Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province educators receiving award certificates)
eMalahleni, Mpumalanga – 27 March 2026: A total of 17 schools from across Mpumalanga were recognised for their commitment to environmental education and action at the WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025, hosted recently at Anew Hotel in eMalahleni.
The awards brought together educators, learners, government representatives, and partners to celebrate how schools are transforming environmental awareness into meaningful, community-driven action – reinforcing the growing impact of environmental education across the province.
Opening the event, WESSA Schools and Youth Senior Programme Manager, Nomfundo Ndlovu, commended schools for their dedication to environmental stewardship: “What we are seeing across Mpumalanga is a powerful shift from environmental awareness to meaningful action. These schools are not only teaching sustainability, but they are also living it. When learners are given the tools, space and support to engage with real-world challenges, they don’t just participate, they lead. This is how we build a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are equipped to drive change in their communities and beyond.”
Schools driving local environmental impact
Participating schools were recognised for implementing practical projects aligned to key Eco-Schools themes, including water conservation, waste management, biodiversity, health and wellbeing, and community and heritage.
New entrant schools, including Mehlwane Secondary School, Impilo Primary School, Amandla Primary School and Lehlaka Combined School, achieved Silver status, reflecting strong foundational efforts in embedding environmental learning within their school communities.
Several established schools were awarded the prestigious Platinum 3 level, recognising sustained excellence, long-term commitment, and leadership in environmental practice.
Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province educators receiving award certificates
Innovation, circular economy and community collaboration
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the growing importance of integrating environmental education with real-world outcomes, particularly through recycling initiatives that not only address environmental challenges but also create opportunities for income generation within communities.
The keynote address by Rebotile Rachuene of Sediba Sa Metse underscored the value of community-led conservation, sharing insights into efforts to protect owl populations in the Middelburg area and demonstrating how local action contributes to broader ecosystem resilience.
The event was further enriched by learner performances and a powerful poetry piece centred on the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle, reinforcing the role of young people in shaping more sustainable communities.
Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province Eco-Schools Awards 2025 Guest speakers
A growing movement in WESSA’s centenary year
The Mpumalanga Eco-Schools Awards form part of WESSA’s broader mission to Educate, Advocate, Act, and carry added significance in 2026 as the organisation marks its centenary celebrating 100 years of environmental leadership in South Africa.
As one of the country’s leading environmental education programmes, Eco-Schools continues to empower young people to take ownership of their environment, driving measurable change at both school and community level.
Pictured above: Mpumalanga Province Eco-Schools Awards 2025 group photo)
Funded Schools
Silver
- Mehlwane Secondary School
- Impilo Primary School
- Amandla Primary School
- Mabande Secondary School
- Lehlaka Combined School
Platinum 3
- Makause Combined School
- Hlanguphala Primary School
- Sukumani Primary School
- Thuthukani Primary School
- Ogies Combined School
Independent Registered Schools
Platinum 3
- Penryn College
- Nancy Shiba Primary School
- Maloma Primary School
- Kananda Primary School
- Edward Matyeka Primary School
- KwaGuqa Primary School
- Siyathokoza Primary School