"These awards are a testament to the power of climate change education in building informed, proactive and resilient communities. Through the Eco-Schools programme, learners across South Africa are addressing environmental challenges and driving change within their school communities that create sustainable impact. It is an honour to support and celebrate the leadership of our youth in shaping a better world," says Nomfundo Ndlovu, the Senior Programme Manager of Schools and Youth at WESSA. 

According to WESSA, the awards across provinces include: 

Western Cape

Thirty-five schools were awarded for their commitment to environmental action and sustainability. These included five schools achieving Green Flag status — a global recognition of excellence in environmental education.

Additional honours included Platinum Awards (4), Gold Awards (2), International Flags (2) and special decade recognitions, highlighting schools like Sir Lowry's Pass Primary, Newberry House Montessori Primary School and Beaumont Primary for their long-standing leadership in the Eco-Schools programme.

Mpumalanga

Eighteen schools were awarded, of which 13 achieved Platinum 2 status, reflecting excellence in sustainability integration, five Glencore-supported schools received Bronze Awards, while six schools were acknowledged at the participation level, marking the start of their Eco-Schools journey. 

Free State

In collaboration with the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, WESSA recognised 120 Eco-Schools in this province for their environmental achievements and community engagement. Notably, 55 schools received Green Flags, and four schools received decade awards.

Standout achievements included Zamaleka Primary School, which received the Diamond Award and Retshedisitswe Secondary School, honoured with a Gold Award. Two schools — Qalabotjha Secondary and Qalabotjha Crèche — earned International Flag accreditation, reflecting alignment with global sustainability standards. Backed by partners including N3TC and Nedbank, these schools reflect a deepening commitment across the province to embed environmental learning and action in the education system.

KwaZulu-Natal

Forty-six schools were honoured, including 10 Green Flag recipients. A special highlight was the Strelitzia Award, presented to The Birches Pre-Primary and Epworth School for over two decades of participation in the Eco-Schools programme. Thirteen-year-old youth environmentalist Romario Valentine delivered a keynote encouraging collective responsibility for nature.

Gauteng

Seventy-six schools were recognised, including 42 from the ADvTECH Group and 6 Sun International Eco-Schools, all awarded Green Flags. YERA (Youth Environmental Reporters and Advocates) participant Khonaye Gcaza delivered an speech recounting her journey from Eco-Club founder to national youth advocate. Her story included the development of a green roof prototype and winning the prestigious Kudu Award for Youth in Conservation.

Eastern Cape

Notably, Kabega Primary School received the WESSA Group Award for its long-standing environmental contributions, which include local conservation projects, large-scale clean-ups and multiple national accolades such as the Plastics SA Recycling Competition. A total of 19 schools were recognised in this province — among these, the Bronze Decade award went to two schools, an International Flag Decade award went to Seyisi Primary School and Platinum Decade awards went to Lilyfontein School and Dumani Public Primary. 

Limpopo

Sixteen schools were honoured, six of which received Green Flag status. Maribe Primary School received the Diamond Award in recognition of its outstanding progress in environmental education and community involvement. Long-term commitment was also acknowledged through Decade Awards, with Kurhula Primary School earning the Bronze Decade Award and Pulamadibogo Primary School receiving the Gold Decade Award. Notably, two schools — Makgafela Primary School and Briershop Primary School — were awarded International Flags, while seven others achieved various levels of Platinum recognition. Notably, 16 Sun International Eco-Schools were awarded international Green Flag accreditation for their multi-year sustainability efforts across themes such as waste, water, biodiversity, health and community involvement.

The WESSA Eco-Schools Programme in South Africa

Eco-Schools is a global initiative operating in 101 countries, coordinated in South Africa by WESSA. The programme encourages whole-school transformation by embedding sustainability principles into the curriculum, school operations and culture. Through active learning, learners become environmental stewards within their communities, says WESSA. 

WESSA concludes that in South Africa, the programme is implemented with the support of the Department of Basic Education, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and private sector partners such as Sun International, ADvTECH Group, and Nedbank. WESSA's work under the Eco-Schools banner contributes to global and local efforts to address climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, while enabling youth with the skills to lead.

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

*Image courtesy of contributor