SAEON Education Outreach

Environmental Science

NRF-SAEON Ocean Art Competition: Winners Announced

The South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON) Ocean Art Competition continues to inspire young South Africans to engage creatively with ocean issues — no matter where they live.

 

This year, we received 221 artworks from learners across the country. Through themes such as marine pollution, biodiversity loss, sustainable fisheries and climate change, participants demonstrated that you don’t need to live on the coast to care about the coast.

Congratulations to our 2026 Winners!

🥇 High School (Grade 10–12)
1st: Nomvelo Oluhle Mthembu – Langelihle High School
Runners-up: Linamandua Jubase (Zimele High School); Yingiso Londoni (Hanyani Nkuzana High School); Nkanyezi Nhlenyama (Mpiyakha High School)

🥇 High School (Grade 8–9)
1st: Liam Boonzaaier – Wynberg Boys High School
Runners-up: Letlotlo Phala (German School & SANBI NZG Zoo Club); Zethu Ndzuta (Zimele High School)

🥇 Primary School (Grade 4–7)
1st: Zosia Witaszek – Rouxville Primary
Runner-up: Elaf Diab (Star College Cape Town)

🥇 Primary School (Grade 1–4)
1st: Anzatshilidzi Mukwevho – Star College Cape Town
Runner-up: Kagoentle Seme (FutureTech Academy) 

First-place winners received a tablet, and runners-up received ocean-themed book prizes.

Congratulations to all our winners and participants for using art to spark dialogue and drive awareness about ocean health

Liam Boonzaaier’s multimedia piece examined sustainable fisheries and ocean sustainability.
Anzatshilidzi Mukwevho’s vibrant artwork brought attention to marine pollution from a young learner’s perspective.
Nomvelo Oluhle Mthembu’s intricate pen drawing explored cultural connections to the ocean
Zosia Witaszek’s artwork highlighted the urgent issue of marine pollution.