Vodacom Eco-Warriors Highlights Student Innovation

Vodacom has announced the winners of its 2026 Eco-Warrior Sustainability Competition after learners from across South Africa presented projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges in their schools and communities.

The Eco-Warriors competition, spearheaded by Vodacom South Africa, encouraged participation from learners in Grades 9 to 11 from Vodacom-supported Schools of Excellence. The programme involved 10 schools across five provinces: KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Since launching in October 2025, the competition encouraged learners to form teams and compete across four environmental themes: waste management, energy conservation, water conservation and biodiversity protection. Judges assessed submissions based on innovation, creativity, use of technology, feasibility, impact and quality of presentation.

KwaZulu-Natal School Takes Top Honours

Learners from the winning school, St John Paul II Secondary School in Elandskop, KwaZulu-Natal, demonstrated both innovation and resilience. Despite the devastating floods that affected parts of the province earlier this year, the learners completed their project and secured first place.

Their winning entry transformed plastic waste into reusable pods for plants and herbs, helping sustain an eco-friendly vegetable garden at the school.

Learners from Hlahlindlela High School, also in KwaZulu-Natal and the first runner-up, focused on water security. They established a team of water ambassadors who monitor and report leaks through a digital platform, turning awareness into practical community action.

The second runner-up, Worcester Secondary School in the Western Cape, developed a project that used waste materials as visual learning aids to promote waste separation, reuse and recycling while supporting community waste management efforts.

Connectivity Supporting Innovation

“Through initiatives like the Eco-Warriors Competition, we’re demonstrating that when you empower young people with connectivity and support, they don’t just see problems, but they also become the architects of solutions. These learners are proving that innovation knows no bounds, regardless of location or circumstance, and their achievement stands as a testament to the power of youth determination and the transformative impact of digital connectivity in remote communities,” said Takalani Netshitenzhe, External Affairs Director for Vodacom South Africa.

To support innovation and creativity, Vodacom South Africa continues to invest in education through its Schools of Excellence programme. The initiative includes connected learning centres, infrastructure upgrades, and improvements to safety and sanitation at participating schools.

Digital Infrastructure Expands Learning Opportunities

Learners are increasingly using technology to support research, presentations and classroom learning. Because several participating schools are located in remote areas, learners were able to present their projects in real time using digital infrastructure provided through the Vodacom South Africa Foundation’s Schools of Excellence partnerships.

According to Vodacom, the competition demonstrated how connectivity can help overcome geographical barriers while creating opportunities for learners to develop and showcase their ideas.

“The Eco-Warriors Competition outcomes demonstrate the transformative power that emerges when stakeholders unite behind a shared vision,” added Netshitenzhe.