By Charmaine Ndlela
Three KwaZulu-Natal primary schools have won energy-saving equipment and upgrades worth a combined R100,000 after their posters and plays promoting energy conservation were recognised in eThekwini Municipality’s 2026/2027 Schools Energy Efficiency Competition.
The winners were announced at an awards ceremony at the Durban Botanical Gardens on Monday.
Sunford Primary School claimed both first and second prizes in the poster category, securing products worth a combined R50,000.
Elangabini Primary School in Hammarsdale took first place in the drama category, receiving upgrades worth R30,000, while St Theresa’s R.C. Primary School was awarded products worth R20,000 for its “informative and engaging plays”.
The competition, hosted by the metro in partnership with the national Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE), attracted 55 entries, with independent judges praising the creativity and originality of the submissions.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, eThekwini Municipality Energy Efficiency Manager Sindile Buthelezi said the competition had grown significantly since its introduction four years ago.
“Four years ago, when we started on this journey, we submitted our vision to the department for us to run the schools competition. We didn’t know that on a yearly basis all the learners across the city would be eager and anticipating to enter this competition, and it has turned out to be something very, very big,” Buthelezi said.
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“As the city, we strongly believe that learners are powerful agents of change because whatever they learn at school, they will take home to their families and communities. Then it will change the entire community on how to use energy efficiently,” Buthelezi said.
She said educating young people about energy efficiency was important as the country continued to experience the effects of climate change.
“Energy efficiency, we always say, is you save what you can and generate what you must. We strongly believe that we need to emphasise this to our young ones because those are the people who are still eager to learn and are also going to help us in changing the environment as we are experiencing climate change as a country,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the DEE, Ntsikelelo Mkhithika said young people had an important role to play in South Africa’s energy transition.
“We need our learners to be creative, especially in the space of energy transition in South Africa. They must become ambassadors of their future and responsible energy users in their schools, homes and communities,” he said.
The competition was open to learners in Grades 5 to 7, who were invited to submit posters and plays under the theme “Saving Energy Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow”.
Participants were challenged to demonstrate how practical energy-saving measures could reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative forms part of the municipality’s Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Mitigation Programme, which aims to encourage lasting behavioural changes among young people.
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St Theresa’s R.C. Primary School principal, Mr Simpson, welcomed the recognition.
“Our school is 101 years old, and any energy efficiency support will help us continue building a sustainable future for our learners. We are grateful for this opportunity and for our teachers and learners who worked hard during the school holidays to participate,” he said.
The winning schools will use their prizes to implement projects aimed at reducing electricity consumption, including energy-efficient lighting and other approved technologies.
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