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24 July 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Successful Energy Efficiency Contest

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Successful Energy Efficiency Contest

24 July 2024

Earlier this year, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) launched a competition about energy efficiency among high schools in the Garden Route district, including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Bitou, Oudtshoorn, and Kannaland. The primary objective of it was to raise awareness amongst learners about the importance of adopting sustainable energy behaviours.

Teachers from participating schools were requested to motivate learners to develop and illustrate bulletin boards focusing on energy sustainability. This would later be judged to ensure that learners understood the significance of energy efficiency and efforts to conserve energy within their schools.

The theme of the competition was “Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in my school.”

Seventeen (17) entries were received by the GRDM. The review and scoring of the entries, based on a set assessment criterion, took place in March 2024, and the results were announced by schools in April 2024. The winners of the contest are:

  • 1st Prize (R15 000) – Jonga High School, Thembalethu
  • 2nd Prize (R10 000) – Indwe High School, Kwanonqaba
  • 3rd Prize (R5 000) – George High School, George
GRDM Executive Mayor Alderman Andrew Stroebel is very passionate about the topic of effective energy sustainability.

Yesterday, 23 July 2024, Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, the newly elected Executive Mayor of the GRDM, accompanied by Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Portfolio Chairperson of Property and Asset Management, Lusanda Menze, the Executive Manager of Integrated Planning and Economic Development, and a delegation from his office responsible for the project, visited the top three schools to congratulate them and hand over the energy efficiency prizes.

Jonga High School Visit:

Executive Mayor Stroebel and his GRDM delegation were welcomed by a praise singer, followed by a song from the school’s choir that translated to, “If God would not be there and have our backs, who will be there?” Sinethemba Godla, the acting principal of the school, thanked the mayor for steering the district in a positive direction and raising awareness about energy saving.

Prior to the Executive Mayor’s address, one of the learners, who also form part of the ‘learner scientists’ team, delivered an inspiring poem that astonished everyone in attendance. During his address, Alderman Stroebel referred to the student’s speech, saying, “I believe that you must leave something behind when you leave, but today, I must surely say that I’ve received something here.” In addition to praising the school choir for their beautiful performance, he expressed his desire to invite them to future events. Mayor Stroebel congratulated the school team for their strong sense of teamwork and sustainable practices, emphasising the significance of their achievement. “We are here today to congratulate you not only for taking part in the competition but also for winning it in the district.”

By winning the competition, the school was able to purchase two laptops, 13 scientific calculators, 13 mathematics instrument boxes, and 4 white laboratory coats. In conclusion, Alderman Stroebel explained the criteria against which each school’s project was judged, including the creativity of the design, the number of innovative ideas shared, the relevance of the design, and the logical presentation of ideas.

Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at Jonga High School.

Indwe High School Visit:

The GRDM delegation was welcomed with a composed poem, which described him as “a leader emerging in a difficult time, a vessel of hope for our communities.” In his remarks, Alderman Stroebel briefly explained the functions of the District Municipality and stressed the need for energy conservation. He congratulated the school on their achievement and handed over their prize to Mr Ntsikelelo Ngcenge, the principal, which included a laptop, 75 mathematics instrument boxes, and 7 scientific calculators. Both the principal and the science teacher thanked the GRDM for the initiative and the valuable items received, expressing hope for future engagements.

Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at Indwe High School.

George High School Visit:

A highlight of the event was when Grade 12 learner, Graziel Nenze, surprised his fellow students and guests with a song asking the community to save electricity.  In his keynote address, Mayor Stroebel highlighted the importance of sustainable energy in creating job opportunities and economic progress.  Stroebel encouraged the learners to come forward;  think outside the box and help spread the message of energy conservation. The school received an energy-saving projector and an energy-saving speaker worth R5 000, which were handed over to the principal, Rodney Cupido.

Councillor Hilton Stroebel echoed the mayor’s sentiments about needing the youth and encouraged them to contribute their innovative ideas toward sustainable energy. Cllr Stroebel referred to the Bible, saying that the Apostle John mentioned young people have ingenuity and initiative, and when you become old, your brain gets lazy and certain things don’t matter as much anymore. “I believe young people are strong and there is always an idea that will come from them,” he continued.

During all three visits, Lusanda Menze introduced his team and encouraged the youngsters to pursue careers that seemed impossible in the past, but to choose careers that they see fit for their future.

This initiative by the GRDM has successfully engaged the youth in the fight for sustainable energy, promoting awareness and inspiring future generations to adopt and advocate for energy-efficient practices.

Photos capture the GRDM Executive Mayor and all the speakers during the handover ceremony at George High School.

Feature Image Caption: The winning bulletin boards of Jonga High School.

 

Did you know that:

The selection criteria for the contest required participants to prepare a product that incorporated principles of energy efficiency and sustainability, showcasing qualities such as teamwork, creativity, innovation, content, and expression. Additionally, entries needed to demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic, ensuring that the message conveyed was factually correct. Submissions were expected to be neat, organized, and well-presented, meeting the brief’s specifications. It was also essential for the entries to clearly indicate the details of the school.

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