Nkomazi’s greenest schools get rewarded for conservation efforts

PHIVA – Lugedlane Primary School took the top prize in the Nkomazi Local Municipality’s Cleanest Schools competition this year, winning R18 000 to help improve their school.

The top schools gathered at Sivutsa Lodge last Wednesday, on World Environment Day, to find out whose efforts in saving water, recycling, cleaning and planting trees and vegetable gardens had paid off.

The competition was started eleven years ago to encourage schools to take care of the environment, with the winners of various categories receiving funds to improve the school’s facilities.

READ: Nkomazi’s cleanest and greenest schools in 2018 rewarded

This year, Nkomazi Secondary School was named greenest school in the combined and secondary schools category, with Suikerland Secondary in second place and Njeyeza Secondary school in third.

The primary school winners were Magogeni Primary, with Thula Primary in second and Magewu Primary in third.

Sekusile Primary won the top Honours award, while Mhlosheni Primary was second and Bukhosibetfu Primary in third place.

Ward councillor Maria Thokozile Mkhatshwa encouraged learners to continue their green efforts after school in the wider community as well. “The beauty starts in our minds, and our hands perfect everything. Have a positive mind. You will live in a better environment,” she said.

READ: Tuesday Life Hack: 4 practical ways to recycle your waste

Mayor Johan Mkhatswa also lauded schools for their achievements. He mentioned that the municipality aims to attract tourists and that these clean-up and greening efforts help make the area more attractive for visitors.

READ: Municipality turns recycled waste into a public park

He stated that the competition is the first step to involving the community, as children go home and teach their families what they have learned at school about saving water, recycling and cleaning the environment.