On August 20, 2025, Cape Recife High School in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, hosted its highly anticipated Upcycling Competition, bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate creativity and sustainability. This event aimed to inspire participants to transform discarded plastic items into innovative creations, showcasing the importance of environmental consciousness in our daily lives.

UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge Project

Grade 8 and 9 learners have been taking part in the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge Project since the start of 2025. The students then displayed their remarkable projects that not only highlighted the endless possibilities of upcycling single-use plastics but also showcased their incredible creativity. Participants were encouraged to use materials that would typically be thrown away, such as plastic bottles, straws, old clothing, and other discarded items, to turn ‘trash into treasure.’

Participants showcased their entries, which the WESSA judges evaluated and assessed across various categories, including:

1. Creativity & Innovation
2. Sustainability & Impact
3. Feasibility & Functionality
4. Presentation & Communication
5. Collaboration & Teamwork

The creativity on display was truly inspiring, with students thinking outside the box and pushing the boundaries of traditional crafting.

Community Spirit

Students rallied for support from family, friends, and on the day teachers and parents visited the exhibition to view the creations, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Attendees enjoyed viewing the creations and learning more about the importance of sustainable practices in an engaging and fun atmosphere, gaining insights into the school’s initiatives.

The UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Design Challenge not only provided a platform for students to showcase their talents but also served as an educational opportunity. Learners completed their creation as part of their Arts & Culture subject. Throughout the event, participants and attendees learned about the impact of waste on the environment and how upcycling can contribute to a more sustainable future.

The success of this year’s Design Challenge Showcase has motivated Cape Recife High School to consider making it an annual event. With growing interest in sustainability and creative expression among students, future competitions promise to be even more ambitious and innovative.

The event was a resounding success, highlighting the creativity and resourcefulness of Cape Recife High School students. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and ingenuity! Together, we can continue to inspire a culture of sustainability and responsibility within our community.

Let’s keep the momentum going and turn our waste into wonderful creations!

At WESSA we support citizen science initiatives as part of our broader mission to enable environmental stewardship and conservation.

Citizen science, where members of the public participate in scientific research, is a key component of WESSA’s approach to engaging communities in environmental monitoring and action.

However, for citizen science to be an everyday reality, young people require a basic understanding, and our programmes and partnerships facilitate key learnings to enable this.

Science meets nature

As part of the AECI Modderfontein Environmental Education Project, our latest school excursions, delivered through the WESSA Learning About Ecosystems & Forests (LEAF) Programme, offered a memorable learning experience for over 200 learners and teachers from five schools.

Learners from OR Tambo, Fish Eagle Dam, Modderfontein

Iphutheng Primary Students participating in the nature conservation group activity.

The programme focused on nature conservation and biodiversity through a series of engaging and interactive activities:

• A fun team game introduced learners to the concept of collective action for conservation.
• CAPS-aligned lessons followed, exploring topics like conservation, extinction, and endangered species.
• Learners worked in groups to investigate animal life within the reserve, presenting their findings to peers.
• The experience ended with a sensory nature walk, including time at the Fish Eagle Bird Hide for birdwatching and a walk along the river trail.

Left: Bovet Primary student learning about the different spiders of South Africa at the Modderfontein reserve
Right: Ikage Primary Student learning about tree rings

The week was a powerful reminder of the value of place-based education, where science comes to life through nature.

A heartfelt thank you to AECI and the Modderfontein Conservation Society for making these impactful excursions possible!

In the spirit of Mandela Month, WESSA and Wispeco Aluminium continued their inspiring partnership at Naledi Pre-Primary School in Katlehong, this time turning their attention to literacy and healthy living.

Building on the momentum of June’s World Environment Day, which saw the transformation of the school’s toilet facility and a joyful day of environmental education, July’s initiative focused on creating safe and inspiring spaces for learning and growth.

With the hands-on support of Wispeco Aluminium staff volunteers, Naledi’s reading corners were revamped into vibrant, welcoming areas where young learners can fall in love with stories, words, and imagination.

Simultaneously, a brand-new vegetable garden was established, offering learners a hands-on experience of where food comes from and how healthy habits begin with the soil.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

These words guided our July activities, reminding us that education is not confined to the classroom. By nurturing both minds and bodies, this initiative is helping to unlock the full potential of Naledi’s young learners.

This collaborative effort between WESSA and Wispeco Aluminium reflects the true heart of Mandela Month, active citizenship, shared responsibility, and meaningful impact. From improving sanitation to fostering literacy and food security, we are proud to be walking this journey of transformation alongside our partners.

Together, we are creating a nurturing learning environment rooted in dignity, curiosity, and care.

Connecting learners to real-world careers

The Penreach STEAM Festival took place from 28 July – 1 August 2025 at the Shamuka STEAM Centre, Penreach College, Mbombela. Hosted in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation SA, the festival opened up a world of opportunities for learners. With a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), the event aimed to inspire and connect young people to real-world careers.

WESSA’s contribution: showcasing water innovation

WESSA was honoured to be part of this exciting festival. Our team hosted an interactive stall centred around the theme of water, one of the most critical resources for life and sustainable development. Learners visiting the stall explored demonstrations on water testing, gaining a hands-on understanding of the scientific processes involved in ensuring safe, clean drinking water.

Spotlight on the Tippy Tap system

A key highlight of WESSA’s exhibition was the tippy tap, an innovative, hands-free system for handwashing. Operated by foot, the system uses a simple pedal mechanism that allows access to water and soap without touching the container. Not only does this promote better hygiene, but it also ensures water conservation, as the flow of water automatically stops when the foot is released.

The tippy tap resonated strongly with learners, many of whom could relate it to elements of their school technology curriculum. This simple yet effective design demonstrated how innovation can solve everyday challenges, bridging classroom knowledge with practical solutions.

Inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards

By engaging learners through practical demonstrations and conversations, WESSA’s participation highlighted the importance of innovation, conservation, and science in building a sustainable future. The STEAM Festival showcased how collaboration between education, government, and civil society can spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of changemakers.