Schools, educators and youth enabled to drive waste action in KZN

Schools, educators and youth enabled to drive waste action in KZN

Mar 20, 2026 | News, Uncategorized

Across KwaZulu-Natal this March, WESSA and its partners consistently engaged in environmental action through a series of initiatives focused on waste management, recycling, and youth engagement.

From classrooms to communities, these efforts are equipping learners and educators with the tools, knowledge and motivation needed to drive meaningful impact for long-term benefits to their communities.

 

Mobilising youth for Global Recycling Day

 

On 18 March 2026, WESSA partnered with the Green Youth Network to mark Global Recycling Day through a community clean-up in Umlazi.

Young environmental enthusiasts actively participated, volunteering their time to take meaningful action in protecting their local environment. The initiative reminds us of the power of youth-led action in building a culture of environmental responsibility and collective care.

 

Educators equipped to strengthen recycling in schools

 

 

On 17 March 2026, Durban Solid Waste (DSW), in partnership with WESSA and various stakeholder organisations, hosted an Educators’ Workshop for the Schools Recycling Competition at the Stable Theatre.

The workshop engaged approximately 80 teachers from across the eThekwini Municipality, equipping them with practical tools and knowledge to strengthen recycling initiatives within schools.

The programme, directed by Mr S. Makhanya and Ms. L. Shabalala, featured contributions from key industry partners including MetPacSA, Fibre Circle, Polyco, WESSA, and Manaza Recycling, alongside interactive sessions led by the Waste Management Directorate.

The engagement created a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, reinforcing the critical role educators play in embedding sustainable waste practices within school communities.

 

Eco-Schools waste education

 

 

On 13 March 2026, WESSA facilitated an Eco-Schools workshop at Palmview Secondary School, supported by Sun International.

Learners and eco-teachers were equipped with practical guidance on implementing the Waste theme within their schools, alongside tools to establish strong and effective Eco-Committee structures aligned with the Eco-Schools Programme 7-step framework.

The session sparked strong enthusiasm among learners, reinforcing their role as active participants in driving sustainability initiatives within their school environments.

 

Building a culture of waste responsibility

 

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how WESSA and its partners are strengthening the link between education and action, ensuring that learners, educators and communities are equipped to address waste challenges in practical and impactful ways.

As WESSA marks its 100th year, this growing momentum reflects a collective commitment to shaping more sustainable, responsible and resilient communities across South Africa.

Call for Expressions of Interest: Full-Service Marketing & Communications Agency

Call for Expressions of Interest: Full-Service Marketing & Communications Agency

Mar 19, 2026 | News, Vacancy

Location: South Africa (national scope)

Organisation: WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa)

Closing Date: 30 March 2026

About WESSA

WESSA is Africa’s oldest environmental non-profit organisation, with a 100-year legacy of environmental education, conservation, and sustainable development.

As we mark our centenary year in 2026, this is a defining moment – not only to celebrate our impact, but to expand our reach, strengthen our voice, and position WESSA for the next 100 years.

Opportunity

WESSA invites experienced, full-service marketing and communications agencies to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to become our strategic marketing partner.

This is the first stage of a formal procurement process, with shortlisted agencies invited to participate in a full proposal and pitch phase.

We are seeking a partner who can:

  • Translate impact into compelling storytelling
  • Drive engagement across diverse audiences
  • Strengthen brand positioning and visibility
  • Support fundraising, partnerships, and programme growth

Marketing is not a support function in 2026 – it is central to delivering our mission: Educate | Advocate | Act

Scope of work (click to download detailed SOW document)

The appointed agency will deliver a fully integrated marketing and communications function, including:

  • Strategic planning and campaign development
  • Social media management and digital growth
  • Content creation (copywriting, design, video)
  • Media relations and PR
  • Event activation and campaign execution
  • Stakeholder and donor communications
  • Reporting, analytics, and performance insights

This includes both centenary campaign activation (#WESSA100) and year-round programme communications across Eco-Schools, coastal programmes, and youth initiatives.

Key priorities

The agency will support WESSA across:

  • Brand & organisational profile
  • Programme storytelling and impact amplification
  • Fundraising and donor engagement
  • Membership and community growth
  • Digital ecosystem expansion
  • Centenary campaign execution

Who should apply

We are looking for agencies that:

  • Have 5+ years’ experience as a full-service agency
  • Demonstrate strong integrated campaign experience
  • Have experience with purpose-driven / non-profit / sustainability brands (advantageous)
  • Offer a multi-disciplinary in-house team (strategy, creative, PR, digital)
  • Can dedicate a core account team to WESSA

Submission requirements due by 30 March 2026

Interested agencies must submit:

  • Cover letter
  • Company profile
  • Relevant portfolio (max. 5 examples)
  • Statement of interest (max. 500 words)
  • Client references
  • Compliance documents

Timeline (click to download detailed SOW document)

  • EOI Issued: 19 March 2026
  • Submission Deadline: 30 March 2026
  • Shortlist Notification: 10 April 2026
  • Pitch Stage: 24 April 2026
  • Appointment: 1 May 2026

How to Apply

Submit your EOI to: applications@wessa.co.za | Subject: EOI_Full Suite Marketing Agency_WESSA

Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Why this matters

This is more than an agency appointment.

It is an opportunity to help shape the voice, visibility, and impact of one of Africa’s most respected environmental organisations at a defining moment in its history.

Together, we can tell the story of 100 years – and build momentum for the next century.

Join our Team: Corporate Partnerships Officer

Join our Team: Corporate Partnerships Officer

Mar 13, 2026 | Vacancy

Are you a relationship-driven professional who thrives on building partnerships that create meaningful environmental impact? WESSA is seeking a Corporate Partnerships Officer to develop, manage and grow strategic relationships with corporate partners and sponsors.

This role plays a key part in strengthening WESSA’s resource mobilisation efforts by aligning businesses with environmental action, sustainability goals and corporate social investment (CSI) priorities.

The successful candidate will identify and cultivate new corporate partnership opportunities, develop tailored sponsorship proposals, and manage an existing portfolio of corporate partners. Working closely with programme teams and the marketing and communications team, the role will ensure partnerships translate into impactful initiatives that support WESSA’s environmental programmes.

The Corporate Partnerships Officer will manage the full partnership lifecycle – from prospecting and proposal development to agreement finalisation, activation and reporting – while maintaining strong relationships with corporate stakeholders.

This position is well suited to someone with strong business development and relationship-building skills, who is confident engaging with senior corporate partners and able to develop compelling partnership proposals that align with corporate sustainability and ESG priorities.

The individual will be based at WESSA’s office in Bryanston, Johannesburg, with travel required for corporate engagement.

Read the full role requirements and apply. [Download English]

Apply by: 12h00 SAST, Friday 27 March, 2026

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

Subject line: Corporate Partnerships Officer

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

Join our Team: Grants Officer

Join our Team: Grants Officer

Mar 13, 2026 | Vacancy

Are you a strategic and detail-oriented Grant Writer who is passionate about securing funding that enables meaningful environmental impact? WESSA is seeking a Grants Officer to join its Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation (PRM) team on a fixed-term contract.

This role focuses on researching, developing and submitting compelling grant proposals to trusts, foundations, government entities and international funders in support of WESSA’s environmental education, conservation and sustainability programmes.

The successful candidate will manage the full grant lifecycle – from identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals, to tracking submissions, coordinating reporting requirements and maintaining relationships with funders.

Working closely with programme managers and finance teams, the Grants Officer will ensure proposals align with WESSA’s strategic priorities while meeting donor compliance requirements. The role plays an important part in strengthening WESSA’s fundraising efforts and supporting the growth of its programmes.

This position is well suited to someone with strong research and proposal writing skills, excellent organisational ability and a proven track record in grant writing or fundraising, preferably within the NPO, environmental or conservation sector.

The individual will be based at one of WESSA’s offices in Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg.

Read the full role requirements and apply. [Download English]

Apply by: 12h00 SAST, Friday 27 March, 2026

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

Subject line: Grants Officer

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

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

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

Mar 13, 2026 | eco-schools, News

Pictured: Group photo – educators, learners and WESSA team at the Limpopo Eco-Schools Awards 2025.

Polokwane, South Africa – 13 March 2026: WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has recognised 24 schools across Limpopo for their environmental leadership and measurable sustainability action at the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards, held on 6 March 2026 at the Garden Court Hotel in Polokwane.

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. From water conservation and waste reduction to biodiversity protection and circular economy initiatives, participating schools are embedding sustainability into daily learning and leadership.

The Limpopo awards ceremony brought together educators, learners, partners and environmental champions to celebrate the role of schools in shaping environmentally responsible communities and future leaders.

Living legacy of WESSA

Opening the ceremony, Hazel Khoza, WESSA Project Manager, reflected on the significance of the programme in WESSA’s centenary year, “The Eco-Schools Awards represent the living legacy of WESSA. Each school recognised today embodies 100 years of commitment, turning environmental awareness into action, and action into measurable impact.”

The programme featured a showcase by PEPPS Polokwane, recognised for its long-standing participation in the programme, as well as a musical performance by learners from Toronto Primary School.

Farina Lindeque

Farina Lindeque, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Limpopo

Delivering the keynote address, Farina Lindeque, from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Limpopo, highlighted the growing role of young people in driving environmental change.

Experiences that move learners

“Environmental education becomes powerful when we design experiences that move learners from noticing to caring to acting. Concern about environmental issues alone doesn’t automatically lead to change – but when learning connects evidence with creative expression and collaboration, young people develop the agency and confidence to turn that concern into meaningful action.”  

The awards were presented in partnership with Capricorn District Municipality, whose support has enabled schools across the region to strengthen environmental programmes and integrate sustainability into teaching and school management practices.

Outstanding leadership and innovation recognised

Beyond the core Eco-Schools awards, the ceremony also recognised outstanding leadership and innovation through a series of special awards. These included recognition for excellence in circular economy initiatives, biodiversity stewardship, water conservation, and eco-innovation.

Among the special recognitions were:

  • Maribe Primary School, awarded the Circular Economy Champion Award
  • Thoka Primary School, recognised with the Ubuntu for Nature Award
  • Pulamadibogo Primary School, honoured as Water Wise Warriors
  • Briershof Primary School, recipient of the Eco-innovation Award
  • Waterberg Academy, recognised for Biodiversity Stewardship

An Operational Excellence Award was presented to Mabusela Francinah Mpelehe for her commitment to advancing environmental education, while Capricorn District Municipality received a Funder Appreciation Award in recognition of its ongoing support of the Eco-Schools programme.

Value the process, not only the results

Since its introduction in South Africa in 2003, Eco-Schools has grown into one of the country’s most impactful environmental education initiatives, empowering thousands of schools to embed sustainability into everyday learning and action.

To educators, Lindeque adds: “Value the process, not only the results. The deepest learning happens while people work together, learn from each other, and transform how they do things.”

As WESSA celebrates 100 years of environmental leadership in 2026, the achievements of these schools demonstrate the continued power of education to inspire practical environmental stewardship and community impact.

24 Schools Recognised at the 2025 Limpopo Eco-Schools Awards

Capricorn District Municipality Schools (6)

  • Toronto Primary School — Platinum 4
  • Dikolobe Primary School — Platinum 2
  • Makgwadiba Primary School — Platinum 4
  • Motholo Primary School — Platinum 1
  • Pulamadibogo Primary School — Platinum 1 Decade
  • Maribe Primary School — Bronze Decade

Blouberg Schools (6)

  • Thoka Primary School — Bronze
  • Ramaahlo Primary School — Platinum 4
  • Makgafela Primary School — Platinum 1
  • Briershof Primary School — Platinum 1
  • Mama Primary School — Platinum 2
  • Mpebe Primary School — Platinum 1 Decade

Independent / IRS Schools (4)

  • PEPPS Ga-Ledwaba — International Flag
  • PEPPS Mokopane — International Flag
  • PEPPS Polokwane — Diamond (2024) and Bronze Decade (2025)
  • Waterberg Academy — Platinum 1 Decade

Special Awards (8)

  • Eco Schools Portfolio Excellence Award — PEPPS Schools
  • Circular Economy Champion Award — Maribe Primary School
  • Ubuntu for Nature Award — Thoka Primary School
  • Water Wise Warriors Award — Pulamadibogo Primary School
  • Eco-innovation Award — Briershof Primary School
  • Biodiversity Stewardship Award — Waterberg Academy
  • Operational Excellence Award — Mabusela Francinah Mpelehe
  • Funder Appreciation Award — Capricorn District Municipality

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

120+ Gauteng schools recognised for Environmental Leadership at WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025

120+ Gauteng schools recognised for Environmental Leadership at WESSA Eco-Schools Awards 2025

Mar 4, 2026 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

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