Sustainable Schools

Trash Bash beach cleanup with Two Oceans Aquarium
2025-07-19 09:00 - 11:00 (Africa/Johannesburg) | Sunset Beach, Milnerton, Milnerton,Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7441, South Africa
Join the Two Oceans Aquarium for a Beach Cleanup on Saturday 19 July 2025. 🌊
Once a piece of plastic is produced, it becomes part of our environment forever – it cannot break down, biodegrade, or become part of the natural system again without human intervention bad news for our marine life.🪸
We all want to enjoy the ocean and its abundance for years to come, so let’s protect the ocean’s future (and ours) while we have the chance.
Time: 09h00 to 11h00
Location: Sunset Beach
What to bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, bucket for collecting trash, water (in a reusable bottle), reusable gloves (like the ones you’d use for gardening or doing dishes), and a smile!
As always, there will be plenty of fun, spot prizes and fun to be had while cleaning up this stretch of our coast, and it’s always a pleasure meeting up with our growing ocean community at Sunset Beach. 🏝
Learn more: https://www.aquarium.co.za/events/trash-bash

Virtual SEMP Planning Workshop
2025-07-24 15:00 - 16:00
Virtual SEMP Planning Workshop
Date: 24 July 2025 | Time: 15:00 |Location: (Online) Microsoft Teams
Calling all Sustainable Schools! Join us for an exciting and practical virtual session designed to guide you through your SEMP (School Environmental Management Plan) planning process.
🌱 What to expect:

Step-by-step SEMP Tutorial and walkthrough the Hub
Tips on Creating a School Environmental Policy
Tips and guidance to complete your SEMP with confidence
Live Q&A

✅ RSVP below to receive a link to join the Teams meeting!

Sustainable Schools Rally: Limpopo
2025-07-25 - 2025-07-27 | Lapalala Wilderness School, D1756, Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa
Join us for our upcoming Sustainable Schools Rally, designed to help you confidently navigate our online hub and make the most of the tools and resources available.
This session will place a special focus on helping you access and submit your School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) – a key component of your school’s participation. We’ll walk you through each step to ensure you feel fully supported in completing and submitting your plan.
This session is ideal for all teachers new to the platform or those needing a refresher. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get the most out of your school’s involvement in the programme!
RSVP by 23 July 2025 below to secure your spot!
*Please note:

This event is only for schools based in Limpopo
Only 2 teachers per school to attend

Please see the flyer below for more details:

Seal Public Information Evening
2025-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8002, South Africa
Join us for Two Oceans Aquarium for a critical public information session addressing the marine conservation issues that have dominated Cape Town’s headlines, from elephant seals disrupting traffic flow to concerning rabies outbreaks amongst local fur seals, these incidents highlight the complex relationship between urban development and marine wildlife.
This expert-led session will provide the latest scientific updates on these conservation challenges and examine their broader public impact on our coastal communities.
Featured Speakers
Our panel includes:
Gregg Oelofse – City of Cape Town Marine and Coastal Management
Dr Brett Gardner – Research Veterinarian, University of Melbourne
Yinhla Shihlomule – SAPRI Predator Specialist
What to Expect
Expert presentations on current seal-related incidents
Scientific analysis of rabies outbreaks in fur seal populations
Discussion of human-wildlife
When: Friday, 25 July 2025
Time: 18:30
Venue: Two Oceans Aquarium
Tickets: Free – bookings are essential on Quicket. Please click here

Rocky Shore Explore with Two Oceans Aquarium
2025-08-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Dalebrook Tidal Pool, Kalk Bay, Dalebrook Road, off Main Road in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7945, South Africa
Join Two Oceans Aquarium’s Rocky Shore Explore! 🌊
In celebration of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day, Two Ocean Aquarium is excited to announce that they will be venturing along the stunning natural shoreline of Dalebrook Tidal Pool on Saturday, 2 August 2025, for a family-friendly Rocky Shore Explore.
– When: 2 August 2025 from 13h00 to 15h00
– Where: Dalebrook Tidal Pool, St James
– Wear: Non-slip shoes, waterproof or quick-drying clothing
– Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water in a reusable bottle, phone camera
For more information please visit: https://www.aquarium.co.za/foundation/news/join-us-for-an-mpa-treasure-hunt-at-dalebrook-on-saturday-30-july-2022-3-2-2-3

Gauteng Teacher Workshop
2025-08-08 09:00 - 13:00 | Dalpark Primary School, Springs Rd, Rand Collieries SH, Brakpan, Gauteng, 1549, South Africa
Join us for an engaging, hands-on professional development session on August 8th, designed to deepen your understanding of Climate Change education and strengthen your ability to bring energy and sustainability topics to life in your classrooms.
Here’s why you should attend:
Learn from our expert guest speakers

Food and Trees for Africa (FTFA) – They focus on food security, greening, sustainable livelihood, and running verified carbon programmes.
African Climate Reality Project (ACRP) – A powerful movement committed to climate literacy and empowering African change-makers through education, campaigns, and storytelling.

Interactive and Practical Sessions
The workshop will include a climate change presentation, a short screening of the ACRP docuseries, and a creative lesson planning session, where you’ll collaborate with fellow teachers and develop exciting, curriculum-aligned content. As well as a hands-on tree planting session.
Take-home resources
Teachers will receive practical tools, resource materials and some starter planter packs for each teacher to take home (to plant at their schools). This incredible pack from ACRP will support further learning and implementation back at school.
Create your own lessons
Teachers will walk away with real lesson and assignment ideas tailored to your learners and school context. Space to get creative, share, and grow!
Network and Refresh
Enjoy the chance to connect with like-minded educators over light refreshments as we close the session.

Western Cape Teacher Workshop
2025-08-16 09:00 - 13:00 | Cape Town Science Centre, 370B Main Road, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7925, South Africa
Western Cape Teacher Workshop: 16 August 2025
Calling all Sustainable Schools educators!
Don’t miss an exciting and inspiring workshop designed to build your skills in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
Join us on 16 August for an exciting hands-on workshop exclusively for teachers! Hosted at the Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC). This is a chance to step into your learners’ shoes and explore fun and meaningful ways to bring science into your classroom.
A special focus will be placed on Coding and Robotics, with practical demonstrations on how environmental sensors can be integrated. The CTSC team will also introduce the STEM Clubs initiative, sharing ideas on how to start or join one at your school.
About STEM Clubs:Launched by the WCED in 2022, STEM Clubs aim to inspire learners to explore STEM in fun, informal ways. Clubs are supported with a detailed Teacher Manual, career posters, and a resource-rich activity kit. They empower learners to lead, collaborate, and grow – often participating in national competitions and club events.
Whether you’re new to science facilitation or looking to deepen your learners’ engagement with science, this is a workshop you won’t want to miss!

Cape Leopard Trust: Young Scientist Quiz
2025-08-31
The Cape Leopard Trust’s popular 𝕆ℕ𝕃𝕀ℕ𝔼 ℚ𝕌𝕀ℤ is back!
The Cape Leopard Trust Environmental Education team has put together this fun test to give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a wildlife researcher. This is intended as a fun activity for learners, but anyone can take part.
Enter here and see how you fare! A prize will be awarded to the top performer in each age category and the quiz closes 31 Aug 2025 (T’s and C’s apply)
For more information visit:
Facebook: Cape Leopard Trust
Instagram: @capeleopardtrust

ECO-SYSTEMS ART COMPETITION (KZN)
2025-08-31
🌿 About the Competition
One Planet South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal) invites learners and young creatives to take part in their Ecosystem Art Competition. A chance to express your creativity while raising awareness about the urgent need to restore our planet’s ecosystems.
This initiative supports the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement to revive damaged ecosystems and protect the natural world we all depend on.
Deadline: Before 1 September 2025
Please ensure:

Image files are at least 1MB in size
Submit photographs of your artwork along with a 10–20 second video of your Ecosystem Art display to bridget@oneplanet.org.za
Include your name, age, school (if applicable), and contact details

Prizes
Exciting prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Steps on how to enter below:

Cape Leopard Trust's Teacher Workshop: Ceres
2025-09-02 14:00 - 17:00
CLT Teacher’s Workshop Series
The Cape Leopard Trust invites you to an inspiring and interactive Teacher’s Workshop focused on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Classroom. This workshop is designed to equip teachers with practical tools, ideas, and strategies to bring sustainability alive in everyday teaching.
📅 Date: 2 September 2025🕑 Time: 14:00 – 17:00📍 Venue: Ceres Homegrown Bakery Café
Enjoy a collaborative afternoon of learning, sharing, and networking with fellow educators – accompanied by a delicious lunch.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/TeacherWorkshopCeres2025
Or contact Naas van Jaarsveld on 082 811 5934 or education@capeleopard.org.za for more information
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your teaching practice, connect with like-minded colleagues, and inspire learners to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.

Cape Leopard Trust's Teacher Workshop: Paarl
2025-09-04 14:00 - 17:00
CLT Teacher’s Workshop Series
The Cape Leopard Trust warmly invites you to an engaging Teacher’s Workshop on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Classroom. This interactive session will provide teachers with creative tools and practical strategies to bring sustainability into everyday teaching and inspire learners to think critically about the environment.
📅 Date: 4 September 2025🕑 Time: 14:00 – 17:00📍 Venue: Paarl Arboretum
Join us for an afternoon of collaboration, discussion, and fresh ideas – all while enjoying a lovely lunch in the beautiful setting of the Paarl Arboretum.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/TeacherWorkshopPaarl2025
Or contact Naas van Jaarsveld on 082 811 5934 or education@capeleopard.org.za for more information
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow educators, strengthen your teaching practice, and inspire the next generation to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.

SAEP Presents: Essay Competition 2025
2025-09-05
Theme: “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Addressing Local Environmental Challenges”
Calling All Young Changemakers! Do you see pollution, waste, water shortages, or other environmental issues in your area? Do you have solutions? Your voice matters!
Write an Essay:
✅ Identify an environmental problem in your community
✅ Explain its causes and effects
✅ Suggest practical solutions
✅ Show how YOU can make a difference!
Word Count: 300–500 words (Please attach picture of the environmental issues you are tackling as well as a mind map of how you planned the structure of your essay.)
Prizes to be Won!
1st Place – R1000 + Certificate
2nd Place – R700 + Certificate
3rd Place – R500 + Certificate
Top 10 entries will be published in our Youth Environmental Voices booklet!
Deadline: 5 September 2025
Submit your essay to: govan@saep.org

Cape Leopard Trust’s Teacher Workshop: Stellenbosch
2025-09-05 14:00 - 17:00
CLT Teacher’s Workshop Series
The Cape Leopard Trust warmly invites you to an engaging Teacher’s Workshop on Integrating Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the Classroom. This interactive session will provide teachers with creative tools and practical strategies to bring sustainability into everyday teaching and inspire learners to think critically about the environment.
📅 Date: 5 September 2025🕑 Time: 14:00 – 17:00📍 Venue: Kanonkop Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
Join us for an afternoon of collaboration, discussion, and fresh ideas – all while enjoying a lovely lunch in the beautiful setting of the Paarl Arboretum.
🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/TeacherWorkshopKanonkop2025
Or contact Naas van Jaarsveld on 082 811 5934 or education@capeleopard.org.za for more information
This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow educators, strengthen your teaching practice, and inspire the next generation to engage with sustainability in meaningful ways.

Beach Clean-Ups Coming Up! 🌊
2025-09-06 - 2025-12-20
Our coastlines and rivers need your help! So many exciting clean-ups are lined up to help protect and restore our beautiful coastlines. Every effort makes a big difference in saving marine life and keeping our beaches clean for everyone to enjoy.
📅 Upcoming Clean-Up Dates

6 Sept – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
17 Sept – KZN River (King’s Baton Relay)
20 Sept – Milnerton Beach | 9:00
27 Sept – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
4 Oct – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
11 Oct – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
17 Oct – Gqeberha Clean-Up
18 Oct – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
1 Nov – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
8 Nov – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
15 Nov – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
22 Nov – Milnerton Beach | 9:30
29 Nov – Small Bay, Blouberg | 9:30
13 Dec – Milnerton Lagoon | 9:30
20 Dec – Milnerton Beach | 9:30 🎅

💡 Want to do even more?
You can also sponsor a clean-up and play a direct role in supporting this important work!
📩 Email us at info@saveafishie.co.za if you’d like to sponsor or find out more.
Let’s come together to save our seas—one clean-up at a time!

Virtual SEMP Implementation Workshop
2025-09-10 15:00 - 16:00
Virtual SEMP Implementation Workshop
Date: 10 September 2025 | Time: 15:00 |Location: (Online) Microsoft Teams
Calling all Sustainable Schools! Join us for an exciting and practical virtual session designed to guide you through your SEMP (School Environmental Management Plan) Implementation process.
🌱 What to expect:

Step-by-step SEMP Tutorial and walkthrough the Hub
Tips and guidance to complete your SEMP with confidence
Live Q&A

✅ RSVP below to receive a link to join the Teams meeting!

Join WaterCAN’s National Water Testing Week: 15–19 September 2025
2025-09-15 - 2025-09-19
WaterCAN invites citizens across South Africa to take part in National Water Testing Week, running from 15 to 19 September. This annual nationwide initiative empowers communities to actively test and report on the quality of their water, helping to highlight the state of our country’s vital water resources.
📌 World Water Monitoring Day – 18 SeptemberOn 18 September, citizens from all provinces will unite for a coordinated day of water testing. The goal is to spotlight water quality issues, promote transparency, and drive accountability in how our water resources are managed.
🧪 Free Water Testing Kits AvailableWaterCAN is offering a limited number of free test kits, with priority given to participants in Mpumalanga, Free State, Limpopo, and the Northern Cape. Schools, organisations, and individuals in other provinces may also access free kits while stocks last.
👉 How to Get Involved:

Sign up to be part of the programme by completing the form here: https://forms.zohopublic.com/watercan1/form/VolunteerWaterTesterForm/formperma/t13UT_I44IJFG9MbRpx0rdZOG1qwepvMt2qWuW9UlA8

If you’d like to purchase a test kit, email info@watercan.org.za

💧 By participating, you’ll be part of a national effort to gather vital data on water quality. Together, we can transform this information into meaningful action and long-term change for South Africa’s water security.

Events in celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day
2025-09-20

International Coastal Cleanup – Beach Clean Up Event
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00
Join us in making a real difference this Saturday, 20 September 2025 at Umbogintwini Beach for our annual Beach Clean Up, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup initiative!
🗓 Date: Saturday, 20 September 2025🕘 Time: 09:00 – 12:00📍 Venue: Umbogintwini Beach, Amanzimtoti Country Club, 1 Golf Course Road, Athlone Park
Let’s unite to protect our oceans and coastlines from plastic pollution and marine debris!
What to Bring:

Gloves
Sunscreen
Hat
Shoes
Water
Family & Friends!

Refuse bags will be supplied.
This event is powered by the Clean Surf Project in collaboration with Plastics SA and supported by amazing community partners. 💙
Contact details:083 733 6468 | 082 802 3353
cleansurfproject@gmail.com

Community in Action for World Cleanup Day!
2025-09-20 10:00 - 13:00
Join us as we come together to take care of our environment and make a real difference this World Cleanup Day. Let’s create cleaner, healthier spaces for everyone! 💚
📅 Date: 20 September 2025
🕙 Time: 10:00 – 13:00
📍 Location: Ipesika Street, Greenville, Cape Town
✨ Why Participate?

Help reduce pollution
Meet new people
Create a cleaner & healthier environment

🙌 Bring your gloves, bring your friends, and be part of the change. Together, we can make an impact—one cleanup at a time!

Online SEMP Implementation Workshop – Part 2
2025-09-25 15:00 - 16:00
Online SEMP Implementation Workshop – Part 2Date: 25 September 2025 | Time: 15:00 | Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Get ready for Part 2 of the SEMP Implementation Workshop! This session will be more in-depth and zoomed in, taking a closer look at key parts of your SEMP Implementation. 🌱
Expect hands-on guidance, detailed walkthroughs, and tips to make your SEMP even more effective.
✅ RSVP now to get your Teams link and secure your spot!

Little Purple Magazine: Competitions
2025-10-03
Little Purple are deeply committed to sustainability, creativity and educational empowerment.
They are hosting a various competitions promoting sustainability, namely the Purple Upcycle STEAM competition, Purple SustyBate competition and the Purple Sustainability Writing competition. In addition to this, all provincial winners and runner-ups will receive honorary prizes, with the grand prizes awarded during their October Winners Sustainability Conference.
Competition Information:
🔥 Purple Upcycle STEAM Competition
♻️ Transform Starbucks packaging into creative, sustainable projects!
🏆 Win R12,000 + R6,000 for your school per category.
📚 Open to Grade 4-7 (Cat 1) & 8-12(Cat 2)
💰 R50 per student
💡 Purple SustyBate Competition
🗣️ Debate sustainability topics and make your voice heard!
🏆 Win Honorary recognition for yourself & school per province
🌍 National winners get R20,000 + R15,000 for their school
📚 Open to Grade 4-12
💰 R50 per student
✍️ Purple Sustainability Writing Competition
📖 Write powerful fiction or non-fiction essays about sustainability!
🏆 Win up to R5,000 + R7,000 for your school (poetry)
🏆 Win up to R10,000 + R12,000 for your school (fiction or Non-fiction essay)
📚 Open to Grade 7-12
💰 R70 per student
🌟 This is your chance to make a difference, win amazing prizes, and gain national recognition! Gather your team, register, and let’s build a greener future together!
For more information & sponsorships:
Email:Thelangafamilycompany@gmail.com
Contact: +27(0)61 404 1807
Visit: https://thelangafamily.company.site

Waddle for the African Penguin – Cape Town
2025-10-11 08:30
The African penguin is facing extinction, and we need to take action now to ensure its survival!🐧
Join the annual Waddle for the African Penguin — a fun, meaningful walk that raises awareness and calls on policy-makers to protect this endangered species. Together, we can help #SaveTheAfricanPenguin and make sure it doesn’t disappear on our watch.
Meeting Point: Long Beach, Simon’s TownTime: 08:30 AMDistance: 4 kmEnd Point: Seaforth Beach, near the Boulders Penguin Colony
Wear black and white to show your support, and stand a chance to win exciting spot prizes!
Let’s walk for a purpose — to give the African penguin a future.

Final Online SEMP Implementation Workshop
2025-10-16 15:00 - 16:00
Final Online SEMP Implementation WorkshopDate: 16 October 2025 | Time: 15:00 | Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Missed the first and second session of the SEMP Implementation workshop or want a refresher? Here’s your chance! This workshop goes deeper, zooming in on key parts of your SEMP Implementation.
Expect hands-on guidance, step-by-step walkthroughs, and practical tips to make your SEMP even more impactful 💪
✅ RSVP now to secure your Teams link and join us for this session!

BioBlitz: Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area
2025-10-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area, Rosmead Ave, Kenilworth, Cape Town, Western Cape, 7745, South Africa
Join the Great Southern BioBlitz at Kenilworth! 🌿
Get ready to explore, discover, and help record the amazing biodiversity found right here at the Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area! 🐝🌻
Date: Saturday, 25 OctoberTime: 09h00 – 11h00Venue: Hollywoodbets KenilworthEntry: Free (donations welcome)
Be part of this global citizen science event where nature lovers, photographers, and curious minds come together to document local species using the iNaturalist app. No experience needed — just bring your enthusiasm and love for nature!
RSVP: 📧 kenilworthC1@racecoast.co.za
Let’s celebrate biodiversity and make every observation count! 🌍✨

FynbosLIFE Fair
2025-11-02 10:00
Join the FynbosLIFE Fair!
Sunday, 2 November 2025 | 10am – 4pm📍 57 Promenade Road, Muizenberg🎟️ R20 Adults | Kids Free📧 info@fynboslife.com
With conservation truly at the heart of the FynbosLIFE Fair, this annual celebration brings together a vibrant community of conservation organisations working across the Cape Floristic Region.
🌿 Discover & LearnEngage with informative stands, meet passionate conservationists, and find out how you can make a difference for our local biodiversity.
🎤 Talks & FilmsEnjoy a range of accessible and inspiring talks, plus natural history film screenings showcasing the beauty and challenges of our fynbos landscapes — and the efforts to conserve them.
🛍️ Shop SustainablyBrowse a curated range of fynbos-focused and eco-friendly products — from local food and drinks to books, jewellery, art, and more.
👧 Family-Friendly FunKids can take part in hands-on, fynbos-themed environmental activities designed to spark a lifelong love of nature.
🌱 Get InvolvedChat to the FynbosLIFE team about volunteering, ecological restoration, or wildlife gardening — and become a community conservation champion.
🌼 Take Home the FynbosVisit the FynbosLIFE retail nursery to pick up beautiful, locally indigenous plants and expert gardening advice from our friendly team.
Follow @FynbosLIFE on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on vendors, talks, and event highlights.

🌱 Apply for Support: Food Gardens & Tree Planting
2025-11-10
Our Sustainable Schools partner, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), is inviting schools to apply for support with establishing or expanding their food gardens and tree planting projects.
This initiative aims to help schools:

Grow nutritious food and support food security
Green their grounds through indigenous tree planting
Educate learners about sustainability and environmental stewardship

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow a greener, healthier school environment!
👉 Apply here: Food & Trees for Africa

Act For Change Food Garden Competition
2025-11-10 00:00 - 2025-11-30 00:00
Shoprite is celebrating South Africa’s community gardeners through the Act for Change Food Garden Competition — a national initiative recognising local heroes who are growing change from the ground up.
With R1 million in tailored support prizes, the competition honours food gardens that promote local nutrition, environmental sustainability, and community upliftment.
Who can enter: Community-based food gardens (not private home gardens or companies).Entries close: 30 November 2025Prizes: Up to R225 000 in support for top gardensEnter here: https://actforchangefoodgardencompetition.datafree.co
Please the website for more details: Harvesting change: Shoprite’s R1-million food garden competition launches | Shoprite Holdings
