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CAPRICORN DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Schools motivated by CDM Cleanest School Competition
The Cleanest School Competition is one of CDM’s annual programmes which continues to assist in addressing challenges faced by schools in the District relating to poor sanitation, improper waste management, inadequate water supply, and compromised health, and safety conditions.
The Cleanest School Competition was introduced as an intervention to drive environmental health sustainability in the District after continued unacceptable
conditions in schools were encountered by CDM Municipal Health officials while in their line of duty. The aim of the competition is to assist in bringing change and encourage and appreciate the good work done by some schools through their dedication and hard work towards a clean environment around schools.
The competition, held under the theme “Global Environmental Health: “Standing Up to Protect Everyone’s Health” has
been running for a period of six years. This year’s theme is aligned to the World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) which is declared by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
Schools motivated by the CDM’s Cleanest School Competition continue to prioritize healthy learning environments in their areas. This was evident during the awarding ceremonies held between 05-11 March 2024 in each local municipality namely; and Polokwane, Lepelle-Nkumpi, Blouberg, and Molemole.
Polokwane
In the Polokwane Local Municipality area the 1st place winner was Kgampi Primary School from Ga-Maja who walked away with the R6000 prize, 2nd position went to Mangakane Lerate Primary School from Ga-Chuene and they received a R4000 prize. The 3rd position went to Ngwana Mphahlele Primary School from Lepotlako receiving a R3000 prize. Twenty schools entered the competition and the prize giving ceremony was held on 06 March 2024 at Meropa Casino Conference Centre in Polokwane.
The city prides itself on having five private hospitals, two government hospitals, including the largest state hospital in the North West Province and 15 clinics including mobile clinics. It also boasts the only fully contained oncology unit in the North West Province, which offers a comprehensive service at four pathological laboratories and has the latest MRI scanner at the radiology unit.
In the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality area the 1st position went to Sekutupu Primary School from Mathibela, and the school won the R6000 prize. 2nd position went to Ramokgotho Primary School in Moletlane ga Mogotlane with a prize of R4000, and 3rd position went to Malekapane Primary School in Malekapane and they received the R3000 prize. Nineteen schools took part in the competition held on 07 March 2024 at Sefako Makgato Fire Station in Lebowakgomo.
The Clean School Campaign is in response to challenges of poor sanitation and improper waste management happening in schools in the district and aims to improve the status of schools to encourage a conducive environment for learning.
Blouberg
In the Blouberg Local Municipality area six schools participated in the competition held on 08 March 2024 at Senwabarwana. The schools that best performed are: 1st position went to Bothanang Primary School from Senwabarwana and received R6000. The 2nd prize went to Botshwa Primary School from Sweethome and received R4000. Selaelo Primary School from Marobjane scooped the 3rd prize and received R3000.
"We are excited about winning this prize. Last year we took position three, and that encouraged us to work harder, we thank CDM and all the sponsors for the prizes we received", said Mphoka Taueatswala an Educator at Bothanang Primary School after being named the 1st prize winner within the Blouberg Local Municipality. A sentiment shared by all winners in the competition.
Molemole
In the Molemole Local Municipality area the winner, Rapoho Primary School, received R6000 from Mohodi Newstand B. The 1st runner up, Nthlodumela Primary School, received R4000 from Ga-Maponto, and 2nd runner up, Brussels Ngoako Primary School,
received R3000 from Brussels (Ga-Tibu). Eleven schools entered the competition held on 11 March 2024 at Blouberg Fire Station in Blouberg.
Collaboration
The Cleanest School Competition is only one of the District’s education and environment support programmes, and has proven to be a successful public-private partnership programme.
The success of the competition and prize-giving ceremony was the result of CDM’s collaboration with the private sector, that came on board and contributed hampers for the schools and all learners. The municipality was appreciative of the support from Polokwane Chemical Suppliers, Pick n Pay School Club, Polyco, Nandzu Cleaning Services and Meropa Casino Conference Centre.
All winning schools throughout the competition received a R2500 PnP gift card voucher, 1st Runner-up schools received a R1500 PnP gift card voucher, 2nd Runner- up schools received a R1000 PnP gift card voucher. All learners received Polyco hampers and a R50 PnP gift card voucher.
Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)
The Cleanest School Competition is conducted annually throughout the entire district, and schools enter voluntary through their circuit offices. Unlike previous years, in 2024 the focus was on Primary Schools targeting Grade 5, 6 and 7 learners and educators. Each school developed a file in the form of a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) with pictures in line with the theme, to demonstrate how as a school they address and manage various aspects of Environmental Health.
This was presented covering the following six aspects as follows:
1. School Environment/Cleanliness
2. Sanitation and Waste Management
3. National School Nutrition Programme
4. Greening (Food/Fruit Gardens)
5. School Environmental Policy
6. Water Conservation/Management
The Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is assessed by a team made up of Municipal Health Practitioners, Environmental Health Practitioners, Disaster Management Officers, and Fire and Rescue Service Officials within the district municipality. The panel of judges, vigorously assesses each PoE submitted and selects the top five schools in each local municipality, after which there will be a physical visit to each school to adjudicate. It is after this process that top three winners are selected.
The prize-giving ceremonies concluded with a sense of shared accomplishment and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship – with the students and educators empowered by their participation and pledging to continue leading the charge for a cleaner and healthier school environment.
“This programme serves as a shining example of how collaboration between municipalities and schools can cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious young leaders,” – CDM Mayor, Cllr. Mamedupi Teffo
The district also facilitates schools’ competitions in disaster management having partnered with the insurance company Santam that has given a lot of support over the past five years.
The programmes’ run through the partnership include skills development and first-aid training for educators, disaster risk management schools’ competitions, career expos and community awareness campaigns.
