Creative young minds who turned waste into striking artworks were honoured at Ballito Junction last Wednesday.

The awards formed part of the shopping centre’s “Trash to Treasure” campaign, which ran during the school and Easter holidays to promote sustainability and recycling.

In collaboration with six surrounding schools, Level 6 was transformed into a vibrant exhibition space displaying artworks made entirely from recyclable materials.

The theme encouraged pupils to express their love for Ballito, resulting in a display of innovation, environmental awareness and local pride.

Ballito Junction CEO Geraldine Jorgensen praised the participants’ creativity.

“The artwork was amazing. It was very hard to choose the winners. The stories behind the pieces and the effort put in were incredible,” she said.

Esther Adetiba from Reddam House Ballito won first place and a R5 000 gift card. Lucy Beech from Eden Village Preparatory School took second place (R3 000), while Jordan Naidoo and Elle Newton, both from Reddam House Ballito, shared third (R2 000 each).

Honourable mentions went to Hannah Banach from Ashton College Ballito and Chantelle Smith from Curro Salt Rock, each receiving R1 000.

Dolphin Coast Pre-Primary was named the most outstanding school for its collaborative ocean reef artwork created by pupils aged one to six, winning a R50 000 advertising package.

Jorgensen thanked schools, teachers and pupils for promoting sustainable living, and encouraged residents to support recycling by donating pre-loved clothing at collection points on Levels 2 and 6 in partnership with Humana South Africa.