From E-Waste to Impact: DBS Teams Reimagine Technology
Recently creativity and sustainability come together through the Digital Business Services (DBS) ICT E-Waste Art Challenge at NUST, an internal initiative within the Department of Digital Transformation Business Services.
The competition brought together colleagues from Upper and Lower Campus Support Teams under the theme ‘Innovation, Sustainability, or Technology Reimagined’ to transform discarded ICT components into meaningful works of art. Using items such as motherboards, cables and hard drives, the teams were challenged to rethink waste and give new life to old technology.
According to Hileni Rijnen, Manager: Digital Business Services, the idea was sparked by a practical concern. “The idea came from the growing volume of disposed ICT equipment. Instead of immediately sending it for recycling with an external e-waste company, I saw an opportunity to repurpose it creatively, raising awareness about e-waste while encouraging innovation, creativity and teamwork,” she said.
Beyond creativity, the initiative also highlighted an important institutional responsibility. “Improper disposal can lead to harmful materials entering the environment. As a university, we have a responsibility to lead by example by promoting sustainable practices,” Rijnen added.
The Lower Campus team emerged as the winners, impressing judges with a striking piece featuring a map of Namibia, complete with NUST campuses, as well as a functional clock. Team Lead Immanuel Shapwa explained the thinking behind the design: “The map tells a story of connection and belonging. Namibia is a vast country, and many students travel great distances to access education. By marking every NUST campus on the map, we wanted to show that no matter where you are in Namibia, there is a place for you — that technology and education should reach every corner of our country.”
He also pointed to the broader potential of such initiatives: “The clock demonstrated that e-waste may be useful in addition to becoming art.”
The challenge not only showcased innovation, but also strengthened collaboration and team spirit. Looking ahead, the DBS team has proposed extending the concept to students, opening up further opportunities to combine creativity, practical learning and environmental awareness across the NUST community.
