In the sphere of sustainable design, a holistic design approach emphasises the context of a larger system of environmental,
social, cultural and economic components and how these four components interact with one another. In the
higher education context of South Africa, these components might not be enough to make an effective impact on
the way in which lecturers, students and industry react to or actively engage with sustainability. Social sustainability
is complex and specifically the political (or socio-political) aspects, apart from the environmental, socio-cultural and
economic components, should be taken into consideration. Without understanding the complexity of the interlinking
or often opposing aims of the social, cultural and political, it would be difficult to facilitate deep learning
for a more sustainable way of being in the world. Engaging critically with theories such as critical citizenship, social
justice and decolonisation can facilitate understanding of the complexity involved in socially sustainable and decolonised
design education.

Authors: Elmarie Costandius, Neeske Alexander.