Two local schools, Winterveldt High School and Bubble Bee Nursery (Muckleneuk) were the only local winners at the inaugural Colours of National Pride – National Flag Patriotism Awards last month.

The schools won Flag Expression through Poetry and Best ECD Centre respectively.

Local NGO Kool 2B South African held the awards on August 22 at the landmark CT Hotel (formerly known as the Sheraton Hotel) in the CBD in honour of schools that have showcased exceptional nationalism.

Founder Khaya ‘Kool’ Seoketsa said the journey began in April, the birth month of South Africa’s post-apartheid era, when schools across Gauteng participated in an intensive provincial campaign.

“Learners decorated their classrooms, hallways, staffrooms, and communal spaces with the six vibrant colours of the National Flag while actively performing social cohesion tasks focused on heritage protection, protocol, and unity in diversity. Twelve finalist schools emerged to compete for top honours across constitutional, social cohesion, artistic, and educational excellence categories,” Seoketsa said.

Before the award ceremony, however, the NGO hosted an Awareness March Parade Against GBV (gender-based violence) with learners from Christian Progressive College (CPC) as a build-up to the awards.

The march took place on August 21, starting from CPC grounds, around the block and back to the college.

CPC Principal Zwelethu Ndhlovu said the school believes education extends beyond academic achievement; it must also develop socially conscious, compassionate and responsible citizens.

“Our learners’ participation in the GBV Awareness March was important because age-appropriate education about dignity, equality, personal boundaries and respect must begin early.

“The march gave them an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those affected by GBV and to understand that silence, discrimination and violence have no place in our schools, homes or communities. By involving young people in such initiatives, we empower them to become courageous advocates for a safer and more respectful South Africa,” Ndhlovu said.

The initiative was supported by the National Department of Basic Education (Social Cohesion Directorate) and the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, under the leadership of Deputy Minister Peace Mabe. The Gauteng Department of Education, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (Heritage Directorate), and National Heraldry also backed the initiative. MTN and Standard Bank Hatfield were the sponsors.

Mabe said the Sports, Arts and Culture department supported the Patriotism Awards because they recognise individuals whose actions demonstrate a commitment to the country and its people, while inspiring others to contribute positively to their communities.

The deputy minister said they engaged learners ‘on our national symbols, our Constitution and what it means to be a responsible South African’ through the Patriotic Fridays school visits.

“These awards reinforce the message we share with young people: that each of us has a role in building a united and inclusive nation. As we mark 30 years since the signing of South Africa’s Constitution, we must help the next generation understand the sacrifices that secured our democracy and the responsibility we all carry to uphold dignity, equality and freedom. These values should guide how we treat one another, embrace our diversity and care for our communities,” Mabe said.

She commended Kool 2B South African for ‘encouraging national pride and celebrating contributions that remind us that building a better South Africa is a shared responsibility.’

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