In an effort to create awareness about environmental management in the province focusing on the schools, the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) organised the annual Environmental Awards competition with a success.
The competition was started in 2002 and the participating schools are drawn from hosting the regional eliminations across the province. The competition had two themes which schools had to research and demonstrate their level of understanding and interpretation. The themes were: ‘sustainable development, my commitment to future generations’ and ‘climate change, a growing threat to food security’ for primary and high schools respectively.
“The level of research and enthusiasms showcased by schools through their understanding of the topics gives hope in securing a sustainable future for the environment. The competition is gaining momentum as it has managed to find space in the schools calendar and also forms part of greening initiatives and research projects undertaken by participating schools", said Albert Mfenyana, General Manager for Environmental Affairs at DEDEAT.
The winning schools in this year’s competition are as follows:
| Prizes | Primary Schools | High Schools |
| 1st Prize - R100 000.00 | Jolobe Primary School - Alfred Nzo Region | Umthawelanga Senior Secondary School - Joe Ggabi Region |
| 2nd Prize – R75 000.00 | Hlabati Primary School - OR Tambo Region | Marilliers Learning Academy - OR Tambo Region |
| 3rd Prize – 50 000.00 | Dumani Primary School - Cacadu Region | Maria Louw High School - Chris Hani Region |
| 4th Prize – R25 000.00 | Nolufefe Primary School - Joe Gqabi Region | King Edward High School - Alfred Nzo Region |
The climate change phenomenon is one of the prevailing challenges that had to be integrated in the competition in order to sensitise the children about mitigation and adaptation measures that can be implemented in their communities.
“Schools are a very important segment of the society as the future leaders are being moulded to bring about solutions to the current challenges. The competition plays a major role in informing children about career choices in the environmental sector.
It is also instrumental in ensuring their appreciation and support of initiatives focusing on preserving the environment as they understand the future impact if the prevailing challenges are not attended today”, added Mfenyana.
The event took place on Thursday, 23 August 2012 in East London at Osner Hotel.
