Liesbeeck Primary School in Portland has been crowned champion of the Petco Get In The Loop Schools Recycling Competition, recycling 674,80 kg of materials to beat four other Mitchells Plain schools in the September 2025 challenge.
The competition, supported by Petco, Grandmaster Ready D and his G-CAP programme, saw five schools compete to collect recyclable materials while teaching students proper waste-sorting techniques. The initiative diverted 2,58 tons of waste from Western Cape landfill sites.
Wavecrest Primary School finished second with 587 kg, while Caradale Primary School took third place with 487,10 kg.
Winning strategy
Grade 4 teacher Faaidah Kassiem explained the approach: “We sent multiple letters out to parents to keep the hype up, and it became a collaborative process between teachers and learners. I reminded them every other day about the recycling process of stomping on bottles, removing bottle caps and emptying plastic.”
She said other teachers helped guide students on proper techniques. “It became a whole collaborative process between teachers and learners. It boosted their confidence and enhanced their teamwork skills.”
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Grade 7 learner Salmaan Hendricks said: “I always felt proud of myself… we had so much fun sorting the stuff.”
School principal Palie Gasant said the victory came at an important time for the school community.
“This win comes at the right time as our school is going through an emotional period, with the loss of a staff member. We always knew we were going to win this.”
He credited younger teachers for their enthusiasm: “The strategy was to get the younger teachers involved because they had a more eager and vibrant approach to these projects. This was a collaborative effort among learners, teachers and parents.”
Pupils learn recycling skills
Throughout the campaign students received training on separating recyclable packaging from waste, identifying recyclable materials and understanding different waste streams. Workshops and demonstrations equipped learners with skills they shared with their households.
The recyclable materials collected were redirected to certified recycling hubs instead of contributing to landfill overflow at Western Cape sites facing capacity constraints.
ALSO READ: Ready D hypes schools to go green for recycling competition
Celebrating achievement
At the prize handover Petco’s Junaid Francis congratulated the Liesbeeck Primary students and teachers: “Your efforts have kept bottles and jars out of the environment, out of the landfill and out of the oceans. You’ve reminded all of us that when we work together, we can make a difference in South Africa.”
Grandmaster Ready D said: “The project had a meaningful and uplifting impact on the learners at Liesbeeck Primary. You could feel their excitement as they discovered how recycling works and why it matters. When we teach kids about environmental responsibility early on, we empower them to make better choices for their future and influence the households they come from.
“I’m truly inspired by their effort and commitment. This win for Liesbeeck Primary is a reminder of what’s possible when schools, partners and communities work together.”
Mr Gasant concluded: “Our school has a unique culture and this makes us special. We are extremely grateful.”
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