Hoërskool Kempton Park learners win national public speaking award at WSEP

The Department of Water and Sanitation recently hosted the 2025 Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) National Adjudication and Awards Ceremony, celebrating a year of learner-driven innovation and advocacy.

The event marked the culmination of three flagship projects —Aqua Enduro, Baswa Le Meetse, and Public Speaking —and was officiated by the Minister of Water and Sanitation.

Learners were recognised with certificates, laptops, trophies, and bursaries to pursue careers in water and sanitation. In the public speaking category, participants developed and presented research papers aligned with the 2025 theme, ‘Increasing Threat of Climate Change to the Environment and Water Resources Necessitates Communities to Take Radical Action’.

ALSO READ: Learners win in public speaking

This theme encouraged learners to critically examine climate change’s impact on water systems and to explore how community infrastructure can exacerbate or mitigate environmental risks.

The team from Hoërskool Kempton Park submitted a compelling paper titled: ‘The clock is ticking. In Ekurhuleni, where infrastructure is both the cause and the cure of climate breakdown, we must turn our concrete jungles into climate shields, not threats.’

Their research combined local data, community surveys, and global insights, advocating for urgent, community-led transformation of urban spaces into climate-resilient zones.

Among the standout achievers were Grade 11 learners Ethan Basson, Steyn Beukes, and Lené Bosch, who claimed first place nationally in the public speaking category.

Crowned as the top team in South Africa, they received full university bursaries, laptops, and tablets in recognition of their exceptional work.

ALSO READ: Hoërskool Jeugland learner at the top of public speaking

Their victory is the result of two years of dedication, including late nights, strategic preparation, and personal sacrifices, such as giving up their October school holiday to refine their research and presentation.

Their achievement honours both their school and province, while highlighting youth leadership in water and sanitation advocacy.

The WSEP programme continues to empower youth with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s water sustainability.

Supported by the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), it nurtures a skilled, diverse workforce ready to tackle future challenges.

The success of Hoërskool Kempton Park learners serves as an inspiring reminder that South Africa’s water resources are in capable hands, with young leaders ready to drive a sustainable future.