By Johannesburg — The Free State province has delivered a stellar performance at the 2026 Water and Sanitation Education Programme (WSEP) National Adjudication, held at the Anew Hotel in Benoni. The prestigious event, which ran from 27 September to 1 October 2026, showcased the academic and creative brilliance of young minds dedicated to environmental sustainability.
Designed to bridge the scarce-skills gap in science and engineering within the water sector, the WSEP inspires learners to champion water-use efficiency, responsible resource management, and proper sanitation care. High school contenders faced off in demanding Aqua Enduro and Public Speaking competitions, while primary school learners demonstrated their talents in the Baswa le Meetse programme across Poster, Music, and Praise Poetry categories.
Shining Stars in Public Speaking
Free State high schoolers dominated the Public Speaking category, with several standout competitors walking away with life-changing laptops and bursaries:
- Oratile Mareka from Trio High School (Fezile Dabi District) secured a prestigious bursary and a laptop.
- Lerato Tshabalala from Lindley High School (Thabo Mofutsanyana District) was equally awarded a bursary.
- Keitumetse Masisi from Kgorathuto Secondary School (Mangaung Metro) earned both a bursary and a laptop.
These remarkable triumphs highlight the participants’ profound grasp of water resources management, teamwork, and innovative problem-solving in tackling modern environmental challenges.
Primary Schools Make Their Mark
The province’s primary schools also left an indelible mark on the national stage:
- Lebohang Motsumi from Ratau Primary School in the Mangaung Metro claimed second position nationally in the Poster category, taking home an impressive overall prize of R25,000 (R10,000 from the provincial round and R15,000 from the national adjudication).
- Learners from Ereskuld Primary School, also representing the Mangaung Metro, secured third position nationally in the Music category, clinching an overall prize of R20,000.
Cultivating Future Infrastructure Leaders
The success of Team Free State was bolstered by the generous sponsorship of Alberto Road Marking and Civils, reflecting a shared vision to nurture the next generation of engineers and scientists. Company Director Mr Sinde Ndlapo expressed immense pride in the learners, stating his hope that they will one day work alongside industry professionals to develop the province’s water and civil infrastructure.
As the province celebrates these accomplishments, education authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to backing initiatives that empower youth, advocate for responsible water stewardship, and ignite student passion for the science and engineering sectors.
