Highveld learners win air quality battle 

By Staff Reporter

In a town where smoke stacks color the sky, ten groups of children stood up and said; we can do better.

The 2026 Mpumalanga Air Quality Schools competition turned out to be a great success, with the Top 10 competing schools facing off in commemoration of the International Day of Clean Air For Blue Skies, held recently at eMalahleni Civic Centre.

This was not a science fair for marks. For learners breathing the air of the Highveld priority area, this is personal.

According to Mpumalanga DARDLEA (Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs), innovative projects aimed at addressing air quality challenges in the Highveld priority area were presented by the 10 schools from across Nkangala District.

“For adjudication, each school had 15 minutes to present their projects, showcasing practical solutions to air pollution, waste management and environmental awareness in their communities,” said DARDLEA.

At the end, Highveld Secondary School scooped the Overall Winner, but DARDLEA says every child who presented is a winner for Mpumalanga.

“The initiative forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental education, improve air quality and empower youth to become ambassadors for a cleaner and healthier environment,” said DARDLEA.