PHOLA – Against all odds, Hlangu-Phala Primary School has triumphed in the prestigious Cleanest School Competition. The school, located in Phola, Ogies, earned top honours as the cleanest school in Mpumalanga, not only in the Nkangala region but across the entire province.
The award was presented by Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Cathy Dlamini, during a ceremony at Badplaas Aventura on 27 September 2024. The competition, a joint initiative between the Department of Education and Absa, recognises excellence in maintaining cleanliness, hygiene, and a healthy learning environment. For its outstanding efforts, Hlangu-Phala received a cash prize of R100,000 and a trip for six people to Rwanda, the cleanest country on the African continent.
The school’s impressive cleanliness was the result of a collective effort from learners, teachers, the school governing body (SGB), and dedicated cleaning staff. Edwin Mapodile, a 50-year-old cleaner and landscaper with a passion for creating clean environments, expressed his pride: “I am a former student of Hlangu-Phala, and it is a great honour to see the fruitful results of my hard work,” he said.
The school’s principal, Zodwa Ntuli, commended the cleaning staff for their hard work and dedication, noting that their daily commitment played a crucial role in securing the award. The accolade is part of the Rhandza Xikolo Axe Wena Campaign, which celebrates schools that promote cleanliness, environmental awareness, and food sustainability.
Hlangu-Phala Primary School distinguished itself by fostering a culture of cleanliness and responsibility, setting a positive example for learners and the broader community. The annual competition encourages schools across Mpumalanga to prioritise hygiene and sustainability, and Hlangu-Phala’s dedication to these values made it stand out among the nominees.
The school plans to invest the prize money into further improving its facilities and enhancing its educational programmes. Principal Ntuli highlighted the school’s unique approach, which included the theme “#Don’tBeBitterButPickUpTheLitter,” aimed especially at the foundation phase. “I often dance with the learners while we clean, and they don’t even realise we’re cleaning,” she said.
The award has also brought attention to the critical yet often overlooked role of cleaning staff in creating a conducive learning environment. Hlangu-Phala’s achievement is a beacon of inspiration for other schools, showcasing the power of teamwork and shared responsibility in maintaining clean and safe educational spaces.
The 2024 nominees for the Provincial Cleanest School Award were:
Thulani Primary School (Bohlabela District, Mkhulu Circuit)
Bonukukhanya Primary School (Gert Sibande, Dipaleseng Circuit)
Hlangu-Phala Primary School (Nkangala District, Emalahleni 2 Circuit)
Maqhekeza Primary School (Ehlanzeni District, Nkomazi East Circuit)
