[N3TC Schools] Bringing biodiversity to life in Free State classrooms

[N3TC Schools] Bringing biodiversity to life in Free State classrooms

Mar 31, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: left – Thuto Ke Lesedi Educare Centre learners in their garden; top middle – Teachers shared their innovative ideas of how they will use their gardens for teaching; right top – Qalabotjha Creche learner marking a spot for their biodiversity garden; bottom middle – Learner at Zenzeleni Educare Centre during the garden walk; Learners colouring various food items they will plant in their garden

From 23 to 25 March 2026, WESSA launched its first implementation sessions with N3TC schools in Villiers, Free State – marking a strong step forward in embedding biodiversity and outdoor learning into school environments.

 

Equipping educators for outdoor learning

 

The visit began with a dynamic teachers’ workshop centred on this year’s focus: biodiversity and outdoor learning.

The workshop aimed to equip educators with practical knowledge and tools to transform biodiversity gardens into living classrooms that support experiential learning. Key discussions explored the critical link between biodiversity, climate resilience, and water conservation – highlighting the role schools can play in building environmentally responsible communities.

A standout moment was the collaborative design session, where teachers developed tailored plans for their own school biodiversity gardens. Educators shared innovative ideas on how these spaces will be integrated into teaching and learning, demonstrating a strong commitment to hands-on, nature-based education.

 

From classroom to living ecosystem

 

Following the workshop, the programme continued with two days of engaging learner sessions, bringing biodiversity concepts to life in practical and relatable ways.

Learners were introduced to the importance of biodiversity and its role in supporting healthy ecosystems and resilient communities, laying the foundation for deeper environmental understanding.

A key highlight was the interactive garden walk, where learners explored their school environment and guided by their teachers, participated in designing their own biodiversity gardens. This hands-on approach deepened their understanding while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their natural surroundings.

 

Strengthening the link between knowledge and action

 

Together, these sessions strengthened the connection between knowledge and action, enabling both teachers and learners to actively contribute to sustainable, biodiversity-rich school environments.

Through initiatives like this, WESSA continues to advance its mission to Educate, Advocate, Act, enabling schools to become spaces where environmental awareness is not only taught, but lived.

Empowering learners through circular economy thinking (Nedbank X WESSA)

Empowering learners through circular economy thinking (Nedbank X WESSA)

Mar 30, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: Bekezela Learners compressing their Waste tins and sorting recyclables

WESSA’s partnership with Nedbank continues to bring the principles of the circular economy to life in classrooms, equipping learners with practical knowledge and real-world skills to address waste challenges while unlocking economic opportunity.

 

From awareness to action

 

The March rollout of the Nedbank Circular Economy Project focused on introducing learners to the concept of waste and its environmental impact, building on the foundation laid during the educator workshop.

Teachers piloted their lesson plans by guiding learners through the fundamentals of the circular economy, including how the 7R’s framework can be applied to reduce waste and rethink resource use.

Importantly, learners were encouraged to think beyond theory, engaging in discussions on how waste can be repurposed into income-generating opportunities through creative, small-scale business ideas.

 

Learning through upcycling

 

Hands-on learning formed a central part of the programme, with learners participating in upcycling activities that demonstrated how everyday waste materials can be reused in practical ways.

 

Pictured above: Lehutso Primary School learners engaging in the session on the reuse of waste

From repurposing paper packaging to cover books, to transforming plastic bottles into functional containers, learners explored how simple interventions can extend the life cycle of materials while reducing environmental impact.

These sessions were further strengthened through a presentation by Indalo Yami Recyclers, who shared insights into how recycling contributes to both environmental protection and income generation. Learners were also introduced to key health and safety considerations, including the risks associated with handling contaminated or hazardous waste.

 

Pictured above: Bekezela Primary School learners reusing 2lt bottles to make containers

 

Building a culture of recycling

 

The second phase of the project deepened learners’ understanding of recycling systems and the finite nature of natural resources.

Learners explored how waste materials are categorised into reclaimable and non-reclaimable streams, and why sorting waste at source is critical to improving recycling efficiency and reducing contamination.

 

Pictured above: Nelson Mandela P.S learners learning about recycling and sorting waste

Across participating schools, learners are now actively collecting and sorting recyclable materials including beverage cans, paper, cardboard, and plastic – turning environmental responsibility into measurable action.

 

Turning waste into opportunity

 

A key outcome of the project has been the ability of schools to begin generating income through their recycling initiatives, demonstrating the tangible value of circular economy principles in action.

Looking ahead, the next phase will integrate Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) into the programme, enabling learners to manage and grow the income generated through their recycling and upcycling activities.

This progression ensures that learners not only understand sustainability concepts but also develop the financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills needed to sustain and scale their initiatives.

 

Educating for a circular future

 

Through this project, WESSA and Nedbank are demonstrating how environmental education can move beyond awareness to meaningful, learner-led action.

By linking sustainability with economic opportunity, the initiative is helping to shape a generation of young people who are not only environmentally conscious, but also enabled to innovate, lead, and contribute to a more circular and resilient future.

46 KwaZulu-Natal schools recognised by WESSA for driving environmental action

46 KwaZulu-Natal schools recognised by WESSA for driving environmental action

Mar 30, 2026 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: Recipients of Eco-School awards in KZN with WESSA Schools & Youth team, and CEO.

Durban, South Africa – 29 March 2026: KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to environmental education and youth-led action was celebrated at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, held on 21 March 2026 (Human Rights Day) at the Willow Way Manor in Durban. The event brought together educators, learners, government representatives, and environmental partners in the province to recognise schools that are not only learning about sustainability but actively shaping it within their communities.

The Eco-Schools programme, implemented by WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), continues to empower young people to move from awareness to meaningful action, embedding environmental responsibility into schools across the province.

Recognising schools that turn learning into action

This year’s awards recognised schools across KwaZulu-Natal for their commitment to environmental learning, practical action, and community impact. From waste management and water conservation to biodiversity protection and climate awareness, participating schools demonstrated how education can drive real change.

The ceremony highlighted the strength of the Eco-Schools model – where learners are not passive recipients of information, but active participants in solving environmental challenges within their schools and communities.

A number of Eco-Schools were recognised for their long-term, consistent commitment, including the Emerald Award (20 years) awarded to Pitlochry Primary School and Shea O’Connor Combined School, and the Arum Lily Award (22 years) awarded to Epworth School and The Birches – marking over two decades of sustained environmental excellence.

A centenary year for WESSA and a future led by youth

As WESSA marks its 100th year, WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, reflected on the enduring power of environmental education to shape a more sustainable future.

“For 100 years, WESSA has believed in the power of education to change lives and protect our planet. The Eco-Schools programme is one of the clearest examples of this in action – where knowledge is transformed into meaningful, community-driven change,” adds Cloete.

She added that the programme’s impact lies in its ability to move learners beyond awareness, “We are not just teaching learners about environmental challenges – we are equipping them to respond to those challenges with confidence, creativity, and purpose. These young people are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading change today.”

Rethinking sustainability for the next generation

Delivering the keynote address, Thobekile Gambu, Environmental Scientist and United Nations Global Compact Coordinator for uMgeni-uThukela Water South Africa, challenged attendees to rethink how sustainability is approached in education, particularly in the face of growing environmental pressures.

keynote speaker

Pictured above: Keynote speaker, Thobekile Gambu

“We cannot afford to treat sustainability as a future concern. The decisions we take and actions we make today will define the kind of world young people inherit,” she said.

Emphasising the importance of agency and action, she shares that, “Young people must be equipped not only with knowledge, but with the ability to act. When learners understand their role in protecting natural systems – especially water – they become powerful drivers of change within their communities.”

She further highlighted the need for a shift in mindset: “Sustainability education must move beyond awareness. It must inspire responsibility, innovation, and action – because the challenges we face require more than understanding; they require solutions.”

Learner-led innovation and impact on display

A powerful highlight of the ceremony was the showcase presentations by learners, demonstrating the tangible impact of Eco-Schools projects on the ground.

A Grade 7 learner from Highbury Preparatory School shared how their Eco Club has driven initiatives such as recycling programmes, school gardening, and biodiversity awareness, while also extending their impact through community engagement and conservation fundraising efforts.

Meanwhile, Dingeka Technical High School presented their work focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), alongside recycling initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns. Their work reflects a strong commitment to addressing both environmental and social challenges within their community.

These showcases reinforced a key message: when learners are enabled, they become powerful agents of change.

Building a generation of environmental leaders

The KwaZulu-Natal Eco-Schools Awards once again demonstrated the programme’s role in developing environmentally conscious, action-oriented young leaders.

Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and community engagement, Eco-Schools continues to nurture a generation that understands not only the challenges facing the planet – but their role in solving them.

As WESSA celebrates its centenary year, the work of these schools stands as a powerful reminder that the future of environmental sustainability is already being shaped in classrooms across South Africa.

Top honours recognise excellence in environmental leadership

Among the many schools recognised, several stood out for their exceptional leadership and impact through the programme’s special awards, which celebrate excellence across key environmental themes.

  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Biodiversity Stewardship Award was awarded to Amanzimtoti Primary School, recognising its long-standing commitment to protecting and restoring biodiversity through initiatives such as beach clean-ups, wetland adoption, and environmental awareness campaigns.
  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Circular Economy Champion Award was presented to Hillgrove Primary School, which has demonstrated outstanding leadership in waste reduction and recycling, including collecting over 1 400 kg of recyclables and promoting a culture of resource efficiency.
  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Water Wise Warriors Award went to Buhlebemfundo High School, whose learners developed an innovative water conservation app and represented South Africa on the global stage, while also leading water stewardship initiatives within their community.
  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Ubuntu for Nature Award was awarded to Epworth School, in recognition of its strong community engagement, including clean-up campaigns, tree planting, food gardens, and environmental awareness initiatives that embody collective action for people and the planet.

In addition to the special awards, several schools were recognised for their long-term commitment to the Eco-Schools programme, achieving milestone “decade” awards that reflect sustained environmental action over many years.

Additional notable achievements:

  • 15 years: Cowan House, Amanzimtoti Primary School, Kainon Primary School, and Tree Tops School received the International Flag Decade Award
  • 17 years: Eden College and Virginia Preparatory School were awarded the Platinum 2 Decade Award

Eco-Schools Awards Progression

Participation award

  • Hillcrest High School

Bronze award (Year 1)

  • Inkanyezi Creche and Community Care Centre
  • Dingeka High School

Silver award (Year 2):

  • Atholl Heights Primary School
  • Crawford International La Lucia
  • Crawford International North Coast
  • Umlazi ComTech High School
  • E. Ndlovu Secondary School
  • JL Dube Secondary School
  • Marklands Secondary School
  • Nkosinathi Secondary School
  • Mzuvele Secondary School

Green Flag award (Year 3):

  • Athlone Park Primary School
  • Carter High School
  • Injabulo Senior Primary School

Sun International Eco-Schools Project

Gold award (Year 4):

  • Glenhaven Secondary School
  • Palmview Secondary School
  • Sterngrove Primary School
  • Phoenix Secondary School
  • Waterloo Secondary School

Gold award (Year 4):

  • Longmarket Girls’ School
  • Thembimfundo Special School
  • Buhlebemfundo Secondary School

International Flag award (Year 5):

  • Kloof High school
  • Ogwini Comprehensive Technical High School

Platinum 2 award (Year 7)

  • Wembley College
  • Hermannsburg School
  • The Browns School

Silver Decade award (Year 12):

  • Deutsche Schule Durban
  • Winston Park Primary School
  • Highbury Preparatory School

Green Flag Decade award (Year 13):

  • Hilton Montessori

Gold Decade award (Year 14):

  • Umbogintwini Primary School
  • Stanger Training Centre
  • Laddsworth Primary School

International Flag Decade award (Year 15):

  • Cowan House
  • Amanzimtoti Primary School
  • Kainon Primary School
  • Tree Tops School

Platinum 2 Decade award (Year 17):

  • Eden College
  • Virginia Preparatory School
  • Hillgrove Primary School

Emerald award (Year 20):

  • Pitlochry Primary school
  • Shea O’Connor Combined School

Arum Lily award (Year 22):

  • Epworth School
  • The Birches

Partner and Funder Recognition

  • Sun International Sibaya
  • eThekwini Municipality – Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit
17 Mpumalanga schools recognised for environmental leadership at WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025

17 Mpumalanga schools recognised for environmental leadership at WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025

Mar 27, 2026 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

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
Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank achieves Green Key Certification, setting a new standard for Sustainable Urban Hospitality

Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank achieves Green Key Certification, setting a new standard for Sustainable Urban Hospitality

Mar 27, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Pictured left to right: Jessica Redinger: General Manager, Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank; Charity Mabuza: Rooms Divisions Manager, Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank; Cindy-Lee Cloete: WESSA CEO; Karel Mienie: Facilities Manager, Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank

Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank has officially been awarded Green Key certification, an internationally recognised eco-label for tourism establishments committed to responsible and sustainable practices. Managed in South Africa by WESSA (The Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa), the programme includes independent audits and annual verification, ensuring that certification reflects sustained performance rather than a once-off achievement.

Speaking at the official handover, WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete emphasised that Green Key certification represents more than compliance: “Green Key certification reflects a real commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism, and continuously improving how we operate as a hospitality establishment. This achievement is not just about receiving a certificate – it is about recognising the journey, the effort, and the people behind it.”

Sustainability engineered into the building

At the core of Hyde Rosebank’s sustainability journey is a design-led approach, where environmental performance is embedded into the building itself – not retrofitted.

The property operates with solar panels, a gas generator system, heat recovery for hot water, and a borehole supplying approximately 40% of its water needs, significantly reducing reliance on municipal infrastructure.

These systems are complemented by energy-efficient LED lighting, an Energy Performance Certificate, and water-saving aerators across guest rooms and operational areas, ensuring resource efficiency is maintained across all touchpoints.

“These aren’t cosmetic changes; they’re engineered into how the building runs every day. Sustainability is part of the infrastructure, and it shapes how we operate across every level of the hotel,” explains Jessica Redinger, General Manager of Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank.

Operational change embedded into systems

Beyond infrastructure, the hotel has embedded sustainability into daily operational practices and team behaviour, a critical factor in achieving Green Key certification.

Housekeeping and maintenance teams actively monitor energy usage, water consumption, and air conditioning systems, with daily checks ensuring unused rooms are not consuming unnecessary resources.

“We’ve already seen measurable reductions in energy and water consumption through daily monitoring and team accountability. It’s about turning awareness into action at every level of the operation,” adds Redinger.

Efforts to reduce waste are equally embedded. The hotel has eliminated single-use plastic water bottles, replacing them with a reusable glass bottle system supported by on-site purification and washing infrastructure, alongside broader waste reduction initiatives.

Hyde Park

Pictured above: Hyde Johannesburg building exterior and interior. Source via establishment

Embedding sustainability into experience, culture and community

A defining feature of Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank’s approach is the seamless integration of sustainability across guest experience, team culture, and community impact – without compromising comfort or design.

  • From digital in-room systems and bamboo key cards to reusable glass water bottles and initiatives such as “Skip the Clean”, which reduces water, energy, and chemical use, guests can participate in more responsible practices without disruption.
  • Beyond the property, Hyde Rosebank maintains a strong focus on local community engagement, with ongoing support for New Jerusalem Children’s Home through food, clothing donations, and regular visits, alongside participation in Rosebank clean-up initiatives and wellness-driven community partnerships.
  • Internally, this approach is underpinned by a culture-driven model, where sustainability is embedded into daily operations. A cross-departmental ESG committee, supported by leadership and operational teams, ensures accountability through daily briefings, monitoring, and continuous reinforcement.

Redinger shares that, “The highest compliment is that guests often don’t notice because sustainability is built into the experience from the start. Where guests do have a choice, it’s positioned as a benefit, not a sacrifice.”

Green Key certification is recognised in over 90 countries and forms part of a global network of tourism establishments committed to sustainability.

For Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank, this milestone marks not an endpoint, but the beginning of a deeper commitment. “Sustainability does not sit in a file or a policy. It lives in daily actions, in how teams use resources, engage with guests, and contribute to a culture of responsibility. It’s about asking what more can be done and how we keep improving, and based on what we’ve seen here, this team is well positioned to lead in this space,” concludes Cloete.

WESSA Eco-Schools Awards celebrate 130+ Free State schools leading sustainability from the classroom

WESSA Eco-Schools Awards celebrate 130+ Free State schools leading sustainability from the classroom

Mar 26, 2026 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

From water and waste to biodiversity and community action, Free State schools demonstrate the power of education to drive real environmental impact

Pictured above: Recipients of the Gold and International Flag awards; speaker Mrs. Ralepedi from Department of Basic Education giving word of support to the Eco-Schools programme

Bloemfontein, South Africa – 25 March 2026: WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has recognised s for their measurable environmental action and sustainability leadership at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards, held on 12 March 2026 at Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein.

Part of the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools equips learners and educators to move beyond awareness and into meaningful, school-wide environmental action. In the Free State, these awards reflect not only participation in the programme, but tangible impact across communities and ecosystems.

The ceremony brought together key stakeholders including the Department of Education, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), alongside educators and eco-committee representatives from schools across the province.

DESTEA and WESSA share a long-standing partnership of over 10 years, through which environmental education has been successfully delivered to more than 100 Eco-Schools across the Free State Province. This collaboration demonstrates the how sustained partnerships can advance education for sustainable development.

From learning to action across key environmental themes

Throughout 2025, participating schools implemented practical environmental projects across core Eco-Schools themes including health and wellbeing, water, waste, nature and biodiversity, and community and heritage. These projects enabled schools to progress through the programme’s award levels, demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability in action.

From improving waste management practices to protecting biodiversity and strengthening community engagement, learners and educators continue to show that environmental education is most powerful when it leads to real-world change.

Recognising long-term commitment and excellence

The awards ceremony celebrated achievements across multiple levels, from Bronze through to the prestigious International Green Flag, with several schools also recognised for long-term commitment to the programme – including Batjha Primary School from Botshabelo in Mangaung Metro and Nthuthuzelo Primary School from Bultfontein Lejweleputswa District, each receiving the Diamond Award for participating for 10 years in the programme.

Pictured above: Diamond Award and Eco Flag recipients. Image source: DESTEA

These milestones reflect sustained environmental leadership and the embedding of sustainability into school culture over time.

In her closing remarks, Ms Nozi Nkoe, Chief Director for Environmental Management at DESTEA, acknowledged the collective effort behind the programme, highlighting the critical role of educators in driving environmental action within schools and communities.

Pictured above: Ms Nozi Nkoe, Chief Director for Environmental Management at DESTEA. Image source: DESTEA

Strengthening partnerships for impact

When government departments join hands with WESSA as an implementation partner, it strengthens coordination, optimises resources, and enhances impact at grassroots level, enabling schools and communities to benefit from integrated support. This ensures that environmental education is not only taught but actively practiced, fostering responsible citizenship and sustainable livelihoods.

As the Eco-Schools Programme continues to grow, it remains a powerful platform for equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and agency to respond to environmental challenges – and to lead change within their communities.