Top-performing schools from across the province were honoured in Cape Town as the Sustainable Schools Rewards roadshow wrapped up its national tour.
The Sustainable Schools Western Cape Rewards Ceremony marked the final leg of Nature Connect’s national programme, recognising outstanding environmental education and sustainability action during the 2025 school year and took place on February 28.
Educators and partners gathered to celebrate progress across the province, while national award winners were also announced following earlier regional ceremonies in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
Western Cape schools demonstrated strong engagement in the 2025 Sustainable Schools Programme, implementing projects across biodiversity, water stewardship, health and well-being, energy, waste reduction and community upliftment.
The ceremony included a hands-on, story-based professional learning experience using BirdLife South Africa’s book, Run Until You Can Fly. The session used wetlands and catchment systems as a local learning lens, helping teachers translate environmental concepts into practical, curriculum-aligned classroom and school projects.
Schools were recognised across multiple Sustainable Schools focus areas, reflecting the depth of sustainability work in the province.
Regional focus area winners in the Western Cape were:
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Biodiversity Network: Pinelands High School
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Health & Well-being: Parkwood Primary School
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Energy & Climate Action: Silvermine Academy
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Marine & Coast: St James RC Primary School
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Water & Sanitation: Sweet Valley Primary School
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Production, Consumption & Waste: St Mary’s RC Primary School
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Community & Social Responsibility: St Mary’s RC Primary School
Additional recognition went to Bel Porto School, which received Best Progress for a New School. Harmony Primary School was named Most Improved School, while John Graham Primary School received the Outstanding Eco Club award for strong learner leadership and engagement.
Across the province, three schools achieved three Sustainability Stars and nine schools achieved two stars, reflecting growing participation across diverse school contexts.
St Mary’s RC Primary School was named Most Sustainable School in the Western Cape, recognised for its long-term commitment, whole-school participation and sustained integration of sustainability into school life.
As a low-fee-paying school, St Mary’s progress has been strengthened through strategic partnerships developed through the programme, helping to accelerate and sustain its environmental initiatives.
The Western Cape event also marked the official announcement of South Africa’s Most Sustainable School.
Monala Primary School earned the national title following a year of consistent, whole-school sustainability action and strong learner engagement.
As a no-fee-paying rural school, Monala’s progress highlights the role of committed teacher leadership, community involvement and programme support. Its work has been further strengthened by regional partner Lapalala Wilderness School.
Jocelyn Anderson, programme manager for Nature Connect’s Sustainable Schools Programme, said participation and depth of engagement continued to grow nationwide.
“As we reach the final leg of the national roadshow, what stands out most is the steady growth in both participation and depth of engagement from schools across the programme,” she said. “Each year we are seeing more schools move beyond initial participation and progress towards higher levels of achievement, with increasing numbers working towards two- and three-Star status.”
Staff Reporter
iol.co.za