The Mavambe Primary School, outside Malamulele, caught the attention of the judges in the Woolworths Trust Eduplant Programme. The rural school, through their Perma Culture Project, won the Best Junior Landcare Trophy and a cash prize of R5 000.

They also came second in the emerging category of the same competition. They also won themselves a water tank from Woolworths Stores. The school held a celebration ceremony for their achievement last Thursday.

The Mavambe Primary School Perma Culture Project was started in 2004 and it specializes in vegetable, medicinal, herb and fruit production. They participated with more than 60 schools around the country after evaluators visited their school to have first-hand information about the project. The Woolworths Trust Eduplant Programme is also sponsored by Food and Trees for Africa, Woolworths Trust, SABC Education, Landscape South Africa and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. During the final stages of the competition, a teacher and three kids travelled to Gauteng to make presentations. They also went their with their fresh produce.

Project coordinator and educator at the school Nkhangweleni Mabasa said she was satisfied by their performance at the competitions. "We competed with the best schools in the country and we have showed them that we exist, although we come from a disadvantaged community."

Jubilant school principal Mr Lyborn Mathonsi could also not hide his excitement. "We are really proud of our achievement and we will continue to shine in the country."