On the Photo from L-R: Thobile Motaung from Phomello Primary School in Villiers who won first position in Praise Poetry, Ms Kelebogile Saha, Project Coordinator Water and Sanitation Education Programs and Lebone Motsumi from Ratau Primary School in Thai Nchu who scooped first place for his poster, both learners walked away with R10 000 in prize money.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Free State in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Education hosted the adjudications for learners from Primary and Secondary schools that participated in the Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) competitions in Bloemfontein under Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality on 5 August 2026.
WSEP is a school-based initiative by the DWS designed to build water literacy, encourage resource conservation, and promote careers in the water sector. It also seeks to narrow the scarce skills gap on science and engineering fields in the water sector, and to promote awareness on water use efficiency and care of sanitation facilities.
In the Baswa le Meetse competitions that focuses on intermediate phase, a learner from Ratau Primary School in Thaba-Nchu scooped the first position in Poster category and has walked away with R10 000 prize money.
According to Ms Maria Dimpe, an educator at Ratau Primary School in Thaba Nchu, the journey to achieving first place in the Poster Category was both challenging and rewarding.
“The road to success was demanding and required perseverance, dedication and hard work. With the support of the school, fellow educators and the parents of our learners, we were able to overcome the challenges and stay focused on our goal. Being crowned the winners of the Poster Category is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for our school. We are excited about the opportunity to represent the province at the National Competitions and will use the valuable feedback and advice provided by the adjudicators to prepare ourselves for the next stage,” said Dimpe.
Teboho Primary School from Qwa-Qwa secured a second place and received R8 000 prize, while third place went to Tabola Primary School, also from Qwa-Qwa taking away R6 000. In the Praise Poetry category, Phomolo Primary School from Villiers claimed the first place and walked away with the top prize of R10 000. Teboho Primary School once again impressed, earning second place with R8 000 prize. The third place was awarded to Erskuld Primary School from Thaba- Nchu, for R6 000 prize money.
In the Music category, Erskuld Primary School from Thaba Nchu emerged victorious, winning first prize and R10 000. Nexus Primary School from Harrismith secured second place and received R8 000, while Moso Primary School from Welkom rounded off the top three, taking home R6 000 for third place.
Grade 9 and 10 learners studying Mathematics and Science participated in two competition categories namely Aqua Enduro and Public Speaking. In the Aqua Enduro category, a team comprising five learners from Ithabiseng Secondary School, Lephola Secondary School, Thabo-Vuyo Secondary School, Lindley High School, and Refihletse Combined School demonstrated outstanding teamwork and problem-solving skills to emerge as the 2026 Aqua Enduro Provincial Champions.
In the Public Speaking category, first place was awarded to learners from Lindley High School, Trio Secondary School, Kheleng Secondary School, and Kgorathuto Secondary School. The winning learners impressed the adjudicators with their confidence, eloquence, and insightful presentations on water-related issues, showcasing both their public speaking abilities and their understanding of critical environmental and water conservation challenges.
Winners from Aqua Enduro and Public Speaking competition’s will each represent the province at the upcoming National Adjudication competitions where winners will scoop bursary awards to study any career of choice in the water sector.
The Baswa le Meetse winners also stand a chance to win cash prize at the National Adjudications competitions.
According to Ms Ziyanda Xokozela, Director for Water and Sanitation Services Support, a total of 32 schools from the Mangaung Metropolitan, Thabo Mofutsanyana, Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa, and Xhariep Districts participated in the 2026 school competitions.
Ms Xokozela highlighted that the programme has experienced significant growth, as reflected in the increased number of participating schools this year. While this encouraging trend demonstrates the programme’s expanding reach and impact, she has emphasized that there remains considerable opportunity for additional schools to become involved and benefit from the initiative in future years.
Ms Xokozela further emphasised that the Department is committed to contribute towards improving water and sanitation services in the country.
“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”
Learners, educator and schools who wishes to participate in the Water and Sanitation Education Adjudications for 2027 can feel free to contacts the Free State Coordinators for more information Mr Nkosinathi Zungu @ 082 556 0545 or Ms Kelebohile Saha @ 073 440 8781.
