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

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.

Pictured above: Award recipients, WESSA and DAERL representatives)

Schools across the province demonstrate how education is driving real environmental impact

Kimberley, South Africa – 24 March 2026: WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform (DAERL), has recognised 29 schools for their environmental leadership at the Northern Cape Eco-Schools Awards Ceremony, held at Eden Lodge in Kimberley.

Part of the world’s largest education for sustainable development programme, Eco-Schools empowers learners and educators to move beyond awareness into meaningful environmental action. In the Northern Cape – where water scarcity, land management, and climate pressures remain critical – these awards reflect schools that are actively responding to environmental challenges within their communities.

The provincial awards, coordinated by DAERL, highlight not only participation in the Eco-Schools programme, but measurable impact through projects focused on sustainability, environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Representing WESSA at the event, Daniel Jackson, Junior Project Manager in the Schools and Youth Division, commended the schools for their commitment to embedding environmental learning into everyday practice.

Recognising excellence in environmental action

In addition to Eco-Schools recognition, DAERL honoured the top five performing schools in the province, celebrating outstanding project implementation and environmental impact:

• 1st Place: Willie Theron Primary School
• 2nd Place: Moedi Secondary School
• 3rd Place: St Anna Private Secondary Girls School
• 4th Place: Sedibeng Primary School
• 5th Place: Delta Primary School

These schools were recognised for going beyond programme requirements, demonstrating innovation, leadership and tangible environmental outcomes within their school environments and surrounding communities.

A growing movement of environmental leadership

The Eco-Schools programme continues to play a critical role in shaping environmentally conscious citizens by linking curriculum-based learning with real-world action. Through initiatives such as water conservation, waste management, biodiversity protection and climate awareness, schools are becoming hubs of environmental change.

“These awards are a powerful reminder that environmental leadership is being shaped in our classrooms. The Northern Cape Eco-Schools are not just participating in a programme – they are driving real change in their schools and communities. Their work reflects the heart of WESSA’s mission: to educate, advocate and activate a generation that will care for the Earth,” adds WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete.

The partnership between WESSA and DAERL reflects a shared commitment to strengthening environmental education across the province, ensuring that learners are equipped with the knowledge, skills and agency to respond to current and future environmental challenges.

Looking ahead

As WESSA marks its centenary year, the achievements of the Northern Cape Eco-Schools is a reminder that lasting environmental impact begins with education. By enabling young people to take action, the programme continues to build a generation that is informed, engaged and ready to lead.

Link to the full photo album available via our Facebook page

Full list of awarded schools and categories:

International Flag Decade (1): Dr Izak van Niekerk Primary

Gold Decade (2)

• Ferdinand Brecher Primary
• St Anna Private Secondary Girls School

International (1): Sedibeng Primary School

Platinum Level Four (2):

• Reaipela Intermediate School
• Rolihlahla Intermediate School

Platinum Level One (2):

• St Patrick’s CBC
• Thabane High School

Silver (5)

• N Pressly Intermediate School
• Elizabeth Conradie School
• R Mocwaledi Intermediate School
• Willie Theron Primary School
• Delta Primary School

Bronze (16):

• Reneilwe Primary School
• Barkly-Wes Primêr
• Olympic Primary School
• Kimberley Boys’ High School
• Stillwater Intermediate School
• Pnielandgoed Primêre Skool
• Greenpoint Primary School
• Tadcaster Intermediate School
• Adamantia High School
• Technical High School
• E.P. Lekhela High School
• Retlameleng Special School
• Taudiarora Primary School
• Kareeville Primary School
• Segwaneng Primary School
• Moedi Secondary School