TGRC says that this year, learners across four provinces rolled up their sleeves and made an impact by collecting 400 tonnes of glass. That's more than 1.2 million bottles and jars, transitioning into valuable resources within the circular economy.

Laerskool Kabega in Gqeberha stood out as a true green champion, collecting over 43 000 kilograms of glass and earning the coveted title of 2024 Overall National Winner. Its outstanding effort earned it a total of R50 000 in prize money, R30 000 for its provincial win and R20 000 for topping the national leaderboard, adds TGRC.

In addition to end-of-year provincial and national prizes, TGRC says it also awarded monthly cash prizes throughout the competition to celebrate consistent commitment, boost morale and reward momentum. Each month brought new opportunities for schools to collect, compete and champion the cause.

According to Adele Botha, a Kabega teacher and co-ordinator of its green projects, "Glass recycling has had a huge impact on our school. We TGRC School Competition in 2017 when it was extended to include the Eastern Cape (PE and EL). All the money earned through our glass recycling through the years have been put back into improving our school grounds. Through the years, we have bought and installed water tanks, we have planted grass along the embankments and sport fields, we have bought picnic tables and benches from recycled plastic to make break times better for our learners."

"Through the competition our learners have had the opportunity to do science expo projects, they learn about the circular economy and how we save energy through glass recycling. Recycling glass has bound our teachers, learners and families together by giving us a shared goal. Without whole school involvement and our support staff, in particular, we would not have been able to sustain and grow the project successfully each year," adds Botha.

TGRC says that KwaZulu-Natal emerged as the top-performing province in the 2024 competition, with learners collecting 108 608 kilograms of glass (roughly 18 elephants in weight). Hot on its heels was the Eastern Cape, with a close 106 202 kilograms (just under 18 elephants), showcasing strong regional commitment to recycling and environmental action. Gauteng followed in third place with 92 693 kilograms (roughly 15 elephants), while the Western Cape rounded out the list with a still-noteworthy 87 318 kilograms (roughly 14 elephants).

Together, these provinces diverted 400 tonnes of glass from landfills, proving that with a little collective effort and a lot of green heart, schools can lead the way in building a cleaner, circular future, adds the organisation. 

"Glass is a shining example of circular sustainability, infinitely recyclable, endlessly valuable. And that's what our learners have proven: that change starts with one clear action," says Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of The Glass Recycling Company. "The schools in this competition are setting the standard for what it means to protect our environment and embed green thinking into everyday life."

Why Glass? TGRC says glass isn't just recyclable, it's forever recyclable. It can be melted and remoulded infinitely without losing purity or quality, making it a glowing symbol of sustainability. Through this competition, learners have not only prevented thousands of kilograms of glass from ending up in landfills, they've helped spark a long-term culture of eco-awareness, green learning and circular thinking.

2024 Provincial Winners

According to TGRC, the provincial winners comprise: 

Eastern Cape (EL and PE)

  • Laerskool Kabega: 43 058 kilograms, R30 000
  • Little Eagles Play & Pre-School: 15 799 kilograms, R20 000
  • Morewag Primary School: 11 805 kilograms, R10 000

Gauteng

  • Gereformeerde Skool Dirk Postma: 15 014 kilograms, R30 000
  • St. Paulus Pre-and Primary School: 13 938 kilograms, R20 000
  • Over the Moon Childcare Centre: 7 843 kilograms, R10 000

KwaZulu-Natal

  • Isnembe Secondary School: 26 846 kilograms, R30 000
  • Kloof Senior Primary School: 16 905 kilograms, R20 000
  • Kloof Junior Primary School: 14 877 kilograms, R10 000

Western Cape

  • Kenridge Primary School: 27 770 kilograms, R30 000
  • Bergvliet Primary School: 24 471 kilograms, R20 000
  • Observatory Junior School: 5 880 kilograms, R10 000

For more information, visit www.theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za. You can also follow The Glass Recycling Company on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X. 

*Image courtesy of contributor