My Walk Made with Soul wins bronze at 2026 Eco-Logic Awards

My Walk Made with Soul celebrated winning a bronze award at the 16th annual Eco-Logic Awards held recently at the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.

The awards brought together conservationists, entrepreneurs, innovators and community champions whose work is driving practical solutions to some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

My Walk Made with Soul took home the bronze award in the Eco-Innovation Category.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni youth unite through sport, music and dance

The organisation transforms single-use PVC drip bags, oxygen masks, and associated tubing into brand-new school shoes.

The initiative is an example of the circular economy in action, demonstrating how healthcare waste can be repurposed into valuable products that benefit both businesses and society.

By turning medical waste into school shoes, the initiative offers an environmentally friendly solution while supporting education and meeting schoolchildren’s needs.

Hosted by renowned comedian and presenter Themba Robin, the event coincided with World Habitat Day, providing a fitting backdrop to recognise the people and initiatives helping shape a more sustainable future.

The awards shine a spotlight on South African businesses and individuals demonstrating that environmental responsibility and economic opportunity can go hand in hand – creating profitable solutions that protect natural resources, strengthen communities and deliver lasting impact.

ALSO READ: New bus boosts Vryburger High School’s transport needs

“Fifteen years ago, many of the ideas celebrated at the Eco-Logic Awards were still considered unconventional. Today, environmental innovation plays an influential role in how we do business, design products, manage resources and build communities. What is particularly encouraging is that this year’s winners are not simply highlighting the challenges we face but demonstrating what is possible when people move beyond awareness and take action.

“Their work reminds us that meaningful progress comes from rethinking established practices, collaborating across sectors and recognising that the well-being of people and the natural world are inseparable,” said David Parry-Davies, founder of the Eco-Logic Awards and editor of The Enviropaedia.

Over the last 16 years, the Eco-Logic Awards have become South Africa’s most prestigious platform for recognising environmental achievement, giving finalists and winners a valuable opportunity to showcase their innovations, projects, products and services while building credibility as sustainability leaders.

Entries for the 2026 awards opened earlier this year, with submissions across 12 categories assessed by an independent panel of judges with extensive executive and environmental expertise spanning diverse sectors.

Using Eco-Logical thinking as a basis for evaluation, the judges were tasked with identifying individuals, organisations and initiatives demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and practical impact in tackling South Africa’s environmental challenges.

ALSO READ: Dawnview learner turns adversity into sporting success

The Eco-Innovation 2026 category saw Nature Connect – Sustainable Schools Online Hub take gold, followed by Circular Energy NPC for its Specialised Collection Vehicle, which received silver, while My Walk Made with Soul secured bronze.

In the Eco-Angel 2026 category, Siyabonga Stengana of Beauty by Nature won gold, Delanie Bezuidenhout of My Walk Made with Soul received silver, and Michelle Henley of Elephants Alive took home bronze.