St. Theresa’s wins big at schools’ energy efficiency competition

St. Theresa’s R.C Primary School walked away with products worth R20 000 after being crowned as one of the winning schools in the eThekwini Municipality’s 2026/2027 Energy Efficiency Schools Competition on Monday.

The school, which was recognised for its informative and engaging plays, is one of three primary schools in Durban that scored themselves energy efficiency products and interventions worth a combined R100 000 in the competition. The announcement was made during a prize-giving ceremony at the Durban Botanical Gardens.

St Theresa’s R.C Primary School Principal, Everard Simpson, welcomed the recognition.

“Our school is 101 years old, and any energy efficiency support will help us to continue building a sustainable future for our learners,” he said.

Simpson added that they were grateful for the opportunity and for their teachers and learners who worked hard during the school holidays to participate.

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The competition was hosted by the eThekwini Municipality, in partnership with the national Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE). It forms part of the City’s Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Mitigation Programme, which aims to build environmental awareness and encourage lasting behavioural change among young people.

Learners were commended by the judging panel for original entries that highlighted responsible energy use, reduced electricity consumption and a future that is sustainable.

The competition ran under the theme “Saving Energy Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”. Open to learners in Grades 5 to 7, the learners were challenged to present practical energy-saving solutions through posters and plays. A total of 55 entries were received.

Sunford Primary School walked away with first and second place in the Poster category and will receive products worth a combined R50 000.

Elangabini Primary School received energy efficiency interventions worth R30 000.

Speaking on behalf of the DEE, Ntsikelelo Mkhithika said that empowering young people was central to South Africa’s energy transitions.

“We need our learners to be creative, especially in the space of energy transition in South Africa. They must become ambassadors of their future and responsible energy users in their schools, homes, and communities,” he said.

All participating schools and learners were congratulated by the City and encouraged to continue championing energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in their communities.

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