Sustainable Schools

Virtual SEMP Implementation Workshop
2025-09-10 15:00 - 16:00 (Africa/Johannesburg)
Virtual SEMP Implementation Workshop
Date: 10 September 2025 | Time: 15:00 |Location: (Online) Microsoft Teams
Calling all Sustainable Schools! Join us for an exciting and practical virtual session designed to guide you through your SEMP (School Environmental Management Plan) Implementation process.
🌱 What to expect:

Step-by-step SEMP Tutorial and walkthrough the Hub
Tips and guidance to complete your SEMP with confidence
Live Q&A

✅ RSVP below to receive a link to join the Teams meeting!

Beach Clean-Ups Coming Up! 🌊
2025-09-06 - 2025-12-20
Our coastlines and rivers need your help! So many exciting clean-ups are lined up to help protect and restore our beautiful coastlines. Every effort makes a big difference in saving marine life and keeping our beaches clean for everyone to enjoy.
📅 Upcoming Clean-Up Dates

6 Sept – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
17 Sept – KZN River (King’s Baton Relay)
20 Sept – Milnerton Beach | 9:00
27 Sept – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
4 Oct – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
11 Oct – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
17 Oct – Gqeberha Clean-Up
18 Oct – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
1 Nov – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
8 Nov – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
15 Nov – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
22 Nov – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
29 Nov – Small Bay, Blouberg | 9:30
13 Dec – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
20 Dec – Milnerton Beach | 9:30 🎅

💡 Want to do even more?
You can also sponsor a clean-up and play a direct role in supporting this important work!
📩 Email us at info@saveafishie.co.za if you’d like to sponsor or find out more.
Let’s come together to save our seas—one clean-up at a time!

Cape Leopard Trust’s Teacher Workshop: Stellenbosch
2025-09-05 14:00 - 17:00
CLT Teacher’s Workshop Series
The Cape Leopard Trust warmly invites you to an engaging Teacher’s Workshop on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Classroom. This interactive session will provide teachers with creative tools and practical strategies to bring sustainability into everyday teaching and inspire learners to think critically about the environment.
📅 Date: 5 September 2025🕑 Time: 14:00 – 17:00📍 Venue: Kanonkop Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Join us for an afternoon of collaboration, discussion, and fresh ideas – all while enjoying a lovely lunch in the beautiful setting of the Paarl Arboretum.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/TeacherWorkshopKanonkop2025
Or contact Naas van Jaarsveld on 082 811 5934 or education@capeleopard.org.za for more information
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow educators, strengthen your teaching practice, and inspire the next generation to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.

SAEP Presents: Essay Competition 2025
2025-09-05
Theme: “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Addressing Local Environmental Challenges”
Calling All Young Changemakers! Do you see pollution, waste, water shortages, or other environmental issues in your area? Do you have solutions? Your voice matters!
Write an Essay:
✅ Identify an environmental problem in your community
✅ Explain its causes and effects
✅ Suggest practical solutions
✅ Show how YOU can make a difference!
Word Count: 300–500 words (Please attach picture of the environmental issues you are tackling as well as a mind map of how you planned the structure of your essay.)
Prizes to be Won!
1st Place – R1000 + Certificate
2nd Place – R700 + Certificate
3rd Place – R500 + Certificate
Top 10 entries will be published in our Youth Environmental Voices booklet!
Deadline: 5 September 2025
Submit your essay to: govan@saep.org

Cape Leopard Trust's Teacher Workshop: Paarl
2025-09-04 14:00 - 17:00
CLT Teacher’s Workshop Series
The Cape Leopard Trust warmly invites you to an engaging Teacher’s Workshop on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Classroom. This interactive session will provide teachers with creative tools and practical strategies to bring sustainability into everyday teaching and inspire learners to think critically about the environment.
📅 Date: 4 September 2025🕑 Time: 14:00 – 17:00📍 Venue: Paarl Arboretum
Join us for an afternoon of collaboration, discussion, and fresh ideas – all while enjoying a lovely lunch in the beautiful setting of the Paarl Arboretum.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/TeacherWorkshopPaarl2025
Or contact Naas van Jaarsveld on 082 811 5934 or education@capeleopard.org.za for more information
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow educators, strengthen your teaching practice, and inspire the next generation to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.

Cape Leopard Trust's Teacher Workshop: Ceres
2025-09-02 14:00 - 17:00
CLT Teacher’s Workshop Series
The Cape Leopard Trust invites you to an inspiring and interactive Teacher’s Workshop focused on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Classroom. This workshop is designed to equip teachers with practical tools, ideas, and strategies to bring sustainability alive in everyday teaching.
📅 Date: 2 September 2025🕑 Time: 14:00 – 17:00📍 Venue: Ceres Homegrown Bakery Café
Enjoy a collaborative afternoon of learning, sharing, and networking with fellow educators – accompanied by a delicious lunch.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/TeacherWorkshopCeres2025
Or contact Naas van Jaarsveld on 082 811 5934 or education@capeleopard.org.za for more information
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your teaching practice, connect with like-minded colleagues, and inspire learners to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.

ECO-SYSTEMS ART COMPETITION (KZN)
2025-08-31
🌿 About the Competition
One Planet South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) invites learners and young creatives to take part in their Ecosystem Art Competition. A chance to express your creativity while raising awareness about the urgent need to restore our planet’s ecosystems.
This initiative supports the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement to revive damaged ecosystems and protect the natural world we all depend on.
Deadline: Before 1 September 2025
Please ensure:

Image files are at least 1MB in size
Submit photographs of your artwork along with a 10–20 second video of your Ecosystem Art display to bridget@oneplanet.org.za
Include your name, age, school (if applicable), and contact details

Prizes
Exciting prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Steps on how to enter below:

Cape Leopard Trust: Young Scientist Quiz
2025-08-31
The Cape Leopard Trust’s popular 𝕆ℕ𝕃𝕀ℕ𝔼 ℚ𝕌𝕀ℤ is back!
The Cape Leopard Trust Environmental Education team has put together this fun test to give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a wildlife researcher. This is intended as a fun activity for learners, but anyone can take part.
Enter here and see how you fare! A prize will be awarded to the top performer in each age category and the quiz closes 31 Aug 2025 (T’s and C’s apply)
For more information visit:
Facebook: Cape Leopard Trust
Instagram: @capeleopardtrust

Western Cape Teacher Workshop
2025-08-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Cape Town Science Centre, 370B Main Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7925, South Africa
Western Cape Teacher Workshop: 16 August 2025
Calling all Sustainable Schools educators!
Don’t miss an exciting and inspiring workshop designed to build your skills in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Join us on 16 August for an exciting hands-on workshop exclusively for teachers! Hosted at the Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC). This is a chance to step into your learners’ shoes and explore fun and meaningful ways to bring science into your classroom.
A special focus will be placed on Coding and Robotics, with practical demonstrations on how environmental sensors can be integrated. The CTSC team will also introduce the STEM Clubs initiative, sharing ideas on how to start or join one at your school.
About STEM Clubs:Launched by the WCED in 2022, STEM Clubs aim to inspire learners to explore STEM in fun, informal ways. Clubs are supported with a detailed Teacher Manual, career posters, and a resource-rich activity kit. They empower learners to lead, collaborate, and grow – often participating in national competitions and club events.
Whether you’re new to science facilitation or looking to deepen your learners’ engagement with science, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss!

Gauteng Teacher Workshop
2025-08-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Dalpark Primary School, Springs Rd, Rand Collieries SH, Brakpan, Gauteng, 1549, South Africa
Join us for an engaging, hands-on professional development session on August 8th, designed to deepen your understanding of Climate Change education and strengthen your ability to bring energy and sustainability topics to life in your classrooms.
Here’s why you should attend:
Learn from our expert guest speakers

Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) – They focus on food security, greening, sustainable livelihood, and running verified carbon programmes.
African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) – A powerful movement committed to climate literacy and empowering African change-makers through education, campaigns, and storytelling.

Interactive and Practical Sessions
The workshop will include a climate change presentation, a short screening of the ACRP docuseries, and a creative lesson planning session, where you’ll collaborate with fellow teachers and develop exciting, curriculum-aligned content. As well as a hands-on tree planting session.
Take-home resources
Teachers will receive practical tools, resource materials and some starter planter packs for each teacher to take home (to plant at their schools). This incredible pack from ACRP will support further learning and implementation back at school.
Create your own lessons
Teachers will walk away with real lesson and assignment ideas tailored to your learners and school context. Space to get creative, share, and grow!
Network and Refresh
Enjoy the chance to connect with like-minded educators over light refreshments as we close the session.

Rocky Shore Explore with Two Oceans Aquarium
2025-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Dalebrook Tidal Pool, Kalk Bay, Dalebrook Road, off Main Road in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7945, South Africa
Join Two Oceans Aquarium’s Rocky Shore Explore! 🌊
In celebration of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, Two Ocean Aquarium is excited to announce that they will be venturing along the stunning natural shoreline of Dalebrook Tidal Pool on Saturday, 2 August 2025, for a family-friendly Rocky Shore Explore.
– When: 2 August 2025 from 13h00 to 15h00
– Where: Dalebrook Tidal Pool, St James
– Wear: Non-slip shoes, waterproof or quick-drying clothing
– Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water in a reusable bottle, phone camera
For more information please visit: https://www.aquarium.co.za/foundation/news/join-us-for-an-mpa-treasure-hunt-at-dalebrook-on-saturday-30-july-2022-3-2-2-3

Seal Public Information Evening
2025-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8002, South Africa
Join us for Two Oceans Aquarium for a critical public information session addressing the marine conservation issues that have dominated Cape Town’s headlines, from elephant seals disrupting traffic flow to concerning rabies outbreaks amongst local fur seals, these incidents highlight the complex relationship between urban development and marine wildlife.
This expert-led session will provide the latest scientific updates on these conservation challenges and examine their broader public impact on our coastal communities.
Featured Speakers
Our panel includes:
Gregg Oelofse – City of Cape Town Marine and Coastal Management
Dr Brett Gardner – Research Veterinarian, University of Melbourne
Yinhla Shihlomule – SAPRI Predator Specialist
What to Expect
Expert presentations on current seal-related incidents
Scientific analysis of rabies outbreaks in fur seal populations
Discussion of human-wildlife
When: Friday, 25 July 2025
Time: 18:30
Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium
Tickets: Free – bookings are essential on Quicket. Please click here

Sustainable Schools Rally: Limpopo
2025-07-25 - 2025-07-27 | Lapalala Wilderness School, D1756, Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa
Join us for our upcoming Sustainable Schools Rally, designed to help you confidently navigate our online hub and make the most of the tools and resources available.
This session will place a special focus on helping you access and submit your School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) – a key component of your school’s participation. We’ll walk you through each step to ensure you feel fully supported in completing and submitting your plan.
This session is ideal for all teachers new to the platform or those needing a refresher. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the most out of your school’s involvement in the programme!
RSVP by 23 July 2025 below to secure your spot!
*Please note:

This event is only for schools based in Limpopo
Only 2 teachers per school to attend

Please see the flyer below for more details:

Virtual SEMP Planning Workshop
2025-07-24 15:00 - 16:00
Virtual SEMP Planning Workshop
Date: 24 July 2025 | Time: 15:00 |Location: (Online) Microsoft Teams
Calling all Sustainable Schools! Join us for an exciting and practical virtual session designed to guide you through your SEMP (School Environmental Management Plan) planning process.
🌱 What to expect:

Step-by-step SEMP Tutorial and walkthrough the Hub
Tips on Creating a School Environmental Policy
Tips and guidance to complete your SEMP with confidence
Live Q&A

✅ RSVP below to receive a link to join the Teams meeting!

Trash Bash beach cleanup with Two Oceans Aquarium
2025-07-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Sunset Beach, Milnerton, Milnerton,Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7441, South Africa
Join the Two Oceans Aquarium for a Beach Cleanup on Saturday 19 July 2025. 🌊
Once a piece of plastic is produced, it becomes part of our environment forever – it cannot break down, biodegrade, or become part of the natural system again without human intervention bad news for our marine life.🪸
We all want to enjoy the ocean and its abundance for years to come, so let’s protect the ocean’s future (and ours) while we have the chance.
Time: 09h00 to 11h00
Location: Sunset Beach
What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, bucket for collecting trash, water (in a reusable bottle), reusable gloves (like the ones you’d use for gardening or doing dishes), and a smile!
As always, there will be plenty of fun, spot prizes and fun to be had while cleaning up this stretch of our coast, and it’s always a pleasure meeting up with our growing ocean community at Sunset Beach. 🏝
Learn more: https://www.aquarium.co.za/events/trash-bash

Join the Create Change Plastic Free July Challenge
2025-07-07 - 2025-07-31
SHARE HOW YOU ARE GOING PLASTIC FREE — AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN!

Here’s an exciting opportunity to get your learners involved in sustainability and stand a chance to win cash prizes! The Create Change campaign is encouraging South Africans to take simple, positive steps towards a plastic-free life this July.

Start small:
✅ Carry your reusable bag or bottle
✅ Skip the straw
✅ Pick up litter in your area
Because big or small, our actions add up.
HOW TO ENTER
🎥 Share how you’re reducing plastic use – whether it’s carrying a reusable bottle, skipping the straw, or picking up litter!

Post a short video or photos showing how you’re going plastic free
Tag and follow @createchange_sa on Instagram
Tag and nominate 2 people to take up the challenge too!

WHAT YOU’LL WIN
💰 Win your share of R4000 in cash prizes
🏆 A winner will be selected each week in July — R1000 per winner!
📩 Winners will be contacted via Instagram direct message
📅 Competition closes 31 July 2025.
Let’s inspire change, one small action at a time.
👉 Click here for full Ts & Cs
#PlasticFreeJuly #CreateChangeSA #SustainableSchools

Wetland Warriors Festival
2025-06-24 08:00 - 2025-06-25 12:00 | Silvermine Academy, 44 Brigantine Avenue, Fish Hoek, Western Cape, 7975, South Africa
🌿 Wetland Warriors Festival 🌿
Hosted by Guardians of the Deep NPC & Silvermine Academy
Join us for the very first Wetland Warriors Festival, a two-day celebration of the Sun Valley Wetlands!
📅 Date: 24 & 25 June 2025
🕗 Time: 08:00 – 12:00
📍 Location: Silvermine Academy
🐸 Why Wetlands Matter:
Wetlands are essential as fish nurseries, biodiversity hotspots, and natural water filters. Sadly, they’re under threat from:

Invasive alien plants
Erosion & pollution
Development & draining
Excess nutrients
Burning & mining

Let’s stand together to protect them. 🌍
Festival Highlights:
24 June
🥾 Wetland Hike – Explore the Silvermine Nature Area with Sun Valley Eco Watch & Friends of Silvermine Nature Area.
25 June
🔬 MiniSASS at Chebec Pond – Citizen science water testing with Sun Valley Eco Watch
🧹 Wetland Clean-Up – Help TMNP Central restore beauty and balance
🌱 Fynbos Restoration – Get your hands dirty with FynbosLIFE
🌿 Alien Clearing (Hacking) – Support conservation efforts with FOSNA
🔥 Project KNEXS – Enjoy fireside storytelling & homecooked lunch with Forever Young Seniors
How You Can Help:
✅ Don’t litter
✅ Don’t use poisons
✅ Plant locally indigenous species
Sun Valley wetlands are home to a vibrant mix of insects, reptiles, birds, and fish – and they need your voice and action.
Let’s come together as a community to celebrate, restore, and protect this vital ecosystem.

The Jungle Theatre presents "African Folktales Festival"
2025-06-24 - 2025-06-25 | Wave Theatre Cafe, 44 Long Street, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
The Jungle Theatre is offering free limited tickets to their African Folktales show, River of Life, taking place on Wednesday, 25 June (12:00 -13:30pm) at the Wave Theatre Cafe on 44 Long Street.
The tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you’re interested, please contact them as soon as possible. This offer is extended to schools, groups, organisations and families.
While this is a complimentary opportunity, voluntary donations to support their initiatives are warmly welcomed.
Please note: Transportation is not included, so the school or organization will need to arrange its own transport.
To book contact Lunga on 072 908 5160 or email: admin@jungletheatre.co.za (for free tickets)
The following shows will be performed:
1. Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures. The story is a fun way for young learners to understand the effects of ocean pollution and climate change also empowering them with practicable steps they can take to make a difference.
Captain Kwanda and his turtle friend, Fin, sail around the Cape coast and beyond in search of sunken treasures from old shipwrecks. Suddenly a strange storm brews when the Ocean Spirit, Lwandle, pays them a visit and gives Kwanda the power to speak to all ocean creatures. They are sent on a quest to help sea animals affected by plastic pollution. Captain Kwanda is rewarded with a different treasure and earns a new name – Captain Fanplastic.
2. River of Life, a musical, physical, interactive production that takes learners on a journey of discovery beginning with water cycle and teaching about key issues such as water quality and pollution, water security and the important role that communities play in protecting this precious resource.
The dates and times for other performances are as follows:

Tuesday 24 June / 10:00 – 11:30 – Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures
Tuesday 24 June / 12:00 – 13:30 – River of Life
Wednesday 25 June / 10:00 – 11:30 – Captain Kwanda’s Fanplastic Adventures
Wednesday 25 June / 12:00 -13:30pm – River of Life

To book use this link: https://forms.gle/FXaALnMqsLVhEHkT8

FREE Global Schools Advocate Program Training Course
2025-06-09
FREE Global Schools Advocate Program Training Course
“Global Schools’ flagship initiative, the Global Schools Advocates Program, is a cohort-style program for educators and school leaders globally who want to integrate themes of sustainable development into their classrooms. Developed with insights gathered from over 220 sustainable development experts and 40+ educators, the program supports schools in integrating sustainable development into school curricula, operations, and pedagogy.”
This training course is open to teachers globally and we would love to see our Sustainable Schools teachers representing South Africa!
If you are accepted on the training course, you will be part of a cohort that goes on to complete a 6 month programme designed to enhance understanding of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
You will be introduced to the Sustainable Development Goals and gain ideas to integrate ESD into your classroom. After the successful completion of the training, you will receive the title of ‘Global Schools Advocate’ as well as the Global Schools Advocate Toolkit.
Intrigued?
Find out more here: https://www.globalschoolsprogram.org/advocates or watch the following info session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ntIILDpVo0
About the Course
Where: Online
Format: Asynchronous, with optional synchronous lectures
Duration: Approximately 10-15 hours.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS is 9 JUNE 2025.
Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYD258EHrotEZkhWctI-zzBsY7vUcz0anuXxeI_XoPQsms8g/viewform?usp=send_form

Gauteng: In-Person Teacher Workshop
2025-05-30 09:00 - 13:00 | OR Tambo Cultural Precinct, OR Tambo Cultural Precinct 3061 Tame Ave, Wattville, Benoni, Western Cape, 1501, South Africa
Join us for our Teacher Workshop on 30 May 2025!
We are calling on all Gauteng schools to join us for an exciting in-person teacher workshop. The school year may be swiftly progressing – however, it is not too late to learn another trick or two to boost the school’s sustainability efforts!
Save the date, RSVP before 27 May 2025, and don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to meet face-to-face again!
What to expect:

Water & Sanitation themed presentations and discussions
Practical learning and teaching tools to implement in your classroom
Opportunity to connect and network with like-minded teachers

Western Cape: In-person Teacher Workshop
2025-05-24 09:00 - 13:00 | Helderberg Nature Reserve, Verster Ave, Helderberg Nature Reserve, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7135, South Africa
Join us for our Biodiversity Network Teacher Workshop on 24 May 2025!
We are calling on all Western Cape schools to join us for an exciting in-person teacher workshop. The school year may be swiftly progressing – however, it is not too late to learn another trick or two to boost the school’s sustainability efforts!
This workshop will be hosted at the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve and promises to be a valuable and inspiring morning for all educators passionate about environmental learning.
RSVP before 21 May 2025, and don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to meet face-to-face again!
What to expect:

Biodiversity Network themed presentations and discussions with Cape Leopard Trust
A special presentation on their inclusive children’s storybook, Footprints in the Fynbos, with a free copy of the book for all teachers who attend
Practical learning and teaching tools to implement in your classroom
Opportunity to connect and network with like-minded teachers
Transport available on request from ZEEC
Bring along comfortable shoes and a rain jacket in-case for the short, outdoor part of the workshop.

We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you and continuing to support your school’s sustainability journey.

National Teachers Onboarding Workshop: Final Session
2025-05-15 15:00 - 16:00 | Online – Teams
We are delighted to have your school on board our programme this year. To help you and the other teachers at your school easily navigate our online hub, we invite you to the third session of our National Onboarding Workshop.
This workshop is designed to help answer any questions related to how to navigate and use our online hub to its fullest potential.
The Workshop will include:

Connecting you with your School Coordinator
Learning about your dashboard
How to find and use resources
Learning how to access and submit your School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)
Showing you where to find partners and other schools
Posting on your timeline

…And more! Who is this for:
All Registered and paid, Sustainable Schools

The Big Biodiversity Challenge 2025
2025-05-15 - 2025-07-31
Theme: Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development
The Big Biodiversity Challenge returns for 2025 with a call to action: how can we live in harmony with nature while meeting the needs of people and communities? This year’s theme asks Grade 6–9 learners across the Western Cape to explore the balance between ecological health and human development, from food systems to energy use, waste, water and urban living.
Organised by the Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF) in partnership with CapeNature, SANBI, SANParks, Nature Connect, Working on Fire (WoF), Two Oceans Aquarium, the Western Cape Government’s DEA&DP, and the Western Cape Education Department, the challenge encourages learners to think critically and creatively about real-world environmental issues.
What to Submit:
Learners may enter as individuals or in groups and are invited to submit projects in any of the following formats:

Essays (up to 1,000 words)

Presentations (Google Slides, PowerPoint, etc.)

Eco app or tech concepts (mock-ups, feature lists or demo videos)

Social action projects (e.g. a recycling drive, school garden, or clean-up campaign, documented in photos, reports or video)

Creative works (poetry, performance, visual art, or music, with an explanation of how it links to the theme)

All submissions should clearly link back to this year’s focus: how can we design solutions that respect biodiversity while supporting the wellbeing of people and planet alike?
Participants may enter here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctcCstU8vOBzTLCViJPtif7pNazvxjGLooOYFbFqv61BJVMg/viewform

Past Inspiration

Last year, learners impressed judges with innovative and heartfelt entries. Grade 6 learners Benjamin Banda and Polite Masango from Orangekloof Primary used a powerful combination of visual art, poetry, and live performance to raise awareness about water pollution and the human behaviours driving it. Their entry called for change through both emotional storytelling and practical action.
Instagram video of Benjamin and Polite: https://youtu.be/QeSqSPRuuRw
Benjamin Draper from Pinelands North Primary earned second place with his ecosystem restoration concept for the Elsies River canal. His plan to rewild the urban waterway (using reeds to reduce pollution and restore habitat), captured the essence of sustainable development by offering a nature-based solution within a human-altered space.
Instagram video of Benjamin: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBGeCo1qL5Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
From the tech side, Yameen Jeebhay of Westerford High developed an idea for a Conservationist Badge App, a tool that rewards users for taking part in real-world environmental activities. His idea showed how technology can support behavioural change and build a culture of sustainability.
Instagram video of Yameen: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBGyBPZKPgZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Yebo Gogga 2025
2025-05-14 - 2025-05-18 | University of the Witwatersrand, Oppenheimer Life Sciences Building, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 200, South Africa
Connections – From molecule to ecosystems: All things are bound
A fun, interactive event where science comes to life! Get up close with fascinating creatures, explore hands-on exhibits, and uncover the wonders of nature.
General enquires: 011 717 6467
School Bookings: 083 376 1734 or email: Cheryl@innercs.com
Website: https://www.wits.ac.za/yebogogga/
Date: 14 – 18 May 2025
Time: 8:30 – 14:00 Weekdays
9:00 – 13:00 Weekends
For more information, please see flyer below:

City Nature Challenge 2025
2025-04-26 09:00 - 11:00 | Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area, Rosmead Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7745, South Africa
The City Nature Challenge is back for another year and we at Bracken Nature Reserve are hosting a fun-filled day of observing wildlife and taking photos of all the plants and animals that live there. We post all our photos of that day on iNaturalist and see how the city of Cape Town competes with the rest of the cities in the world in terms of observations.
Join the City Nature Challenge at Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area!
The City Nature Challenge is a global event where people come together to document urban wildlife using the iNaturalist app. It’s a fun, hands-on way to explore nature, contribute to real science, and connect with your local environment.
Be a citizen scientist and help record the incredible biodiversity at Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area. Every observation counts—let’s put our local nature on the map!
Participating in the City Nature Challenge:
Download the iNaturalist App from the Google Play store/Apple store and create an account
*Find Wildlife- It can be any plant, animal, or any evidence of life found in your city.
*Take picture- Take a picture of what you find. Be sure to note the location of the critter or plant.
*Share- Share your observations through iNaturalist.
📅: Saturday the 26th of April 2025
🕧: 09:00 – 11:00
📍: Hollwoodbets Kenilworth
RSVP: KenilworthC1@caperacing.co.za OR fill in the form City Nature Challenge 2025
Free entry, Donations towards conservation efforts welcome
For more information view the flyer below:

National Teachers Onboarding Workshop 2
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
We will be hosting our second National Onboarding Workshop on the 16th of April. This virtual workshop is intended to help registered schools and teachers learn how to use the Sustainable Schools Hub as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
The Workshop will include:

Connecting you with your School Coordinator

Learning about your dashboard

How to find and use resources

Learning how to access and submit your School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)

Showing you where to find partners and other schools

Posting on your timeline

…And more!
Who is this for?
All Registered and paid,  Sustainable Schools
Please invite as many teachers from your school as you would like. This session is available to all of our registered schools, nationally.

National Teachers Onboarding Workshop
2025-03-26 15:30 - 16:30
We will be hosting our first (of two) National Onboarding Workshops. This virtual workshop is intended to help registered schools and teachers learn how to use the Sustainable School Hub as well as answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
The workshop will include:

Connecting you with your School Coordinator

Learning about your dashboard

How to find and use resources

Learning how to access and submit your School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP)

Showing you where to find partners and other schools

Posting on your timeline

…. And more!
Who is this for?
All Registered and paid, Sustainable Schools
Please invite as many teachers from your school as you would like. This session is available to all of our registered schools, nationally.
Time: 15:30-16:30
Date: 26 March 2025

Pinelands High School Academic Lecture Series
2025-03-25 17:30 - 18:30 | The Reeler Centre, Pinelands High School, Forest Dr Service Rd, Pinelands, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7405, South Africa
Pinelands High School invites you to the first lecture of the 2025 Pinelands High School Academic Lecture Series.
The lecture will be given by Professor Annie Chimphango, Full Professor of Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch University. She will be speaking about her research on converting agricultural waste into high-value bioproducts, such as functional foods, advanced biomaterials, and biofuels. She will be presenting a lecture titled Chemical Engineering for Advancing Sustainable Development.
The lecture will take place on Tuesday 25th March from 5:30-6:30pm at Pinelands High School.
Click here to register this event.
You can view the poster to the event below:
Prof-Chimphango-Poster

Western Cape & National Rewards Ceremony 2025
2025-03-14 17:30 - 21:45 | Workshop17 – Watershed, Workshop17, Watershed, 17 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8002, South Africa
You’re invited!
It is our pleasure to invite you to our upcoming combined Western Cape Regional and National Rewards Ceremony! 🎉🏆
Join us in reflecting on and celebrating our collective progress made in 2024. It promises to be an exciting evening filled with sharing, connection and inspiration!
The event will take place on Friday the 14th of March 2025 at Workshop 17, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town. Please arrive at 17:30 for a 18:00 start.
We’d like to extend this invitation to a maximum of 2 teachers from each school.
Please RSVP below by 5 March 2025, so we can make the necessary arrangements for your attendance.
We can’t wait to see you there! ✨

MoveUp Solar Challenge
2025-03-10 - 2025-04-08
MoveUp by Nedbank, is excited to present the Solar Schools Challenge, a dynamic programme designed to empower high school learners and spark their passion for renewable energy. This hands-on initiative begins with an energy assessment where learners analyse their school’s energy usage and receive actionable insights to reduce consumption.
Learners will dive deeper into the world of solar energy through guided courses, gaining essential knowledge on solar power, energy measurement, optimisation techniques, and how to promote cleaner energy practices in their communities. The challenge ends with the top 50 entries receiving support from the MoveUp team to develop a winning solar proposal, giving them a chance to win incredible prizes, including:
● R1,000 cash rewards
● Solar systems worth R250,000
● R25,000 study bursaries
By taking part in the Solar Schools Challenge, learners not only gain vital STEM skills but also develop leadership abilities that position them as champions of sustainability. They’ll have a direct impact on creating a greener, more energy-efficient future for their schools and communities, while cultivating a deep sense of responsibility toward the environment.
Join us in this exciting journey to make a lasting difference in the world of renewable energy!
Please note:
Learners must sign up on MoveUp and gain access to MoveUp Premium in order to participate in the Solar Schools Challenge.
Learn more and get involved today!
