Five schools in the Lejweleputswa District competed in a public speaking competition addressing water and sanitation challenges.

During this event on 5 June at the Welkom Technical High School, four teams advanced to the provincial round.

The event was hosted by the Free State Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with the Department of Education.

Gr. 11 and Gr. 12 learners of the Lephola Secondary School, Mamello Secondary School, Mamellang Thuto Secondary School, Kheleng Secondary School and Relekile Secondary School made up the teams. Each team was composed of three learners.

Participants presented research and solutions on “A water-wise leadership for community resilience: Educating, empowering and mobilising citizens for a sustainable water and sanitation future.”

Participating schools were identified by the DWS through project coordinator K. Saha and her team.

This competition is part of seven Water Action Projects targeting schools with water and sanitation issues. The others include career guidance, celebration of special days, Baswa le Meetse, Aqua Enduro, South African Youth Water Prize and intervention projects.

District winners progress to the provincial round, where overall winners receive bursaries to pursue studies in water and sanitation-related fields.

Bonolo Dlamini of Lephola said she felt excited to participate.

“Through this competition more people will learn about the importance of water and the impact it has on daily life,” she said.

Adjudicators, educators and guests commended participants for their preparation and contributions.