Pictured above: Award recipients, WESSA and DAERL representatives)
Schools across the province demonstrate how education is driving real environmental impact
Kimberley, South Africa – 24 March 2026: WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL), has recognised 29 schools for their environmental leadership at the Northern Cape Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, held at Eden Lodge in Kimberley.
Part of the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools empowers learners and educators to move beyond awareness into meaningful environmental action. In the Northern Cape – where water scarcity, land management, and climate pressures remain critical – these awards reflect schools that are actively responding to environmental challenges within their communities.
The provincial awards, coordinated by DAERL, highlight not only participation in the Eco-Schools programme, but measurable impact through projects focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Representing WESSA at the event, Daniel Jackson, Junior Project Manager in the Schools and Youth Division, commended the schools for their commitment to embedding environmental learning into everyday practice.
Recognising excellence in environmental action
In addition to Eco-Schools recognition, DAERL honoured the top five performing schools in the province, celebrating outstanding project implementation and environmental impact:
- 1st Place: Willie Theron Primary School
- 2nd Place: Moedi Secondary School
- 3rd Place: St Anna Private Secondary Girls School
- 4th Place: Sedibeng Primary School
- 5th Place: Delta Primary School
These schools were recognised for going beyond programme requirements, demonstrating innovation, leadership and tangible environmental outcomes within their school environments and surrounding communities.
A growing movement of environmental leadership
The Eco-Schools programme continues to play a critical role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens by linking curriculum-based learning with real-world action. Through initiatives such as water conservation, waste management, biodiversity protection and climate awareness, schools are becoming hubs of environmental change.
“These awards are a powerful reminder that environmental leadership is being shaped in our classrooms. The Northern Cape Eco-Schools are not just participating in a programme – they are driving real change in their schools and communities. Their work reflects the heart of WESSA’s mission: to educate, advocate and activate a generation that will care for the Earth,” adds WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete.
The partnership between WESSA and DAERL reflects a shared commitment to strengthening environmental education across the province, ensuring that learners are equipped with the knowledge, skills and agency to respond to current and future environmental challenges.
Looking ahead
As WESSA marks its centenary year, the achievements of the Northern Cape Eco-Schools is a reminder that lasting environmental impact begins with education. By enabling young people to take action, the programme continues to build a generation that is informed, engaged and ready to lead.
Link to the full photo album available via our Facebook page
Full list of awarded schools and categories:
International Flag Decade (1): Dr Izak van Niekerk Primary
Gold Decade (2)
- Ferdinand Brecher Primary
- St Anna Private Secondary Girls School
International (1): Sedibeng Primary School
Platinum Level Four (2):
- Reaipela Intermediate School
- Rolihlahla Intermediate School
Platinum Level One (2):
- St Patrick’s CBC
- Thabane High School
Silver (5)
- N Pressly Intermediate School
- Elizabeth Conradie School
- R Mocwaledi Intermediate School
- Willie Theron Primary School
- Delta Primary School
Bronze (16):
- Reneilwe Primary School
- Barkly-Wes Primêr
- Olympic Primary School
- Kimberley Boys’ High School
- Stillwater Intermediate School
- Pnielandgoed Primêre Skool
- Greenpoint Primary School
- Tadcaster Intermediate School
- Adamantia High School
- Technical High School
- E.P. Lekhela High School
- Retlameleng Special School
- Taudiarora Primary School
- Kareeville Primary School
- Segwaneng Primary School
- Moedi Secondary School