Date: 2025-10-23 14:20:26

Anton Lembe MST Academy Scoops R60 000 Energy Efficiency Prize

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANTON LEMBEDE MST ACADEMY SCOOPS R60 000 ENERGY EFFICIENCY PRIZE

Anton Lembede MST Academy has taken first place in the Energy Efficiency Schools Competition, winning R60 000 worth of energy efficiency products.

This prize money will assist the Academy to further enhance energy-saving initiatives.

The conclusion of the competition culminated in an awards ceremony, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 21 October, which also marked World Energy Saving Day.

All participating learners received a R500 voucher and a certificate of participation. 

This year, the City invited all high schools in eThekwini to participate in the competition. 

Learners were tasked with designing and constructing a model using recycled material to demonstrate a green building and sustainable living. 

Learners were also required to present the project to a panel of judges.

The judges praised the winning entry. 

Sindile Buthelezi, Manager from the City’s Energy Efficiency Division said: “Andiswa Majola’s project from Anton Lembede MST Academy demonstrated exceptional innovation, technical depth, and environmental awareness. 

Beyond the strong technical design, Andiswa impressed the judges with her confident presentation and deep understanding of South Africa’s energy security challenges, clearly articulating how green buildings contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting long-term sustainability.”

The Energy Efficiency Schools Competition, which is spearheaded by the Climate Change Mitigation Branch, is a transformative initiative designed to promote and foster a culture of energy conservation and environmental stewardship among young learners, teachers, and school communities.

Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee told learners: “You are living proof that climate action is not something that belongs only in government plans or scientific journals. It starts right here, in your classrooms, your homes, your communities, and in the simple choices you make every day.”

Dr Luyanda Mafumbu, Director of the Climate Change and Air Quality Management Directorate said the awards aim to celebrate innovation, creativity, and the role of young minds in shaping a sustainable future for the City. 

“This initiative is part of eThekwini Municipality’s broader commitment to achieving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and building resilience against the impacts of climate change,” said Mafumbu.

He added: “This competition was launched to ignite curiosity, creativity, and consciousness among learners to help them understand that sustainability begins with small, practical steps. From turning off unused lights and optimizing natural ventilation, to reimagining how buildings can conserve energy, our learners have shown that every action counts.”

ENDS

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.