1 000 learners remove a tonne of waste from the Diep River Catchment, in City-backed eco-challenge
27 July 2026
Through the City's partnership with Save-a-Fishie non-profit organisation, 26 schools have completed 31 community clean-ups demonstrating their commitment to protecting Cape Town's rivers, wetlands and coastline.
The five-month initiative, which ran from February to June 2026, formed part of the City's grant funding programme that supports community organisations working to improve the health of Cape Town's waterways through stewardship and community action.
The challenge engaged learners from schools across the Diep River catchment, stretching from Malmesbury to Macassar.
'Great cities are defined not only by the infrastructure they build, but by the pride people take in the places they share. These learners have reminded us that every resident has a role to play in protecting Cape Town's natural environment. By investing in partnerships like this, we are helping to build a city where the next generation grows up knowing that caring for their community is simply part of being a Capetonian,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Participating teams earned points in the eco-challenge by completing impactful activities including:
31 clean-ups removing 953kg of waste
Sorting and separating recyclables
Stormwater drain awareness campaigns
Environmental education
The awareness campaigns highlighted how litter in streets is washed through stormwater systems into rivers, wetlands and ultimately the ocean, giving learners a deeper understanding of how pollution reaches aquatic ecosystems.
On 20 June 2026, these top five finalist teams came together for a beach clean-up at Milnerton Lagoon Beach: Liebenberg Primary, Laerskool Durbanville Primary, Rallim Pre/Prep/Secondary, Kenridge Primary and Bay Primary. Here they collected a further 173kg of litter before the winners were announced.
Liebenberg Primary School from Malmesbury claimed first place, winning R20 000 for the school. Every participating learner also received a medal, certificate and gift bag.
‘As a small non-profit organisation, opportunities like this are truly transformational. The City's support has allowed us to reach hundreds of learners, establish eco-clubs in schools, and create environmental awareness that will continue long after the competition has ended. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference,’ said Zoë Prinsloo, founder of Save a Fishie.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
