Spark Witpoortjie wins R20 000 in national ocean sustainability challenge
A West Rand primary school beat 32 other contenders across the country by collecting empty boxes to champion marine conservation.
Spark Witpoortjie learners won Sea Harvest’s Mission Blue Great Fish Finger Box Challenge, securing R20 000 for their school.
The initiative brought together 33 schools from across the country, encouraging learners, teachers and families to collect empty Sea Harvest Fish Fingers boxes while raising awareness about ocean sustainability and responsible seafood choices.
Celebrating the win
To celebrate the achievement, the Sea Harvest team visited Spark Witpoortjie on October 30 for a special prize handover. The occasion saw the school presented with a ceremonial cheque, while learners joined in the celebrations alongside O-Mega Mind, Sea Harvest’s Fish Finger mascot.
The win marks another exciting chapter in the school’s Mission Blue journey, which began earlier this year when learners participated in an ocean-sustainability educational session hosted by the Marine Stewardship Council in partnership with Sea Harvest.
Held on May 29, the session introduced learners to ocean conservation, responsible fishing practices and the importance of making sustainable seafood choices. Through engaging activities and relatable examples, learners explored how everyday products, including Sea Harvest’s MSC-certified fish fingers, connect to broader conversations around responsible sourcing and protecting marine ecosystems.
The Great Fish Finger Box Challenge built on this educational foundation, encouraging learners to put their enthusiasm and teamwork into action.
Community effort
“We are incredibly proud of our scholars and the enthusiasm they have shown throughout the Mission Blue challenge. This achievement is a wonderful reflection of what our school community can accomplish when we work together towards a shared goal. Beyond the excitement of winning, it has been a valuable opportunity for our learners to engage with important conversations around looking after our oceans,” said Spark Witpoortjie principal Khanyisile Zwane, adding that they are considering planning a fun day for the learners to celebrate the achievement.
Sea Harvest brand manager Shaza Pitso said the enthusiasm and dedication shown by Spark Witpoortjie and the other participating schools had been encouraging. She explained that through Mission Blue, Sea Harvest aims to educate young people about ocean conservation and the importance of making responsible seafood choices.
The initiative seeks to make these lessons engaging and relevant, encouraging learners to apply what they have learnt in their daily lives. Pitso also congratulated Spark Witpoortjie on its achievement.
