Swellendam – More than 5 000 learners from 15 local schools are taking part in this year’s Polyco School Recycling Competition, launched this week by the Swellendam Municipality in partnership with community and business sponsors.
The initiative, now a highlight on the town’s education and environmental calendar, aims to inspire youth-driven sustainability and nurture a culture of recycling across the region.
The competition will culminate in a prize-giving ceremony on Friday September 19 at 14:30, hosted by Swellendam’s Executive Mayor, Francois du Rand. Each participating school will send staff and five learners to represent them at the event, where thousands of rand in prizes will be awarded.
Polyco’s team will activate engaging school shows at five primary schools throughout the week:
| Date | School | Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 17 Sep | Buffeljagsrivier Primary | 10:00–11:00 | Confirmed |
| Wed, 17 Sep | VRT Pitt Primary | 12:00–13:00 | Confirmed |
| Thu, 18 Sep | Swellendam Laerskool | 11:30–12:15 | Confirmed |
| Thu, 18 Sep | Bontebok Primary | TBD | Pending |
| Fri, 19 Sep | Olyfkraans College | 10:00–11:00 | Confirmed |
Sponsors supporting the competition include Polyco, Pick ‘n Pay, Realtors International, Seeff, Chas Everitt, Lancewood Cheese, Dziko Recyclers, VM&K, Afriforum, and the Swellendam Conservancy.
Learners can also look forward to Hero Award certificates, recycling-themed pencil bags, badges, and other recognition prizes. Polyco will hand out additional gifts during the ceremony, and Binnie the mascot will make a special appearance for photographs and a meet-and-greet.
Adding a social upliftment element, soup packets from a recent Pick n Pay Hyper national drive will be distributed to schools and families in need. The packets, expiring in March 2026, will be shared through local Pick n Pay outlets.
“It’s a powerful reminder of how communities, schools, and businesses can come together to create lasting change,” said Mayor du Rand.
The municipality said the competition is not only about prizes, but about empowering the next generation to lead by example in protecting the environment.
