Mandela Day initiative promotes food security, environmental stewardship, and youth development at Sofunda Secondary School.

MIDDELBURG, MPUMALANGA | 18 July 2026

More than marking 67 minutes of service, the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA), in partnership with Alkabulan Foundation NPC and other stakeholders, used Mandela Day to inspire long-term environmental stewardship and food security through the launch of an Eco-Green School Campaign at Sofunda Secondary School.

The initiative brought together representatives from the Nkangala District Municipality, school leadership, educators, learners, community leaders and volunteers for a day of environmental action centred on school clean-up activities and the revitalisation of the school’s food garden. The programme also featured educational presentations on food security, waste management, and the green economy before volunteers participated in the practical activities.

The campaign forms part of the broader Eco-Green School Campaign, a long-term initiative aimed at transforming schools into centres of environmental learning, food production and sustainable waste management. The project seeks to improve learner nutrition through productive school gardens while promoting recycling, composting and climate resilience in local communities.

Speaking during the event, MGCA highlighted the importance of empowering young people to see environmental sustainability as both a responsibility and an opportunity. Learners were encouraged to view careers in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, recycling, and environmental innovation as part of South Africa’s growing green economy.

The address also introduced learners to the principles of the Just Energy Transition, explaining that South Africa’s shift towards cleaner energy must create opportunities for communities, develop new skills and ensure that no one is left behind. By linking environmental action with education and future employment opportunities, learners were encouraged to become active participants in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

Beyond the physical improvements made on the day, the initiative reinforced the message that Mandela Day should inspire sustained community action rather than a once-off act of service. By working alongside learners to restore the school environment, partners demonstrated how collaboration between government, civil society and local communities can produce meaningful and lasting change.