By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Thalabodiba Secondary School emerged victorious at a regional environmental debate held in QwaQwa, captivating judges and attendees with a compelling presentation on biofuel engineering. Their winning combination of scientific insight, teamwork, and enthusiasm for sustainability earned them first place among 14 competing schools.
The event, hosted by the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), took place on 6 June 2025 at the Tshiya Teacher Education Centre in Maluti-a-Phofung. The goal: to raise awareness about careers in the environmental sector through research, peer education, and spirited debate.
Thalabodiba’s team of passionate Grade 10 learners impressed the panel with their clear understanding of biofuel engineering and confident delivery.
“As a Grade 10 learner doing pure science, we chose the career of biofuel engineering. I believe we won because we had the confidence to present to the crowd. Our research made it easier to speak clearly and passionately,” said one of the team’s presenters Itumeleng Machedi.
Teammate Tsepo Tsotetsi added, “We are interested in science and wanted to show others that it’s part of our everyday lives, from the air we breathe to the fuel we use. Science is life.”
Their teacher and mentor, Geography educator Sharon Lepele, expressed pride in her team’s accomplishment and their chosen topic.
“I told my learners they must care about the environment. Biofuel engineering represents innovative solutions like turning waste into fuel, rather than simply telling people to stop using diesel. Even carbon dioxide can be reused if we apply creativity.”
Biofuel engineering, a rapidly growing field, focuses on converting renewable biological materials such as plant matter, waste, and algae into sustainable fuels. These alternatives to fossil fuels help reduce emissions, improve energy security, and support a greener economy.
Thalabodiba Secondary school learner Tsepo Tsotetsi holding up their trophy as the first place winners.
Biofuel engineers are at the forefront of developing cleaner technologies for transportation and industry.
The competition was spearheaded by Director of Environmental Empowerment Services at DESTEA, Kekeletso Ntsala.
“Our aim was to empower learners to explore environmental careers through hands-on research and peer learning,” Ntsala said.
Second place was shared by Nkhobiso Secondary School and Molapo Secondary School, while Sekgutlong Secondary School took third. All winning teams received trophies and formal recognition for their efforts.
The day also featured a career exhibition, where various stakeholders from the environmental sector provided learners with resources and guidance to support future career decisions.
The event highlighted how environmental education, when made interactive and engaging, can ignite a passion for sustainability among young people and inspire the next generation of eco-leaders.
