Pictured above: Learners at Alpha Primary School in De Aar participated in a recycling workshop and an eco-brick demonstration. The Ford Wildlife Foundation sponsored vehicle getting the WESSA team to and from the Northern Cape

Learners and teachers in the Northern Cape are strengthening environmental awareness and practical sustainability skills through a series of Eco-Schools implementation sessions linked to circular economy green business projects in De Aar and Kimberley.

As part of the De Aar Solar Power Circular Economy Eco-Schools Green Business Project, WESSA hosted recycling education sessions and launched recycling programmes at Kareeville Primary School and Alpha Primary School on 15 and 16 April 2026. The sessions brought together seven teachers, 50 learners and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL).

 

Pictured above: The Eco-committee at Kareeville Primary School participated in a school cleanup and got to showcase the schools recycling initiatives)

During the sessions, learners explored the recycling process through interactive activities designed to build practical understanding of waste management. School clean-ups were conducted, while learners also participated in “The Waste Race” – a waste sorting game where teams worked together to identify recyclable and non-recyclable items.

The initiative aims to improve learners’ understanding of recycling, encourage teamwork and environmental responsibility, and support cleaner school environments while contributing to the development of circular economy green businesses within schools.

Supporting Teachers to Lead Environmental Action

 

Pictured above: (clockwise) Teachers from Waterparks Primary and Beacon Primary School participated in a teacher workshop in Kimberley that took place at the DAERL Offices, facilitated by WESSA Project Manager, Daniel Jackson. Educators from Waterparks Primary showcasing their Eco-Schools action plans)

On 21 April 2026, WESSA also facilitated an introductory Eco-Schools teacher workshop as part of the Droogfontein Solar Power Circular Economy Eco-Schools Green Business Project. Hosted at the DAERL offices in Kimberley, the workshop welcomed teachers from Waterworks Primary School and Beacon Primary School – two new schools joining the Eco-Schools Programme.

The workshop focused on building teachers’ understanding of the Eco-Schools Programme and strengthening their capacity to implement environmental initiatives within their schools. Teachers collaborated to develop action plans for the year ahead, identifying potential green business opportunities linked to circular economy principles.

The session also highlighted ongoing environmental awareness initiatives taking place across the province and reinforced partnerships between schools and stakeholders such as DAERL.

Through these projects, schools in the Northern Cape are helping to equip learners and educators with the knowledge and practical tools needed to contribute to more sustainable communities while embedding environmental action into everyday school life.

Pictured above: Nkonjane Primary School learners planting in the school vegetable garde & a WESSA Coordinator demonstrating best practice to plant

On 17 April 2026, WESSA continued its Clear Skies Eco-Schools support visits at Nkonjane Primary School in KwaGuqa township, eMalahleni, Mpumalanga.

This session built on earlier engagements, reinforcing key lessons through hands-on environmental activities.

Learning by doing

Approximately 200 learners from Grades 6 and 7 took part in the session.

Activities included:

• Recycling education focused on sorting waste at source
• Introduction to Bokashi for composting food waste
• Spekboom planting to support carbon sequestration
• Establishment of a school vegetable garden using environmentally friendly methods

These practical exercises helped learners connect environmental issues to everyday behaviours.

 

Pictured above: Nkonjane Primary School learners engaging in the Spekboom propagation activity, a WESSA Coordinator engaging with learners and sharing best practice; Learners pasting recycling stickers on funded recycling bins)

Multi-stakeholder support for cleaner communities

The visit brought together partners on the day including representatives from GroundWork, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA), and local municipal representatives.

Together, they guided learners through discussions on air pollution, waste management, and the importance of collective action.

Sustaining impact beyond the classroom

By linking waste management to air quality, the session reinforced how small actions can contribute to broader environmental outcomes.

Through continued engagement and stakeholder collaboration, the project is supporting schools to become active hubs of sustainability within their communities.

 

Pictured above: Ditheku Primary School learner’s planting vegetables in the school garden; participating in food waste management practice using Bokashi, and learning about waste sorting at the source labelling their bins

On 17 April 2026, WESSA conducted a second Clear Skies Eco-Schools implementation visit at Ditheku Primary School in Marapong, Lephalale, Limpopo.

The visit focused on strengthening environmental stewardship among learners and the wider school community.

Connecting the dots on pollution

More than 40 learners, along with ground staff, the Eco Committee, and members of SAWPA, participated in an interactive session exploring the link between waste management and air pollution.

Under the theme “Connecting the Dots,” learners unpacked how practices such as illegal dumping, open burning, and littering directly contribute to environmental degradation.

These discussions were grounded in real challenges facing their school and surrounding community.

Hands-on environmental solutions

The day’s activities focused on practical interventions that support long-term change.

Highlights included:

• Establishing a recycling station
• Setting up a food garden
• Introducing composting using Bokashi to reduce food waste and produce nutrient-rich soil

Learners also explored the impact of food waste on pollution and methane emissions, gaining a deeper understanding of sustainable waste practices.

Strengthening local partnerships

 

Pictured above: Top – Mr Matsaba, a Local Recycler Coordinator of the Radical Recycling Group and member of SAWPA engaging with learners; Miss Malebohang, an upcycling xpert presenting on the work she does with waste & in the background, Mr Matsaba is holding a mat made from plastic

A key milestone was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Radical Recycling Group, coordinated by Mr Glen Matsaba.

This partnership will support ongoing recycling efforts and strengthen the school’s environmental initiatives.

The visit also featured an inspiring upcycling presentation by Miss Malebohang, showcasing how waste can be transformed into useful products.

Building a cleaner, healthier future

Through collaboration, education, and practical action, the Clear Skies Project continues to enable learners to become environmental champions – driving change within their schools and communities.

 

Pictured above: Tshepiso Primary School learners planting vegetable seedlings in the school garden, engaging in Spekboom propagation and practically learning about composting

On 15 April 2026, WESSA hosted a Clear Skies Eco-Schools support visit at Tshepiso Primary School, located just outside Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng.

This marked the second engagement with learners following the introductory session held in February, deepening understanding of air pollution and its impact on communities.

Building awareness through collaboration

The session brought together key stakeholders, including GroundWork, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA), and representatives from the local municipality.

Through a series of discussions, learners explored the realities of air pollution, and the role communities can play in addressing it. A strong message emerged: young people have a vital voice in shaping healthier environments.

Pictured above: Tshepiso Primary School activity (top) Mr Khulu Mbongo from the local municipality sharing insights on air pollution; (bottom) Mr. Loyiso Mkwana, Chief Director for Sustainable Use of the Environment at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) inspiring learners & educators with his address.

From knowledge to action

A total of 183 Grade 6 learners participated in practical, hands-on activities focused on sustainable living.

The session covered:

• Recycling and the importance of sorting materials at source
• Food waste management using Bokashi to produce compost
• Spekboom propagation, highlighting its ability to absorb carbon dioxide
• Establishing a school vegetable garden using permaculture principles

These activities translated environmental concepts into tangible actions learners can apply at school and at home.

Growing future environmental leaders

By combining education with practical solutions, the visit enabled learners to take ownership of environmental challenges in their community.

Initiatives such as composting, recycling, and planting not only contribute to improved air quality, but also build long-term resilience and sustainability within the school environment.