinking, scenario planning and experiential learning are being used to prepare students for real-world sustainability leadership.

Students are no longer passive participants—they’re leading sustainability councils, advocating for fossil fuel divestment and co-creating community-based research projects. Their involvement is reshaping institutional culture and driving grassroots change.

Despite strong sustainability efforts, many institutions face challenges in formal reporting. The absence of a national ESG framework means that academic impact is often underrepresented. The report explores how HEIs can bridge this gap and enhance accountability.

Universities are collaborating with government, industry and civil society to scale their impact. These partnerships have led to river restoration projects, water safety programmes and sustainable mobility studies—extending sustainability beyond campus boundaries.

From solar PV installations and green-rated buildings to circular economy practices and biodiversity restoration, HEIs are modelling sustainability through infrastructure and operations. These efforts are reducing environmental footprints while enhancing learning environments.

Enabling impact through collaboration and policy

Challenges to address

Funding constraints: Sustainability initiatives require long-term investment and dedicated support.
Data and reporting gaps: Fragmented systems and lack of standardised frameworks hinder transparency and comparability.
Institutional inertia: Cultural and operational shifts are needed to embed sustainability across all levels of academia.

Opportunities for corporate and policy engagement

Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with institutions on research, innovation and community-based sustainability projects.
Policy support: Enable progress through funding mechanisms, regulatory alignment and national reporting standards.
Shared value creation: Align business and government goals with the sustainability missions of higher education institutions.

Lead the shift. Shape the future.

Higher education is not just responding to sustainability challenges—it is shaping the solutions. Institutions are ready to collaborate, innovate and lead. Now is the time for business and government to match that ambition.

Explore our latest thought leadership on sustainability in higher education to see how South African institutions are driving meaningful change.

Whether you're a corporate leader looking to invest in future-ready talent, a policymaker shaping national development priorities, or a development partner seeking scalable impact—this is your opportunity to engage with institutions that are redefining what it means to lead sustainably.

Download From learning to leading: Sustainability in higher education

SA universities lead sustainability: teaching, research, innovation and partnerships shaping future-ready talent, climate action and resilient communities.

Contact us

Jameel Essop

Director | Sustainability and Climate Change, PwC South Africa

Sa'eed Hassanmia Tawildar

Senior Manager | Sustainability and Climate Change, PwC South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 5662

Hide

© 2010 - 2025 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.