During World Food Month, schools across South Africa were celebrated for cultivating thriving food gardens that fight hunger and build resilient communities. Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA), in partnership with Tiger Brands, announced the winners of the 2025 EduPlant Finals Competition, an initiative that honours schools transforming their grounds into living classrooms of sustainability.

Dilopye Pre-Vocational School in Gauteng was named the National Centre of Excellence Winner, while Molefe Mooke Primary School, also in Gauteng, took top honours in the National Award category.

The 2024/2025 EduPlant cycle culminated in a vibrant in-person celebration at Konka Tours, Rustenburg, marking a joyful return to physical gatherings after several years of virtual competitions.

“EduPlant is rooted in Tiger Brands’ purpose to nourish and nurture more lives every day,” said Maanda Milubi, Group Enterprise and Supplier Development & Transformation Director at Tiger Brands. “It’s a proud moment to witness the positive difference this programme has made in the lives of so many children across the country. We celebrate the hundreds of schools that embraced EduPlant’s training and applied it with such excellence.”

Eduplant2_Supplied — Some schools exhibited produce from their gardens, which was donated to Konka Tours staff after the event. Photo: Supplied

Growing Futures from the Ground Up

Now in its 28th year, the EduPlant Programme remains a flagship initiative addressing malnutrition, hunger and environmental awareness in South African schools. Over the past two years, it has helped hundreds of under-resourced schools establish flourishing food gardens while promoting agricultural literacy, teamwork and self-sufficiency.

“While food security and nutrition are at the core of EduPlant, it’s also about leadership,” said Chris Wild, Executive Director of FTFA. “We see learners becoming communicators and problem-solvers, gaining experiences they’ll carry for the rest of their lives. It’s a privilege to witness that kind of growth.”

Beyond producing nutritious food, these gardens have a ripple effect – improving learner wellbeing and academic performance, reducing school food costs and strengthening community ties. Many schools reinvest their savings into educational resources, teacher development and volunteer support. Community involvement has also been linked to reduced vandalism, improved attendance and stronger neighbourhood relationships, reinforcing the social fabric around participating schools.

Also read: How EduPlant is empowering communities through food gardens

Cultivating Champions of Change

Thirty-two finalist schools were recognised as South Africa’s top school food gardens, competing for a share of R221 000 in cash prizes to expand their food-growing projects. Learners and educators from across the country gathered for a two-day celebration featuring presentations, drumming circles, herb workshops and tree-planting activities.

Finalists were selected through a rigorous process that included the submission of a video documentary, a portfolio of evidence and in-person presentations in front of the judging panel.

“These schools have turned their gardens into living classrooms that nurture both plants and young minds,” said Robyn Hills, Head of Programmes at FTFA.