Pupils Mbali Jamela, left, and Anga Ncisa with teacher Zola Mqoboka and principal Philani Marhubelela, seated.
Mseki Primary School will represent the Western Cape in the Baswa Le Meetse (Youth and Water) national competition, after winning the provincial leg in Worcester last month.
The competition recognises children’s efforts to promote careful water use, health and hygiene.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation presents the award annually to the winners.
The Mseki pupils, who won first place in the “post” and “praise poetry” categories, will represent the province in Gauteng on Sunday October 2.
Teacher Zola Mqoboka said: “We have been in the competition for years now. We have also won a few categories since 2017 until now. I am happy to have led the determined-to-win children. They have made the school, parents and the province proud.”
One of the pupils, Mbali Jamela, said she was thrilled with their success. “I am excited to have won. I am looking forward to the trip and seeing other parts of the world. I must admit to being very anxious about the coming national competition.”
Principal Philani Marhubelela said he was very happy with the pupils’ achievements, which he said were testament to the strong working relations between the staff, the school governing body and parents.
“Education is not only about the classroom. You build children holistically. So some of these children will become musicians. Some have even surprised their parents. We are proud of them.”