The event brought together educators, learners, government representatives and environmental partners in the province to recognise schools that are not only learning about sustainability but actively shaping it within their communities.

The Eco-Schools programme, implemented by WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), continues to empower young people to move from awareness to meaningful action, embedding environmental responsibility into schools across the province.

Recognising Schools That Turn Learning into Action

This year's awards recognised 46 schools across KwaZulu-Natal for their commitment to environmental learning, practical action and community impact. From waste management and water conservation to biodiversity protection and climate awareness, participating schools demonstrated how education can drive real change, says WESSA.

The ceremony highlighted the strength of the Eco-Schools model — where learners are not passive recipients of information, but active participants in solving environmental challenges within their schools and communities.

A number of Eco-Schools were recognised for their long-term, consistent commitment, including the Emerald Award (20 years) awarded to Pitlochry Primary School and Shea O'Connor Combined School, and the Arum Lily Award (22 years) awarded to Epworth School and The Birches — marking over two decades of sustained environmental excellence, adds WESSA.

A Centenary Year for WESSA and a Future Led by Youth

As WESSA marks its 100th year, WESSA CEO, Cindy-Lee Cloete, reflects on the enduring power of environmental education to shape a more sustainable future.

"For 100 years, WESSA has believed in the power of education to change lives and protect our planet. The Eco-Schools programme is one of the clearest examples of this in action — where knowledge is transformed into meaningful, community-driven change," says Cloete. 

She adds that the programme's impact lies in its ability to move learners beyond awareness, "We are not just teaching learners about environmental challenges — we are equipping them to respond to those challenges with confidence, creativity and purpose. These young people are not the leaders of tomorrow; they are leading change today."

Rethinking Sustainability for the Next Generation

Delivering the keynote address, Thobekile Gambu, Environmental Scientist and United Nations Global Compact Coordinator for uMgeni-uThukela Water South Africa, challenges attendees to rethink how sustainability is approached in education, particularly in the face of growing environmental pressures.

"We cannot afford to treat sustainability as a future concern. The decisions we take and actions we make today will define the kind of world young people inherit," says Gambu.

Emphasising the importance of agency and action, Gambu adds, "Young people must be equipped not only with knowledge, but with the ability to act. When learners understand their role in protecting natural systems — especially water — they become powerful drivers of change within their communities."

She further highlights the need for a shift in mindset, "Sustainability education must move beyond awareness. It must inspire responsibility, innovation and action — because the challenges we face require more than understanding; they require solutions."

Learner-Led Innovation and Impact on Display

A powerful highlight of the ceremony was the showcase presentations by learners, demonstrating the tangible impact of Eco-Schools projects on the ground.

A Grade 7 learner from Highbury Preparatory School shared how their Eco Club has driven initiatives such as recycling programmes, school gardening and biodiversity awareness, while also extending their impact through community engagement and conservation fundraising efforts, adds WESSA.

Meanwhile, Dingeka Technical High School presented their work focused on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), alongside recycling initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns. Their work reflects a strong commitment to addressing both environmental and social challenges within their community.

These showcases reinforce a key message: when learners are enabled, they become powerful agents of change.

Building a Generation of Environmental Leaders

The KwaZulu-Natal Eco-Schools Awards once again demonstrated the programme's role in developing environmentally conscious, action-oriented young leaders.

Through hands-on learning, collaboration, and community engagement, Eco-Schools continues to nurture a generation that understands not only the challenges facing the planet — but their role in solving them.

As WESSA celebrates its centenary year, the work of these schools stands as a powerful reminder that the future of environmental sustainability is already being shaped in classrooms across South Africa.

Top Honours Recognise Excellence in Environmental Leadership

Among the many schools recognised, several stood out for their exceptional leadership and impact through the programme's special awards, which celebrate excellence across key environmental themes.

  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Biodiversity Stewardship Award was awarded to Amanzimtoti Primary School, recognising its long-standing commitment to protecting and restoring biodiversity through initiatives such as beach clean-ups, wetland adoption and environmental awareness campaigns.
  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Circular Economy Champion Award was presented to Hillgrove Primary School, which has demonstrated outstanding leadership in waste reduction and recycling, including collecting over 1 400 kg of recyclables and promoting a culture of resource efficiency.
  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Water Wise Warriors Award went to Buhlebemfundo High School, whose learners developed an innovative water conservation app and represented South Africa on the global stage, while also leading water stewardship initiatives within their community.
  • The WESSA Eco-Schools Ubuntu for Nature Award was awarded to Epworth School, in recognition of its strong community engagement, including clean-up campaigns, tree planting, food gardens and environmental awareness initiatives that embody collective action for people and the planet.

In addition to the special awards, several schools were recognised for their long-term commitment to the Eco-Schools programme, achieving milestone "decade" awards that reflect sustained environmental action over many years, concludes WESSA.

Additional notable achievements: 

  • 15 years: Cowan House, Amanzimtoti Primary School, Kainon Primary School, and Tree Tops School received the International Flag Decade Award.
  • 17 years: Eden College and Virginia Preparatory School were awarded the Platinum 2 Decade Award.

For more information, visit www.wessa.org.za. You can also follow WESSA on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor