Local academy clinches top prize in Energy Efficiency Schools Competition
LEARNERS from the Anton Lembede Maths, Science and Technology Academy, La Mercy, north of Durban, won R60 000 in energy efficiency initiatives for their school at a schools competition held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Tuesday. From left, Kuhlekonke Majola, Memeza Fuzile, Sibongakonke Gcwabaza and Sphiwokuhle Bhembe.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
THE Anton Lembede Maths, Science and Technology (MST) Academy has taken top honours in the Energy Efficiency Schools Competition, winning R60,000 worth of energy-saving products for its innovative approach to green design.
The prize will help the school further enhance its sustainability initiatives and reduce its environmental footprint. The public education institute is based in La Mercy, north of Durban, was established in September 2020 and opened its doors in 2021.
The competition concluded with an awards ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, on Tuesday, coinciding with World Energy Saving Day. Each participating learner received a R500 voucher and a certificate of participation in recognition of their efforts.
ANTON Lembede Maths, Science and Technology Academy learners displaying their energy saving project at the Energy Efficiency Schools Competition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, where the learners won top prize for the La Mercy-based school.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
This year, the City of eThekwini invited all high schools across the municipality to enter the competition. Learners were challenged to design and build models using recycled materials to showcase sustainable living and energy-efficient building concepts. They were also required to present their projects to a panel of judges.
Sindile Buthelezi, Manager in the City’s Energy Efficiency Division, praised the winning project by learner Andiswa Majola from Anton Lembede MST Academy for its outstanding creativity and technical merit.
“Andiswa’s project demonstrated exceptional innovation, technical depth, and environmental awareness,” said Buthelezi.
“Beyond the strong technical design, she impressed the judges with her confident presentation and deep understanding of South Africa’s energy security challenges, clearly showing how green buildings reduce carbon emissions and promote long-term sustainability.”
The Energy Efficiency Schools Competition, spearheaded by the Climate Change Mitigation Branch, aims to cultivate a culture of energy conservation and environmental responsibility among young people, educators, and school communities.
ANTON Lembede MST Academy scooped top prize at the Energy Efficiency Schools Competition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban on Tuesday. Pictured from left to right, are: Mpho Mabaso from the Department of Electricity and Energy, Sindile Buthelezi, manager of Energy Efficiency in the eThekwini Municipality, Nokubonga Chumile, educator at the academy, Andiswa Majola, a learner, Sbu Ntshalintshali, manager of Renewable Energy in the eThekwini Municipality, Dr Luyanda Mafumbu, director of Climate Change and Air Quality Management, Yolanda Lingishi from the Architecture Division in the eThekwini Municipality and Nndwakhulu Matibe from the Department of Electricity and Energy.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Councillor Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, congratulated the learners for their forward-thinking approach to climate action.
“You are living proof that climate action is not something that belongs only in government plans or scientific journals,” said Ntuli.
“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 competition highlights the role of young innovators 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.
“Our learners have shown that sustainability begins with small, practical steps, from switching off unused lights to reimagining how buildings conserve energy. Every action counts.”
SUNDAY TRIBUNE