KOMANI – The 2026 Provincial Enviro Awards brought together primary and high school learners from across the Eastern Cape to showcase their research, innovation and ideas for addressing environmental challenges.

Addressing learners at the event in Komani on 17 September, Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Nonkqubela Pieters said the Eastern Cape’s environment was both an economic asset and an opportunity, but one that must be protected, managed responsibly and used to build skills for the future.

The winners were St George’s Senior Preparatory School (primary school district winner), Bhaliti Primary School (primary school metro winner), Mhlanga High School (high school district winner) and Ebenezer Majombozi High School (high school metro winner).

Prizes ranged from R10,000 to R50,000 for the winners.

According to a statement by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the competition brought together primary and high school learners from across the province to explore environmental challenges and develop practical responses through research, innovation and technology.

“Our environment is not separate from our economy. It is part of our wealth,” said Pieters.

Environment and economy

The province’s coastline, rivers, wetlands, forests, grasslands and biodiversity support agriculture, tourism, fisheries and communities, while creating opportunities in conservation and the green economy.

Pieters said the province needs young people who are prepared for the economy that is emerging rather than the economy that is disappearing, and that preparation begins in schools.

When learners study waste management, for example, they gain insight into recycling, beneficiation, entrepreneurship and the circular economy.

Renewable energy introduces them to future industries, engineering, manufacturing and employment, while biodiversity connects environmental learning with conservation, tourism, research and the economic value of the Eastern Cape’s natural heritage.

“This is the connection we must strengthen between environmental education and economic opportunity,” said Pieters.

Building responsible citizens

This year’s primary school theme, “A green and smart generation for a better future”, also focuses on developing responsible citizens.

Pieters said being “smart” is about understanding the world around us and taking responsibility for our place within it.

Conserving water develops responsible habits; turning waste into something useful builds problem-solving skills; school food gardens teach sustainability, nutrition and enterprise; and investigating pollution gives learners the confidence to identify problems and seek solutions.

“These experiences build something that cannot simply be taught from a textbook: a culture of responsibility,” said Pieters.

Technology for conservation

High school learners explored “Harnessing modern technology for environmental protection: The role of AI, GIS and conservation innovation”.

Their projects introduce learners to tools such as artificial intelligence, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and digital platforms, while encouraging them to apply technology to real environmental challenges.

Pieters emphasises that responsibility cannot rest with government alone.

Teachers help turn curiosity into research and ideas, parents reinforce responsible behaviour at home, and learners must be given opportunities to participate actively in solving environmental challenges.

From projects to solutions

She said the longer-term value of the Enviro Awards will lie in whether school projects can grow into community initiatives, green enterprises and solutions with wider impact.

The full list of award winners:

Primary Schools — Districts

First place, R50 000 and trophy — St George’s Senior Preparatory School

Second place, R40 000 — Pellsrus Primary School

Third place, R30 000 — Kwa-Matambo Primary School

Fourth place, R25 000 — BB Mdledle Primary School

Fifth place, R13 000 — Shalom Junior School

Sixth place, R10 000 — Dr Pallo Jordan Primary School

Primary Schools — Metros

First place, R50 000 and trophy — Bhaliti Primary School

Second place, R40 000 — Empumalanga Primary School

High Schools — Districts

First place, R50 000 — Mhlanga High School

Second place, R40 000 — Faith High School

Third place, R30 000 — Bizana Village Senior Secondary School

Fourth place, R25 000 — Lamplough High School

Fifth place, R13 000 — A. M. Zantsi Senior Secondary School

Sixth place, R10 000 — Andrew Moyake School of Excellence

High Schools — Metros

First place, R50 000 — Ebenezer Majombozi High School

Second place, R40 000 — Westering High School

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