In a vibrant display of creativity and environmental consciousness, young fashionistas from Riverton Primary School, as well as Elswood and Bellville South High Schools, captivated audiences with their unique runway show, where discarded materials took centre stage. The event, themed #BeatPlasticPollution in honour of World Environment Day 2025, showcased the innovative designs crafted from what many would consider trash, advocating for a new perspective on waste management.
Hosted at Riverton Primary School in Bishop Lavis, the runway event was a culmination of the hard work put in by members of the Eco-Club, which has been supported by GrandWest and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) for the past three years. Each young designer illustrated how creativity can transform everyday waste into wearable art, sparking a dialogue about the importance of recycling and environmental stewardship among their peers and teachers.
Mervyn Naidoo, General Manager of GrandWest, commended the students on their outstanding efforts.
“These learners have done us proud. Through their creativity, we have all been made aware of how senselessly society disposes of waste. It is critical that each and every person learns to recycle,” Naidoo said, emphasising the significant impact such initiatives have on community awareness.
Nomfundo Ndlovu, senior project manager at WESSA, agreed, “With our educational programmes, WESSA hopes to inspire the next generation to advocate and act for a healthy planet they are proud of.”
Established in 1926, WESSA continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging active participation in environmental conservation across the nation.
As the youngsters showcased their designs, they highlighted the potential of repurposing waste, proving that eco-friendly solutions can be both stylish and necessary.
This innovative approach to environmental awareness serves as a model for similar initiatives across the country, instilling a sense of responsibility in young people towards protecting the planet. The positivity of the event shone a light on the importance of creativity in driving change and how collaborative efforts can cultivate a generation dedicated to sustainability.
