eco-schools Archives

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 Eco-Schools Programme] Six Schools awarded Bronze across Zambia and Zimbabwe

Dec 17, 2025 | eco-schools, News, Success Stories

On 28 November 2025, WESSA Eco-Schools in partnership with Children in the Wilderness (CITW) proudly hosted the 2025 Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony at Bridge Café, located on the Victoria Falls Bridge along the Zambezi River and connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Awards recognised six exceptional Southern African schools that achieved their Bronze Award for their commitment to environmental education and sustainability.

Each of the six Eco Clubs showcased their year-long projects and the positive changes they are driving within their communities.

Strengthening food security through health & wellbeing

All six schools successfully implemented the Health & Wellbeing theme, focusing on strengthening food security through sustainable food gardening. Their work highlights how environmental education can directly improve nutrition, resilience, and community wellbeing.

To further support their learning, each school received a hydroponic system, enabling them to expand food production while integrating innovation, science, and practical environmental learning into the curriculum.

Awarded schools

Zambia: Lupani Primary School and Twabuka Primary School
Zimbabwe: Mizpah Primary School, Chamabondo Primary School, Ngamo Primary School and Ziga Primary School

A regional partnership strengthening environmental education

This celebration also reflects the growing impact of WESSA’s Eco-Schools programme across Southern Africa. In Zimbabwe, the programme strengthened significantly following a three-day WESSA-led training with the CITW team, conducted by Nomfundo Ndlovu, WESSA Senior Manager, Schools & Youth Programmes. During this engagement, she also visited multiple schools across the country to understand their unique challenges and opportunities.

Ndlovu shared her insights, “These six schools have shown what is possible when environmental learning becomes hands-on, purposeful, and rooted in the realities of their communities. Their commitment to the Health & Wellbeing theme, from food gardens to hydroponic systems, demonstrates how young people can lead transformative change when they are empowered with the right tools and guidance. We are incredibly proud of the teachers, learners, and CITW mentors who have embraced Eco-Schools with such passion and determination. Their successes are not just school achievements; they are seeds of hope for a more resilient and sustainable Southern Africa.”

“The integration of the FEE programme through WESSA has significantly strengthened our existing initiatives, enabling CITW to more effectively educate Africa’s children on the importance of environmental stewardship and caring for our planet,” adds Susan Goatley, the CITW programme coordinator.

Celebrating a shared mission for sustainability

The partnership between WESSA and Children in the Wilderness is helping cultivate a new generation of young environmental leaders in Zambia and Zimbabwe. By nurturing environmental awareness, strengthening food security, and encouraging innovation, these schools are laying the foundation for healthier, more sustainable communities.

About Children in the Wilderness

Children in the Wilderness is the non-profit trust of Wilderness, established to support rural communities living alongside protected areas in Africa. The programme focuses on educating and empowering children through long-term environmental education, life skills development, and access to learning opportunities. By investing in education and community development, Children in the Wilderness helps reduce pressure on wildlife and natural resources while nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders. The programme reflects Wilderness’ belief that conservation and community well-being must go hand in hand. To learn more visit https://www.childreninthewilderness.com/

ADvTECH Eco-Schools 2025: A year of growth, creativity and environmental leadership

Dec 1, 2025 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: Elephant Day Eco Art Murals at The Bridge School Morningside

This year marked an incredible journey for ADvTECH schools as they embraced the WESSA Eco-Schools Programme with energy, creativity, and a genuine passion for positive change. From recycling initiatives and food gardens to biodiversity projects, nature excursions, and environmental day celebrations, ADvTECH schools truly stepped up as environmental champions in 2025.

Pictured above: (top: left to right) E-waste project at Crawford International La Lucia; Beach clean-up uShaka Crawford International North Coast.

(bottom: left to right) Crawford North Coast & Pecanwood College Staff join forces in Pilanesberg for a weekend of eco-action; The recycling team at Crawford International.

Learners taking action, one project at a time

Learners of all ages played an active role throughout the year. They got their hands dirty by sorting waste, planting trees, testing water quality, and leading environmental awareness campaigns during school assemblies.

Eco-Committees formed at each school, worked tirelessly to keep projects moving, while teachers guided and inspired learners to think critically about the world around them. Classrooms were transformed through awareness art and posters, outdoor learning spaces were created with pride, and schools developed a stronger culture of conscious consumerism.

Innovation fueled by passion and teamwork

Several ADvTECH schools took their Eco-Schools efforts to the next level with creative and community-driven initiatives. These included:

E-Waste recycling drives
Upcycled art exhibitions
“Trashion” fashion shows
Composting systems
Sustainability-themed school events that brought entire communities together

What truly stood out was the growing sense of teamwork, leadership, and excitement as learners realised that their individual and collective actions make a meaningful difference.

Pictured above: (Left) Learners planting trees at Maragon Olympus for Arbor Week; (right) Pinnacle College Kyalami started an earthworm farm for International Compost Week.

Pictured above: (top) Gaborone International School celebrating World Wildlife Day; (bottom left) World Bee Day at Trinityhouse Glenvista and Pinnacle College Raslouw (bottom right).

Celebrating a successful year and looking ahead

Together, ADvTECH schools have shown what it means to care for our planet. Their commitment, creativity, and hard work saw them thrive in the WESSA Eco-Schools Programme throughout 2025.

Here’s to even greener steps and bold new ideas as they continue their sustainability journey in 2026!

Mzuvele High School restores two hectares through alien invasive removal

Nov 20, 2025 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: (top) WESSA Staff and Mzuvele learners and teacher rolling up sleeves to clear alien vegetation; (bottom left) WESSA Schools staff hard at work alongside learners; (bottom right) WESSA National Membership Coordinator Clearing helping with the clearing.

On 17 November 2025, the WESSA team joined Mzuvele High School for a hands-on environmental restoration initiative focused on clearing invasive alien plants that had overtaken the school’s food garden. What began as an educational engagement soon grew into a meaningful day of teamwork, leadership, and renewed environmental stewardship.

Understanding the impact of invasive species

The day opened with an informative session highlighting the importance of controlling invasive alien plants and the serious threats they pose to local ecosystems. Learners explored how these species compete with indigenous vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and undermine water and soil health, key concerns for a school that is working hard to maintain a productive food garden.

This learning laid the foundation for the practical work ahead, helping students recognise that caring for the land begins with understanding the challenges it faces.

A collaborative clearing effort with lasting benefits

After the briefing, learners and the WESSA team worked together to clear the affected area. Through shared effort and determination, a total of two hectares were successfully restored, reclaiming vital agricultural space and ensuring the sustainability of the school’s food production efforts.

The clearing session offered more than just environmental benefits. It strengthened learners’ understanding of conservation, nurtured teamwork, and helped them build confidence in their role as young environmental leaders.

Pictured above: Learners doing some heavy lifting

Celebrating environmental leadership

Following the clearing work, Mzuvele High School hosted a special award ceremony honouring Grade 12 Eco Club members for their leadership throughout the year. Their recognition highlighted the ongoing commitment of learners who continue to drive environmental awareness and positive change at the school.

In a meaningful gesture of partnership, WESSA was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for supporting the school’s efforts to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

Pictured above: WESSA team receives a certification of appreciation by Mzuvele High School staff.

Growing stewardship and climate resilience

This initiative not only restored land and strengthened the school’s food garden, it reinforced learners’ identity as ecological stewards. Their active participation demonstrated how young people can make meaningful contributions to the sustainability and climate resilience of their school and community.

The day stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when environmental education and action come together.

Building Water-Wise Schools: How CDM Educators and Learners stepped up in 2025

Nov 15, 2025 | eco-schools, News, Uncategorized

Pictured above: Makgwadiba Primary School Principal, Mrs Linah Malatji shaking hands with WESSA representative, Sabelo Sithole, during the resource hand over.

Through the WESSA & Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) Eco-Schools programme, educators and learners worked together to champion water-wise behaviour and long-term environmental stewardship.

Building Educator capacity for long-term climate resilience (Eco Schools Teachers workshop)

On 10 November 2025, the WESSA team hosted a dynamic teachers’ workshop at Makgwadiba Primary School to conclude this year’s project focused on building climate change resilience through water conservation. The session brought together all the knowledge gained throughout the year, with a strong emphasis on how schools can sustain the momentum moving forward.

Teachers engaged in meaningful discussions on the importance of critically assessing the trade-offs and consequences of resource allocation to maximise objectives, especially when working with limited resources. A key takeaway was the need for transparency, accountability, and the involvement of all stakeholders in decision-making processes ensuring everyone plays a part in achieving shared environmental goals.

One of the highlights of the workshop was welcoming newly joined Eco-Club teachers who were inspired by the ongoing Eco-Schools activities at their respective schools. Participants also took part in an interactive resource allocation simulation, applying their new knowledge to real school scenarios. Their enthusiasm and commitment showcased the growing strength of environmental leadership within the community.

Workshop

Pictured above: (top) Teachers participating in a resource allocation simulation activity during the Teacher’s workshop session (bottom) Maribe Primary School Eco Club enjoyed our last engagement.

Hands-on water conservation, enabling learners to turn knowledge into daily action

Dikolobe Primary School

Pictured Above: (left) A learner at Dikolobe Primary School presenting on the importance of rainwater harvesting; (right) Learners at Pulamadibogo Primary School, prepared posters on water conservation and here a learner is seen presenting her poster.

Education sessions were conducted on the 11th and 12th of November across six schools in Turfloop as part of the final engagements with learners for this year’s Eco-Schools project.

These sessions focused on:

Strengthening learners’ understanding of practical water conservation techniques that can be applied both at school and at home.
Learners exploring simple yet effective practices such as fixing leaks, using water wisely during daily routines, and adopting methods that reduce unnecessary wastage.

By revisiting the concepts learned throughout the year, the sessions helped consolidate knowledge and highlight the importance of responsible water use.

The overall aim was to reinforce practical approaches to saving water and empower learners to take an active role in safeguarding this vital resource. Through discussions and interactive demonstrations, learners were encouraged to see themselves as key contributors to water conservation efforts within their communities. The sessions emphasised that small, consistent actions such as reporting leaks, reusing greywater safely, or practising mindful consumption can collectively make a significant impact.

As a result, learners left with a renewed sense of responsibility and a stronger commitment to protecting water resources for the future.

A water tank that changes everything

Pictured above: The Makgwadiba Primary School Eco Committee with the newly received water tank.

Makgwadiba Primary School received a much-needed water tank donation after the lack of proper water storage was identified as a key challenge.

The principal and staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude, noting that the tank would make a meaningful difference in the school’s efforts to use water responsibly and sustainably. They highlighted how the donation came at the perfect time, as the school had recently established a food garden to improve nutrition and support feeding programmes.

With the new tank, the school can store rainwater and ensure a steady supply for irrigation, especially during dry periods. This reliable water source is expected to greatly enhance food production, allowing the garden to flourish and ultimately benefit learners through fresh produce and improved food security.

Teaching sustainability through waste-to-energy innovation with eWASA & WESSA

Nov 8, 2025 | eco-schools, News

Pictured above: [top] Learners at Diepsloot West Secondary School receiving their project participation certificates; [bottom left] Learner Biogas Experiment at Diepsloot Secondary; [bottom right] Educators at the teacher workshop hosted by Diepsloot Combined School on 23 October 2025.

From 20 October to 5 November 2025, WESSA and the eWASA Schools Waste Management and Education Project wrapped up the year with a series of inspiring Biogas Education Sessions and Teacher Development Workshops across Gauteng.

Learners from ten participating Eco-Schools explored the theme “Waste to Energy”, discovering first-hand how organic waste can be transformed into a renewable resource. Through interactive experiments, they observed how gases released from decomposing food waste can be captured, stored, and used for cooking, a practical example of how waste can fuel sustainable solutions.

Each school’s Eco-Committee designed its own biogas experiment to monitor over the coming month, bringing science and sustainability to life in the classroom. The sessions sparked curiosity, encouraged critical thinking, and helped learners reimagine waste as a valuable resource rather than a problem.

To ensure that the project’s impact continues well beyond the classroom, WESSA hosted two teacher workshops on 22 and 23 October. Twelve dedicated educators took part in sessions focused on project sustainability, guided by the Eco-Schools sustainability planning framework. Together, they explored strategies to strengthen environmental projects over the next five years, deepening their understanding of the three pillars of sustainability, the WESSA Seven Steps, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Teachers also developed action plans for resource mobilisation and long-term environmental education, ensuring that meaningful change continues to grow in their schools and communities.

This final round of activities marks an important milestone in the partnership between eWASA and WESSA, demonstrating the power of education to turn ideas into action and build a generation ready to shape a more sustainable future.

Pictured above: [Top left] Learners designing a biogas experiment at Winnie Mandela Secondary School; [top right] Educators at the teacher workshop hosted by Winnie Mandela Secondary School on 22 October 2025; [bottom right] Biogas experiment created by learners at Tembisa West Secondary School; [bottom left] Biogas education session at Tembisa West Secondary School

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