Pictured: Group photo of 2025 award recipients, Gauteng Eco-Schools

Multi-stakeholder partnerships power measurable sustainability outcomes in over 120 Gauteng schools

Johannesburg, South Africa – 4 March 2026: Gauteng’s schools took centre stage at the WESSA Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, held at The Garden Venue Hotel on 27 February 2026, where educators, learners, partners and government representatives gathered to recognise measurable environmental action across the province.

Hosted by WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) during its centenary year, the ceremony recognised schools implementing practical sustainability initiatives ranging from biodiversity restoration and waste management to water stewardship and community outreach.

Opening the ceremony, WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete situated the moment within the organisation’s historic milestone, “Whether you’ve been with us for decades or just a couple of days, today you are part of something extraordinary, because we sit at 100 this year – 100 years of citizen action, 100 years of environmental leadership, 100 years of believing that education is the lever that will make a change in our communities and in our schools.”

Pictured above: WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete

She emphasised that the Eco-Schools programme represents more than environmental awareness, Cloete shared that, “EcoSchools in South Africa is one of the most impactful environmental education programmes in this country, not just a WESSA programme, but a teacher movement and a learner-led action campaign.”

Education as nation building

Addressing principals and educators in the room, Cloete highlighted the enduring power of classroom leadership, “Policy can shift, funding cycles can fluctuate, governments can change, economies can wobble – but a teacher in a classroom committed to raising environmentally conscious citizens, that is nation building; that is long-term change.” She reminded schools that their work extends far beyond compliance with curriculum requirements, “You are not just delivering a curriculum; you are shaping citizens for the future and raising a generation that will not see sustainability as a project, but as a way of being.”

The keynote address by Ms Dululu Hlatshaneni, Deputy Director: Social Cohesion and Equity in Education at the Department of Basic Education, affirmed the programme’s provincial impact, stating that, “In this cycle alone, 622 schools are participating nationally, and here in Gauteng we celebrate over 100 schools whose commitment to environmental education is transforming their communities. These achievements reflect leadership, innovation and a shared vision for sustainable development.”

Pictured above: Ms Dululu Hlatshaneni, Deputy Director: Social Cohesion and Equity in Education at the Department of Basic Education

From waste to water, showcasing measurable impact

Selected schools showcased projects demonstrating the depth of environmental action taking place across Gauteng:

• ADvTECH Schools reported 98 environmental projects implemented across 42 participating schools in 2025 alone, alongside 253 environmental days and 254 environmental lessons delivered.
• The eWASA & WESSA SA Schools Waste Management and Education Project reached more than 2,700 learners and 70 teachers, with schools recycling over 16,000 kilograms of waste.
• Under the UNICEF Green Rising Project, Phase 1 reached over 12,000 people across 66 schools and communities nationally, planted 2,148 trees, cleaned 700 tons of waste and rehabilitated 260 hectares of land.

A spotlight on leadership with these special awards

Several schools were recognised for exceptional thematic leadership:

• Biodiversity Stewardship Award: Ipontshe Primary School
• Circular Economy Champion Award: Diepsloot Secondary School No. 3 (recycling over 8,000kg of waste and demonstrating innovation in reuse initiatives)
• Water Wise Warriors Award: Moduopo Primary School
• Ubuntu for Nature Award: Pinnacle Colleges Rynfield
• Eco-Innovation Award: Waterkloof House Preparatory School

“When young people feel connected to nature, they feel connected to themselves and through our Eco-Schools programme we are raising a generation that will protect who we are into the future,” adds Cloete.

The ceremony also honoured long-standing corporate and institutional partners including ADvTECH, AECI, Clean Air Fund, the Department of Basic Education, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), ENGIE, eWASA, First Rand Foundation, Groundwork, Modderfontein Conservation Society, N3TC, Nedbank, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Sun International, UNICEF and WISPECO Aluminium.

As WESSA enters its second century, Cloete closed with a call to collective responsibility: “The next century of WESSA belongs to all of you and it begins with all of us. Remember: together, we educate, we advocate, we act for our natural heritage.”

Full list of Schools recognised – As awarded at the Gauteng Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony 2025)

ADvTECH Schools

• Platinum 2 Decade (Year 17): Pecanwood College (also recipient of the ADvTECH Snippets Award)
• Green Flag Decade (Year 13): Pinnacle Colleges Ridge View
• Bronze Decade (Year 11): Tyger Valley College
• Platinum 2 (Year 7): Crawford International Sandton
• Gold Award (Year 4): Trinityhouse Little Falls
• Silver Award (Year 2):
  • Abbotts High School Centurion
  • Abbotts High School Johannesburg South
  • Abbotts High School Northcliff
  • Abbotts High School Pretoria East
  • Crawford International Bedfordview
  • Crawford International Bryanston
  • Crawford International Fourways
  • Crawford International Lonehill
  • Crawford International Pretoria
  • Crawford International Ruimsig
  • Junior Colleges Fourways
  • Junior Colleges Meyersdal
  • Junior Colleges Raslouw
  • Junior Colleges Ridge View
  • Junior Colleges Sunninghill
  • Maragon Mooikloof
  • Maragon Olympus
  • Southdowns College
  • Pinnacle Colleges Copperleaf
  • Pinnacle Colleges Founders Hill
  • Pinnacle Colleges Kyalami
  • Pinnacle Colleges Linden
  • Pinnacle Colleges Raslouw
  • Pinnacle Colleges Rynfield
  • Pinnacle Colleges Waterfall
  • The Bridge School Lonehill
  • The Bridge School Morningside
  • Trinityhouse Centurion
  • Trinityhouse Glenvista
  • Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge

eWASA & WESSA SA Schools Waste Management Project

Silver Award (Year 2):

• Diepsloot Combined School
• Diepsloot Secondary School No. 3
• Diepsloot West Secondary School
• Itirele-Zenzele Comprehensive School
• Masisebenze Comprehensive School
• Masiqhakaze Secondary School
• Sunrise High School
• Tembisa West Secondary School
• Winnie Mandela Secondary School
• Zitikeni Secondary School

AECI & Modderfontein Conservation Society

• Green Flag (Year 3) & LEAF Award: Ikage Primary School
• Silver (Year 2) & LEAF Awards:
  • Bovet Primary School
  • Iphutheng Primary School
  • OR Tambo Primary School
  • Zenzeleni Primary School

Sun International Eco-Schools Project

• Platinum 2 (Year 7):
  • Ipontshe Primary School
  • Moduopo Primary School
• Gold (Year 4):
  • Buhlebemfundo Secondary School
  • Ekukhanyisweni Primary School
  • Mamelodi East Prevocational School
  • Soshanguve Secondary
  • Tembisa School of Specialization
  • Tsimong Primary School

N3TC Eco-Schools

• Green Flag Decade (Year 13):
  • Ntataise Educare Centre
  • Zenzeleni Educare Centre
• Bronze Decade (Year 11): Zamaleka Primary School
• Diamond (Year 10): Phomello Primary School
• Platinum 4 (Year 9): Thuto ke Lesedi Educare Centre
• Platinum 1 (Year 6):
  • Qalabotjha Creche
  • Qalabotjha Secondary School
• International Flag (Year 5): Retshedisitswe Secondary School

WISPECO Aluminium Eco-Schools

• Strelitzia (21 Years): Monde Primary School
• Silver (Year 2): Tamaho Primary School
• Bronze (Year 1): Naledi Pre School

Independently Registered Schools (Department of Basic Education)

• Strelitzia (Year 20 – 2024) & Arum Lily (Year 21 – 2025): Laerskool Anton Van Wouw
• Emerald (Year 20): St Andrew’s School for Girls
• Platinum 3 Decade (Year 17): Waterkloof House Preparatory School
• Platinum 1 Decade (Year 16): Brescia House School
• Green Flag Decade (Year 13): Jiyana Secondary School
• Bronze Decade (Year 11): St Peter’s Prep School
• Platinum 2 (Year 7): Jeppe High School for Girls
• Platinum 1 (Year 6): Jan Celliers Laerskool en Pre-Primêr
• International Flag (Year 5):
  • Hoërskool Zwartkop
  • Sedi-Laka Primary School
• Gold (Year 4):
  • Canterbury Preparatory School
  • Comforters Kiddies Care Centre
  • Zama Zama New School of Hope
• Green Flag (Year 3):
  • Kyalami Preparatory School
  • Pridwin Preparatory School
• Silver (Year 2):
  • St Stithians College
  • Yellow Wood Environmental Preparatory School
• Bronze (Year 1):
  • Beaulieu Preparatory School
  • Bryanston Primary School
  • Thorntree Primary School

Pictured above: Learners presenting female scientists and conducting science experiments in the lab.

Across the ADvTECH school network, learners marked key environmental and science awareness moments during February through hands-on activities, creative exploration and peer-to-peer learning. From celebrating women in science, to learning about endangered wildlife and the importance of ocean health, these activities showed how environmental education can spark curiosity and empower learners of all ages to better understand the world around them.

Pecanwood College: Celebrating Women and Girls in Science

On 11 February, learners at Pecanwood College marked the global celebration of Women and Girls in Science with an engaging, learner-led event. Grade 11 science learners took the lead in teaching their peers about the achievements of influential female scientists and the groundbreaking discoveries they have contributed to the world.

Through a series of presentations and discussions, learners highlighted the inventions and scientific breakthroughs made by women across different fields. To make the experience interactive and inspiring, the group also conducted additional experiments outside of their normal classroom activities, demonstrating how science can be both accessible and exciting.

Learners further explored the topic by watching a video highlighting successful women in science and the difference their work has made globally. These activities encouraged discussion, curiosity and recognition of the role women continue to play in advancing scientific knowledge.

The event fostered peer-to-peer learning, with female learners confidently sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm for science with fellow students. Discussions also increased awareness of the important contributions women have made to scientific progress.

Pecanwood College Pre-Prep: World Whale Day sparks ocean curiosity

Pictured above: Classroom whale painting activity and learners with their whale artwork.

On 15 February, the Pecanwood College Pre-Prep celebrated World Whale Day through a series of creative and educational classroom activities designed to raise awareness about whales and their role in healthy oceans.

Each class approached the topic in different ways, blending science, storytelling, art and exploration to help learners understand marine life.

The youngest learners, the Grade 0000 class, explored whales through songs and stories and collaborated on a group art project where they used water and droppers to paint a large whale artwork.

In Grade 000, learners discussed the story of Jonah and the whale, exploring what type of whale it might have been and whether it would have had teeth or baleen. They then drew their own interpretations of the whale based on what they had learned.

The Grade 00 learners designed their own whales and presented them to the class, practising skills such as observation, questioning and sharing ideas. They also explored water, bubbles and ice while creating suncatcher artwork.

In Grade 0, learners examined how whales contribute to ocean health. Through discussion, observation and shared research, they expressed their understanding by drawing and painting their interpretations of these remarkable marine animals.

Together, these activities helped build awareness about whales and their importance in marine ecosystems, while also encouraging creativity, curiosity and early scientific thinking.

Junior Colleges Meyersdal: Young learners celebrate World Pangolin Day

Pictured above: Learners participating in pangolin artwork activity and showcasing their classroom Pangolin display.

At Junior Colleges Meyersdal, even the youngest learners took part in environmental learning by celebrating World Pangolin Day on 21 February 2026.

Learners aged two to six years old were introduced to the pangolin, one of the world’s most unique yet threatened animals. Teachers explained what pangolins are, why they are endangered, and why protecting wildlife is important for our planet.

The classes also explored ten interesting facts about pangolins, helping learners understand these fascinating animals in a way that was engaging and age appropriate.

Creativity played a central role in the learning process. Learners created colourful pangolin-inspired artwork using a variety of materials, turning their new knowledge into visual expressions of what they had learned about the species.

Through storytelling, discussion and creative activities, the young learners began developing an early appreciation for wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered animals.

Learning that inspires action

Across these activities, ADvTECH schools demonstrated how environmental education can be brought to life through curiosity-driven learning. Whether exploring the achievements of women in science, discovering endangered wildlife like the pangolin, or learning about the vital role whales play in ocean ecosystems, learners engaged with real-world environmental themes in ways that were both meaningful and memorable.

By combining creativity, discussion and hands-on exploration, these initiatives help nurture a generation of learners who are not only informed but inspired to care for the natural world.

Environmental change often begins with a moment of realisation, a conversation, a story, or a simple question that makes young people see their surroundings differently.

Through the Green Rising Phase 2 School Challenge, WESSA is helping spark those moments across South African schools, enabling learners to understand their role in protecting the environment and shaping the future of their communities.

In the Western Cape Province, in partnership with the City of Cape Town’s Bingo Team, WESSA delivered a series of six high-impact environmental assemblies designed to bring environmental education directly to learners where they are –in their classrooms and school halls.

The initiative reached 4 570 learners across the city, creating a platform for environmental awareness, learning and action.

The assemblies took place at:

• Bellville South High School

• Firgrove Primary School

• Fairdale Primary School

• Intsebenziswano Senior Secondary School

• Riverton Primary School

• Seamount Primary School

A focus on environmental issues affecting local communities

Learners explored topics including responsible waste disposal, the reduction of littering, and the environmental and social consequences of illegal dumping. By connecting global environmental concerns to everyday local realities, the assemblies helped learners understand how individual actions contribute to the health of their neighbourhoods and natural ecosystems.

Importantly, the programme moved beyond awareness and into action. Tree planting activities formed part of the sessions, providing learners with a tangible way to contribute to environmental restoration while reinforcing the message that caring for the Earth requires both knowledge and participation.

One of the most memorable moments occurred at Bellville South High School, where a learner stepped forward to deliver a heartfelt motivational message to fellow students. Encouraging peers not to give up on their goals and to remain committed to creating positive change in their communities, the speech captured the spirit of the Green Rising initiative – that young people are not only learners, but leaders of environmental change.

Strengthening environmental literacy

Through these assemblies, thousands of learners gained new knowledge, inspiration and practical tools to become active environmental stewards. By strengthening environmental literacy and encouraging youth-led action, the Green Rising Phase 2 School Challenge continues to demonstrate how education can empower the next generation to build cleaner, safer and more sustainable communities.

At WESSA, this work reflects a simple but powerful belief: when young people are equipped with knowledge, inspiration and opportunity, they do not just learn about the environment – they rise to protect it.