City’s future energy leaders get creative

29 October 2025

The next generation of energy efficiency and renewable energy change-makers is ready to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to climate action in their communities. And they’re doing it by getting their hands messy with crayons and paints in a poster design competition. Spine Road High School was awarded the top spot at a Prize Giving Ceremony held at the City’s Smart Living Education Centre in Green Point.

The Energy Efficiency Schools Programme (EESP) Poster Competition celebrated the achievements of learners from 10 participating high schools across Cape Town, with awards presented to those who placed in the top three. The schools were assessed on the creativity of their poster designs, as well as their ability to articulate energy efficiency practices and sustainable energy solutions.

‘Educating our young people on energy efficiency and renewable energy is essential as they are key change-makers. They hold great influence to help shape more sustainable practices in their schools, homes, and communities. The energy efficiency programme is aligned to the school curriculum and delivered at no cost.

‘We are proud to announce Spine Road High School as the 2025 winner. Learners Mogammad Niyaaz Petersen and Faith Joubert accepted the award, which included an energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or fan system for their school. Congratulations to our 10 participating schools. This is an exciting way to kick off the City’s Future Energy Festival – keep an eye on our social media for more information.

‘The Cape Town Future Energy Festival is a city-wide movement to empower residents in their energy choices, by bringing energy-smart solutions into our homes, schools, and communities. By providing residents with knowledge, practical tools and inspiring experiences, the Future Energy Festival is helping households save energy and reduce costs, while building resilience in the changing energy landscape and climate impacts. By reaching diverse communities across Cape Town, we can ensure that everyone is part of the solution and contributes to our shared energy future,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.

Norman Henshilwood High School's Gina Esau and Grace Ndayisaba accepted the second place award and Livingstone High School's Mickyle Geduld and Ricado Bright accepted third place on behalf of their schools.

This programme is part of the Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management (EEDSM) awareness-raising initiative, a collaborative effort between the City of Cape Town and the Department of Electricity and Energy (DEE). It supports South Africa’s National Energy Efficiency Strategy and aligns with the City’s 2050 Energy Strategy, which aims to build a resilient, low-carbon energy future for all. The programme aligns with the national CAPS curriculum and supports the City's strategic goals to optimise energy use and enable action by residents, businesses and partners. By educating young people, the programme empowers future leaders to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to climate action in their communities.

The 10 schools which participated were:
• Langa High School
• Norman Henshilwood High School
• Iqhayiya Secondary School
• Isilimela Comprehensive School
• Livingstone High School
• Wynberg High School
• Spine Road High School
• Zola Senior Secondary School
• Oracle Academy High School
• Cedar High School for the Arts

Prizes included an energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) or fan system and stationery vouchers for the schools.

For more on the Future Energy Festival, please visit the website.

Caption 1: Learners Mogammad Niyaaz Petersen and Faith Joubert with Alderman Xanthea Limberg

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office