HOEDSPRUIT – Sekgalabjana Senior Secondary School in Madeira village in the Maruleng Local Municipality has been crowned the winner of the 2026 Clean Earth school competition.

The school took top honours in the competition hosted by Mopani District Municipality and its partners under the theme, Building the Future through Climate Action.

Growing green ideas

The prizegiving was held at Magoebaskloof Hotel in Tzaneen, bringing together schools from across the Mopani District to showcase their commitment to environmental sustainability.

The competition aims to encourage learners to take action on environmental issues, promote sustainable practices, and inspire young people to become responsible stewards of the environment in their schools and communities.

The honours roll

Sekgalabjana Senior Secondary School was followed by Mark Shope Secondary School from Nwamitwa in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality in second place.

Makheto Secondary School from Phalaubeni village in the Greater Giyani Municipality secured third place, while Machepelele Secondary School from Raphahlelo village in the Greater Letaba Municipality finished fourth.

Makikele High School from Selwana village in the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality rounded off the top five.

Cheering each other on

Mark Shope Secondary School, which was also recognised for the presentation of its prepared work, congratulated Sekgalabjana on its victory.

“Congratulations to Sekgalabjana for obtaining first place,” the school said.

Mark Shope also celebrated its own achievement, saying its second-place finish and first-place position for its presentation reflected the teamwork demonstrated by its learners.

Lessons beyond the classroom

The organisers said initiatives such as the Clean Earth school competition play an important role in encouraging young people to take ownership of environmental challenges and become part of the solution.