By Marcus Motshegwa
BLOEMFONTEIN – The next generation of South Africa’s water scientists and engineers is already emerging from Free State classrooms, with learners from across the province competing for top honours in the 2026 Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) competitions.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in partnership with the Free State Department of Education, hosted the provincial adjudications for primary and secondary school learners in Bloemfontein on 5 August 2026.
The school-based programme aims to build water literacy, promote responsible water use and sanitation, and encourage learners to pursue careers in the water sector, particularly in scarce-skills fields such as science and engineering.
Among the standout performers was Ratau Primary School in Thaba-Nchu, which claimed first place in the Baswa le Meetse Poster category and pocketed R10 000.
Ratau educator Maria Dimpe said the victory was the result of perseverance, dedication and support from the entire school community.
“Being crowned the winners of the Poster Category is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for our school,” said Dimpe.
She said the school was now preparing to represent the Free State at the national competitions, where it hopes to build on the lessons and feedback received from provincial adjudicators.
Teboho Primary School in Qwa-Qwa finished second in the Poster category, winning R8 000, while Tabola Primary School, also from Qwa-Qwa, took third place and R6 000.
In Praise Poetry, Phomolo Primary School from Villiers claimed first place and R10 000, followed by Teboho Primary School in second place with R8 000 and Erskuld Primary School from Thaba-Nchu in third with R6 000.
Erskuld Primary School continued its strong showing in the Music category, taking first place and R10 000. Nexus Primary School from Harrismith came second with R8 000, while Moso Primary School from Welkom took third place and R6 000.
The secondary school competitions put learners’ scientific knowledge, teamwork and communication skills to the test.
Grade 9 and 10 learners studying Mathematics and Science competed in Aqua Enduro and Public Speaking, with the Aqua Enduro team emerging as the 2026 provincial champions.
The winning team brought together learners from Ithabiseng Secondary School, Lephola Secondary School, Thabo-Vuyo Secondary School, Lindley High School and Refihletse Combined School.
In the Public Speaking category, learners from Lindley High School, Trio Secondary School, Kheleng Secondary School and Kgorathuto Secondary School claimed first place after impressing adjudicators with their confidence, eloquence and understanding of water conservation and environmental challenges.
The stakes are now even higher.
The provincial winners in Aqua Enduro and Public Speaking will represent the Free State at the national adjudications, where learners can compete for bursary opportunities to pursue careers in the water sector.
Baswa le Meetse winners will also have an opportunity to compete for cash prizes at national level.
According to DWS Director for Water and Sanitation Services Support Ziyanda Xokozela, 32 schools from the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Thabo Mofutsanyana, Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa and Xhariep districts participated in this year’s programme.
Xokozela said the growing number of participating schools was encouraging, but more schools still needed to join the initiative.
She said the programme was part of the department’s broader effort to address the country’s shortage of scientific and engineering skills while developing a new generation of water professionals.
“The DWS is committed to continue to scout for future scientists and engineers in the country through its advocacy programmes on water and sanitation. The Department will, in the process, create opportunities for learners to be awarded bursaries to study towards careers within the water and sanitation sector,” said Xokozela.
With South Africa facing growing pressure on its water resources and infrastructure, the department believes exposing learners to water and sanitation challenges at an early age can help build the skills needed to protect the country’s most precious resource.
Schools and educators interested in participating in the 2027 Water and Sanitation Education Programme adjudications can contact Free State coordinators Nkosinathi Zungu on 082 556 0545 or Kelebohile Saha on 073 440 8781.
