TarantWessa, Author at WESSA

WESSA recognises 31 Western Cape schools at 2025 Eco-Schools Awards

Feb 26, 2026 | eco-schools, News

[Photo credit: Tertia van Rensburg, aT Images]

WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) recognised 31 Western Cape schools for their measurable environmental action and sustainability leadership at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards, held on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at the J&J Conference Centre Belmont Square in Cape Town.

Part of the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools enables learners and educators to move beyond environmental awareness and into practical, school-wide action. In the Western Cape —a province acutely aware of drought, climate pressure and the value of its natural heritage— these awards reflect not just participation, but impact.

Opening the ceremony, Kelly Alcock, WESSA Head of Education and Sustainability, emphasised that Eco-Schools is defined not by its scale, but by its outcomes: “Eco-Schools is the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, but what makes it powerful is not its scale, it is its measurable change. Across our schools, learners are reducing water consumption, diverting waste from landfill, restoring biodiversity and strengthening food security through school gardens. This is education that moves beyond awareness into action.”

Recognising measurable sustainability action

The Eco-Schools awards framework recognises progressive achievement across sustainability themes and projects, encouraging whole-school transformation. Here’s more insight into the categories and what schools have to commit and complete to receive the achievement:

Bronze Awards are presented to schools completing one environmental project under one sustainability theme. Four schools in the province achieved this foundational milestone.
Silver Awards recognise two projects across two sustainability themes. Fourteen Western Cape schools reached this level, reflecting strong momentum in embedding environmental learning into school culture.
Green Flag Awards are granted to schools implementing three projects across three themes. Two schools earned this internationally recognised milestone.
Gold Awards acknowledge four projects across four themes, with three schools achieving this level in 2025.
International Flag Awards represent five projects across five themes, aligned with global Eco-Schools standards. Two Western Cape schools received this prestigious recognition.
Platinum 2 Awards signify advanced leadership, requiring five projects across five themes, the introduction of a new project under a new theme, and mentorship support to another school. Two schools achieved this level of excellence.
Diamond Awards, the highest standard within the Eco-Schools framework, recognise sustained excellence and a demonstrated “Story of Change” from Bronze to top-tier achievement. One Western Cape school earned this distinction in 2025.

In addition, three ADvTECH schools were recognised within the provincial cohort, underscoring the growing commitment of independent education networks to environmental sustainability and whole-school transformation.

Keynote speaker and sustainability education specialist, Khuthala Swanepoel of Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Sustainability Transitions (pictured above) adds: “The Eco-Schools programme is the living expression of the curriculum. It’s where learning meets life and knowledge becomes action. It connects environmental theory to real-world challenges, equipping young people with the confidence and capability to lead change in their schools and communities.”

Long-term leadership honoured through Decade Awards

Beyond annual milestones, Decade Awards recognise schools that have sustained environmental commitment over ten years or more, demonstrating institutionalised sustainability and mentorship.

In 2025, three Western Cape schools were recognised at Decade level:

Silver Decade Award recognises two sustained projects across two themes.
Platinum 1 Decade Award represent five projects across five themes, including new thematic work and support to another school.
Platinum 2 Decade Award acknowledges continued excellence across five themes, with leadership and mentoring responsibilities.

These awards highlight schools that have embedded sustainability into governance, curriculum and culture over time, creating ripple effects far beyond the classroom.

Alcock reinforced the broader significance of this work: “Environmental education is not optional, it is preparation. Sustainability is not a once-off project; it is a way of thinking, leading and living. Our schools are not preparing for the future; they are shaping it.”

Special Awards recognising innovation and impact

In addition to the formal award tiers, WESSA presented Special Awards to schools that went beyond the scope of their themes to demonstrate exceptional initiative, measurable impact and community leadership.

Waste Champions of 2025 – Kenridge Primary School, which collected 610,428 bottle tops, recycled 9,620 kg of waste, the highest volume among Western Cape Eco-Schools and opened its recycling centre to the broader community.
The Green Glow Award – American International School of Cape Town, for constructing an aquaponics centre through more than 20 student-led build sessions, embedding hands-on sustainable food production into the curriculum.
The Culture & Care Shield – Outeniqua Primary School, for linking recycling to social impact by collecting bottle caps to support a local wheelchair initiative and mentoring another school through eco-friendly twinning.
The Ocean Guardian Award – DF Akademie, for combining coastal clean-ups with a year-round student-led marine conservation awareness campaign.
The Clean Commute Award – Kommetjie Eco Pre-primary School, which mobilised 50 learners to cycle on World Bicycle Day, leading to sustained lower-carbon commuting habits.
The Bright Sparks Award – Ikamvalethu Secondary School, for innovative learner-designed alternative energy models.
The Green Start Award – Fairdale Primary School, recognising exceptional first-year performance, including the establishment of a new eco-club and 380 kg of waste collected within months.

A further highlight was the international recognition of Alexandra de Roo, a Grade 8 learner from Pinelands High School, who won first prize in the Photography Category of the global Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) competition 2025, competing against more than 1,000 participants from 33 countries. Her winning image captured ecological resilience on Rondebosch Common, amplifying African youth voices on the global sustainability stage.

As WESSA moves towards its centenary year, the Eco-Schools Programme reflects nearly 100 years of environmental stewardship translated into practical, youth-led climate action.

Full list of Western Cape Eco-Schools Award recipients – 2025

Bronze Awards (4)
1. Bardale Secondary School
2. Fairdale Primary School
3. Seamount Primary School
4. Spineview Primary School

Silver Awards (14)
1. Abbotts College
2. Bridge House
3. Bulumko Secondary School
4. Elkanah House
5. Esangweni Senior Secondary School
6. Greenwood Bay College
7. Ikamvalethu Senior Secondary School
8. Intsebenziswano Senior Secondary School
9. Kulani Secondary School
10. Langa High School
11. Masiyile Senior Secondary School
12. Philippi High School
13. Sinethemba Senior Secondary School
14. Siviwe School of Skills

Green Flag Awards (2)
1. Firgrove Primary School
2. Elswood Secondary School

Gold Awards (3)
1. American International School of Cape Town
2. Bellville South High School
3. Riverton Primary School

International Flag Awards (2)
1. Kommetjie Eco Pre-primary School
2. Outeniqua Primary School

Platinum 2 Awards (2)
1. DF Akademie
2. Kenridge Primary School

Diamond Award (1)
1. Pinelands High School

Silver Decade Award (1)
1. Newberry House Montessori School

Platinum 1 Decade Award (1)
1. Sir Lowry’s Pass Primary School

Platinum 2 Decade Award (1)
1. Beaumont Primary School

See all the award winners and the pictures of the event here.

WESSA unveils South Africa’s first Braille coastal environmental education signage

Feb 12, 2026 | News, Success Stories, Uncategorized

Pictured above: Speakers and guest surround Hanlie Stehli, Nedbank’s Wellness Administrator – Business and Commercial Banking

This pilot initiative is sponsored by Nedbank, and implemented in collaboration with Blind SA, the National Council of & for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), and City of Cape Town, with support from the Ford Wildlife Foundation.

On 11 February 2026, WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) unveiled South Africa’s first Braille coastal environmental education signage at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve’s Eerste Steen, marking a significant step towards creating more inclusive coastal experiences for all. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve was selected as the launch site as it is the first WESSA Green Coast site in South Africa, making it a strategic location to pilot the initiative ahead of planned expansion to additional Green Coast and, in time, Blue Flag sites along the coastline.

“It is not just about signage. It is about access. It is about dignity. And it is about who gets to experience South Africa’s magnificent natural heritage – and how,” says Cindy-Lee Cloete, CEO of WESSA. “This is a national first, and an important one. Our beaches and nature reserves may be public spaces, but for blind and partially sighted people, meaningful engagement with these environments has largely remained out of reach. For WESSA, this project says: that gap is not acceptable. For a century, WESSA has worked to enable people to care for the earth. The next century asks something more of us. It asks that we ensure everyone can experience it.”

braille signage

In his keynote address, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, reminded guests that, “We are gathered here, not simply to unveil a set of signboards, but to mark a significant step forward in how we share South Africa’s natural heritage with all her people. This revitalisation is about more than just fresh paint or new timber – it is about inclusivity. We are moving from a philosophy of ‘look and read’ to one of ‘touch, listen, feel and experience.”

This pilot initiative, sponsored by Nedbank, is delivered through WESSA’s Green Coast programme and designed to enable blind and partially sighted visitors to engage independently and meaningfully with coastal ecosystems. Nedbank has a long-standing partnership with WESSA and supports a range of conservation, education and inclusion-focused initiatives nationwide. Pedro Rhode, Executive: CBC Business Unit at Nedbank shares that, “Our purpose is to use our financial expertise to do good. Critically, we know that a truly green economy cannot exist without inclusion. That’s why we are proud to be the funding partner for this initiative. These Braille signs are not just informational tools, it represents dignity, belonging and equal access. This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when government, civil society and the private sector work together to ensure our natural heritage belongs equally to every citizen.”

Braille signage

Pictured above: Pedro Rhode, Executive: CBC Business Unit at Nedbank; Cindy-Lee Cloete – WESSA CEO and Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

While South Africa’s beaches and nature reserves are public spaces, environmental interpretation has historically remained inaccessible to people with visual impairments. This initiative directly addresses that gap through Braille-specific design, descriptive clarity and outdoor durability, with the signage co-developed alongside accessibility partners Blind SA and NCPD, to ensure authenticity and technical accuracy. These organisations played a critical role in shaping the project, contributing lived-experience insight and technical guidance to ensure the signage is genuinely usable and meaningful.

braille signage event

Pictured above: (left) Braille Signage; (top right) Ryan Peters (DFFE), Abrhamam Allies (BlindSA), Hanli Stehli (Nedbank), Minister Aucamp, WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete, Pedro Rhode (Nedbank), Alderman Eddie Andrews (CoCT Deputy Mayor), Guests and representatives Blind SA; (bottom right) CoCT and Blaauwberg Nature Reserve teams with signage

“In integrated coastal management, we often speak of the ‘public trust doctrine’, the principle that coastal resources are held in trust for all people, present and future. Today, we are honouring that doctrine in a new way. We are recognising that ‘all people’ must truly mean all people – regardless of ability, regardless of how we move through the world, regardless of how we perceive it,” adds Ryan Peter, Director of Coastal Development, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Abraham Allies from Blind SA spoke about what today means for visually impaired persons, “For a visually impaired visitor, this means arriving at a coastal site and not having to rely entirely on another person to explain what the visual element is all about. It means being able to read with your own hands about the environment, the wildlife, the history and the significance of this place. It means being acknowledged as a person who belongs here. Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibilities for future collaboration. This launch should not be the end, but the beginning.”

Rather than a once-off intervention, the Braille coastal signage project forms part of a longer-term accessibility pathway within WESSA’s Coastal Programme, which integrates environmental protection, education and social inclusion.

Deputy Mayor, City of Cape Town, Alderman Eddie Andrews, adds that, “Inclusivity cannot remain a well‑intended concept that lives comfortably in our strategies, policies, and speeches. Protection without access is incomplete, and sustainability without dignity is insufficient. Our coastline is a shared asset that carries ecological value, cultural memory, and public meaning, but it can only truly belong to all of us when access is intentional, inclusive, and human‑centered. By bringing Braille signage to our coastal spaces, we’re proving that thoughtful design is one of the most powerful tools we have to restore dignity, independence, and a real sense of belonging for every person who comes to the shore,”

The goal is to establish a scalable model for inclusive environmental education infrastructure across South Africa’s coastline, reflecting WESSA’s commitment in its 100th year, to ensure South Africa’s natural heritage belongs equally to every citizen.

World Wetlands Day 2026: Restoring more than an ecosystem

Feb 6, 2026 | News

Pictured above: WESSA facilitators, Moduopo Primary School learners and Eco-Committee teachers

How youth action, outdoor learning and community care came together at the Ililaba Area Wetland in Thembisa

On 2 February 2026, WESSA marked World Wetlands Day at the Ililaba Area Wetland in Thembisa, bringing learning, action and youth leadership together in a powerful demonstration of what wetland protection looks like on the ground.

Under the 2026 theme Protect, Restore & Inspire, the day highlighted the essential role wetlands play in supporting biodiversity, improving water quality, reducing flood risks and sustaining communities, while also confronting the very real threats these ecosystems face.

Learning beyond the classroom

The celebration was led by WESSA’s Green Rising: Protect and Restore Team, in partnership with Moduopo Primary School, and supported by 15 enthusiastic learners and two dedicated Eco-Committee teachers.

The day began with an engaging environmental education session that unpacked:

Why wetlands are among South Africa’s most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems
The growing threat posed by alien invasive species, with a particular focus on water hyacinth
The urgent need for collective action to protect and restore wetlands for future generations

For many learners, this was a rare opportunity to connect theory with place – to see, touch and understand the ecosystem they were learning about, right on their doorstep.

Turning awareness into action

Pictured above: Participants engaging in the clean-up at the Ililaba Area Wetland in Thembisa.

Learning quickly moved from discussion to impact. Equipped with gloves and refuse bags, learners took part in a wetland clean-up campaign that resulted in the collection of 30 bags of waste – a strong statement of youth-led environmental responsibility and care for local natural spaces.

More than just a clean-up, the activity reinforced an important lesson: protecting wetlands is not an abstract idea, but a shared responsibility that starts at community level.

Inspiring the next generation of custodians

World Wetlands Day 2026 at Ililaba reaffirmed a simple but powerful truth: when young people are given the opportunity to connect meaningfully with nature, they rise to the role of custodians with confidence, pride and purpose.

At WESSA, learning beyond the classroom is not optional, it is essential. By creating spaces where education leads to action, and action builds stewardship, we continue to nurture a generation equipped to protect South Africa’s wetlands and the life they sustain.

As we look ahead, the message from Thembisa is clear: protecting wetlands begins with inspiring people to care for the Earth.

[ADvTECH Schools] International Zebra Day: learning, creativity and action

Jan 31, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: (left) Zebra themed activities at Crawford International Sandton; (right top & bottom): Zebra face paint at South Downs College & learners in their Zebra-themed outfits

International Zebra Day is more than a celebration of one of Africa’s most iconic species. It is a reminder of why biodiversity matters, how ecosystems are connected, and the role education plays in shaping future custodians of the natural world.

Zebras, with their unmistakable stripes, are often one of the first wild animals children learn to recognise. But beyond their striking appearance, zebras play an important role in maintaining healthy grasslands and balanced ecosystems. As highlighted in broader conservation conversations around World Zebra Day, protecting zebras means protecting habitats, biodiversity, and the delicate relationships that sustain life in the wild.

This year, ADvTECH schools across the WESSA network brought that message to life through joyful learning, creativity, and meaningful action.

Learning through play and discovery at Southdown’s College

At Southdown’s College, International Zebra Day was embraced across school phases with enthusiasm and imagination. Younger learners arrived dressed in black and white, instantly transforming the day into a visual celebration that sparked curiosity and conversation.

Classrooms became spaces of discovery as learners explored zebra patterns through art, stories, sensory play and guided discussions. These activities went beyond learning facts about animals. They encouraged observation skills, creativity, and early environmental awareness, helping children make connections between wildlife, nature, and their own role in caring for the world around them.

By engaging the senses and inviting learners to express what they were learning, the day supported social development and built a foundation for empathy towards animals and the environments they depend on.

Pictured above: South Downs College Zebra Day Celebration – Learners dressed in their Zebra-themed outfits.

Turning awareness into action at Crawford International Sandton

At Crawford International Sandton, learners took International Zebra Day a step further by moving from awareness to visible, community-focused action.

Learners led a range of zebra-themed initiatives designed to spark conversations about biodiversity and conservation. From baking activities to upcycled bags, posters, and QR codes linking to conservation messages, learners found creative ways to share what they had learned beyond the classroom.

Importantly, these activities were not symbolic. They reflected a deeper understanding that caring for wildlife is connected to caring for people and the planet. Through charitable outreach and purposeful messaging, learners demonstrated how young people can use creativity and initiative to drive positive change in their communities.

Pictured above: Crawford International Sandton celebrating Zebra Day

Why days like this matter

International environmental days provide powerful opportunities for learning that is relevant, engaging, and action oriented. Zebras are part of complex ecosystems that rely on informed, committed stewardship.

When schools take part in days like International Zebra Day, they help learners understand that conservation is not distant or abstract. It starts with awareness, grows through education, and becomes meaningful through action.

At WESSA, we believe that these moments where learning meets care, and care turns into action, are essential in nurturing a generation that understands its responsibility to protect biodiversity and build a more sustainable future.

Green Rising Project: Communities take action to restore ecosystems

Jan 30, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: WESSA and Durban Solid Waste teams work together to rehabilitate an illegal dump site in Clermont.

Across KwaZulu-Natal this January, young people, community members and local partners came together to take tangible action for the environment. Through the Green Rising initiative, implemented by WESSA in partnership with UNICEF, two community-led interventions demonstrated how collective effort can restore degraded spaces while strengthening environmental stewardship at a local level.

From clearing invasive alien vegetation on a school campus to transforming an illegal dump site into a thriving biodiversity garden, these activities highlight what is possible when communities are empowered to care for the environments they live, learn and work in.

Restoring a school environment at Sthengile Senior Secondary

Pictured above: Alien invasive clearing activity at Sthengile Senior Secondary School

On 22 January 2026, WESSA, together with PEP Volunteers, community members and the local ward councillor, hosted an alien invasive clearing activity at Sthengile Senior Secondary School.

The initiative focused on removing dense invasive vegetation that had spread across more than two hectares of land on and around the school grounds. Through a coordinated, hands-on effort, the area was cleared, allowing indigenous plant life to recover and creating a safer, healthier environment for learners and educators alike.

Beyond the immediate ecological impact, the activity also served as a practical learning opportunity reinforcing the link between environmental care, climate resilience and community wellbeing, particularly for young people who are central to the Green Rising vision.

From illegal dump to biodiversity garden in Clermont

Pictured above: Clermont – WESSA and Durban Solid Waste teams hard at work to clear 20 tonnes of waste.

Just days later, on 28 January 2026, WESSA partnered with Durban Solid Waste to rehabilitate an illegal dump site in Clermont.

More than 20 tonnes of waste were removed from the site, significantly improving environmental conditions and reducing health risks for nearby residents. Following the clean-up, the space was rehabilitated and transformed into a functional biodiversity garden, offering a visible and lasting example of how degraded urban spaces can be reimagined.

Crucially, long-term sustainability was built into the project. A neighbouring spaza shop formally adopted the garden, committing to its ongoing care and maintenance, a powerful demonstration of local ownership and pride in the restored environment.

Enabling youth-led environmental action

Both activities form part of the Green Rising initiative, which supports youth-driven environmental action while strengthening community resilience in the face of climate and ecological challenges.

By combining hands-on environmental restoration with local partnerships and shared responsibility, these KwaZulu-Natal interventions show how meaningful change happens not only through policy and programmes, but through people working together to protect and restore the places that matter most to them.

Join our Team: Senior Project Coordinator (Northern Cape)

Jan 29, 2026 | Vacancy

Are you a passionate, organised, and driven individual who thrives on creating impact through education and community action? WESSA is seeking a Senior Project Coordinator to lead the delivery of key environmental education projects in the Northern Cape.

Based in the Northern Cape (Kimberley), this fixed-term role will oversee project planning, implementation, and stakeholder coordination to ensure successful delivery against strategic objectives, budgets, and quality standards. The role is ideal for a results-oriented individual who values collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in education. It’s imperative that applicants own a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver’s license.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing project plans for schools in the region, monitoring and evaluating progress, and ensuring reporting obligations to funders are met. The role includes mentoring interns, supporting educators through regular communication and site visits, and expanding participation in WESSA’s programmes such as Eco-Schools, LEAF (Learning About Ecosystems & Forests), and YRE (Young Reporters for the Environment).

The successful candidate will also engage with partners, including district Department of Education officials, municipalities, private schools, and local businesses, to strengthen networks and visibility of WESSA’s impact in the province. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with communities, educators, and learners to inspire environmental action across the Northern Cape.

Read the full role requirements and apply. [Download English] [Laai dit af in Afrikaans]

Apply by: 16h00 SAST, 4 February, 2026

Send your CV and motivation letter to: applications@wessa.co.za

Subject line: Senior Project Coordinator – NC

Important to note: Please submit all documents (cover letter, CV, and supporting materials) in a single PDF document.

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