eNews
#06 2025
National Blue Schools 2025: From Current to Action – Young ocean ambassadors take the lead at the national Blue Schools Conference
By Dipuo Ingrid Masebe, Science Engagement and Communications Intern, NRF-SAEON
Learners, educators and mentors converged in Gqeberha in October for the transformative annual national Blue Schools Conference.
It was with a spirit of curiosity and hope that learners, educators and mentors converged in Gqeberha from October 15 to 17 for the transformative annual National Blue Schools Conference, proudly hosted by NRF-SAEON in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
This gathering was not just a meeting, but a catalyst for change, a vibrant hub of creativity and dedication, fuelled by a collective mission to promote ocean stewardship and spark impactful discussions and initiatives aimed at preserving our aquatic environments.
The Blue Schools programme, a dynamic network of collaboration, is not just a platform but a lifeline that empowers young South Africans to delve into the fascinating world of marine science, aquatic health, environmental literacy and sustainability through hands-on projects. Its significance is underscored by alarming statistics, such as the eight million metric tons of plastic that enter our oceans annually, threatening marine life and biodiversity.
This year’s conference provided a vibrant platform for learners, educators, mentors and government representatives to share innovative, data-driven research addressing the pressing challenges facing our oceans and freshwater systems. The urgency of this cause cannot be overstated, and the Blue Schools programme is at the forefront of this battle.
Day 1: Conference
The National Blue Schools Conference spanned three days: Inspire, Explore, Reflect. On Day 1, the conference set sail on 15 October at Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus.
Professor Tommy Bornman, manager of SAEON’s Elwandle Node, greeted participants with inspiring words, exploring the powerful relationship between people and the ocean. Fhumulani Ramukhwatho (DSTI) delivered a stirring keynote address, highlighting how ocean literacy is essential in shaping the next generation of South Africa’s ocean stewards.
Professor Tommy Bornman, manager of SAEON’s Elwandle Node, greeted participants with an inspiring message, exploring the powerful relationship between people and the ocean.
Fhumulani Ramukhwatho (DSTI) delivered a stirring keynote address, highlighting how ocean literacy is essential in shaping the next generation of South Africa’s ocean stewards.
Learner presentations
Following the opening addresses, learners took centre stage, presenting their Blue Schools research projects with an impressive blend of creativity and scientific insight. Their presentations, which covered a wide range of topics from algal blooms and plastic pollution to marine biodiversity and climate change, offered fresh perspectives on pressing environmental issues and underscored the value of their work.
Netshikovhela Ndamulelo from Thengwe High claimed the top learner presentation award for the insightful project “Algal Blooms in Mutshundudi River”. Leony Moyisile of Thabane High School secured second place with “Copper Catcher: A Natural Ocean Purification Using Crushed Seashells”. Michael Van Der Merwe from Inkosi Moses Zikhali Secondary School earned third place for his presentation “Is Lake Sibaya Still Healthy?” Each winner received an iPad in recognition of their inspiring work.
These projects demonstrate a profound commitment to understanding and protecting our precious aquatic environments. Netshikovhela’s findings on algal blooms offer significant insights that could be directly linked to local water-quality policies. By collaborating with local municipalities and water management committees, these results can inform community action plans, promoting sustainable water practices and enhancing the health of rivers and their surrounding ecosystems.
2025 Blue Schools Conference winners. From left: Netshikovhela Ndamulelo, Leony Moyisile and Michael Van Der Merwe.
Workshops
After the presentations, the conference buzzed with interactive workshops. Dr Mia Strand (Nelson Mandela University) inspired learners with an ocean storytelling session, sparking reflection and creativity as they explored their personal connections to the sea.
Dr Mia Strand (Nelson Mandela University) inspired learners with an ocean storytelling session.
Educators dived into “’From Currents to Action: Practical Skills for Your Blue Schools Classroom”, a dynamic workshop co-facilitated by SAEON’s Thomas Mtontsi, Caitlin Ransom, Dipuo Masebe and Rendani Ivy. Participants honed their skills in data visualisation, scientific research and mentorship to strengthen future Blue Schools initiatives.
The workshop equipped the educators with practical tools, including mastering data visualisation techniques to present complex environmental data clearly, applying scientific research methods to real-world ocean issues, and enhancing mentorship capabilities to better guide young students in their projects. These skills empower participants to make meaningful contributions to ocean literacy and stewardship within their communities.
Dynamic educators workshop co-facilitated by SAEON’s Thomas Mtontsi, Caitlin Ransom, Dipuo Masebe and Rendani Ivy.
Tour of the Elwandle Node
Then followed an immersive tour of SAEON’s Ocean Sciences laboratories. Guided by Noziphiwo Hambaze and other colleagues from the Elwandle Node, learners marvelled at nutrient analysis techniques and peered into the hidden world of microscopic marine life.
Learners exploring the Elwandle Node laboratories.
Day 1 ended with an uplifting address and a heartfelt vote of thanks from Kogie Govender, SAEON’s science engagement coordinator. She emphasised that every learner participating in the 2025 National Blue Schools Conference was already a winner, noting that the quality of their research projects stands on par with postgraduate-level work. Kogie also extended deep gratitude to the many partners and organisations who guide and mentor learners throughout their Blue Schools journey.
Day 2: Exploration and adventure
On 16 October, a spirit of adventure accompanied participants on an educational field trip. A boat ride around the harbour with SAEON’s Elwandle Node was a definite highlight. For many learners, the boat ride was a magical first encounter with the open water, with dolphins leaping alongside, creating a scene straight out of a nature documentary.
The journey continued at Addo Elephant National Park, where a guided game viewing tour sponsored by SANParks brought the wild wonders of land and water together. The learners were able to observe a variety of wildlife, from elephants to birds, in their natural habitats, further deepening their appreciation for the intricate relationships between land, river and ocean, and underscoring the vital importance of sustainability and stewardship.
Reflections
Across both days, the National Blue Schools programme proved its power to spark wonder, foster marine literacy and open new horizons for inland communities. By offering learners hands-on opportunities to explore careers in marine and environmental sciences, the programme not only nurtures curiosity, critical thinking and a lasting sense of stewardship but also significantly impacts their personal and academic growth.
Learners’ heartfelt reflections revealed not only academic development but also a deeper personal connection to the ocean. As our seas face mounting challenges, the Blue Schools initiative stands as a beacon of hope, championing awareness, protection and a brighter future for our blue planet.
We invite all who share in this vision to continue the journey, whether by participating in future events, starting your own Blue Schools projects, or spreading the message of ocean stewardship within your communities. Together, we can ensure that the impact of this initiative extends far beyond the conference, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
