SAEON Education Outreach
Environmental Science
Environmental Science
“Learners, educators, and mentors came together to connect science, creativity, and action under the theme “From Currents to Action: Connecting Oceans, Cultures and Futures”.
The National Research Foundation’s South African Environmental Observation Network (NRF-SAEON), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), hosted the annual National Blue Schools Conference in Gqeberha from 15–17 October 2025.
The Blue Schools programme empowers learners across South Africa to explore marine science, ocean and river health, environmental literacy, and sustainability through hands-on science projects. This year’s conference brought together passionate learners, educators, mentors, and government representatives to showcase creative and data-driven research addressing key ocean and freshwater challenges.
The conference took place on 15th and 16th October at Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus. The event commenced with a welcome address by Professor Tommy Bornman, who shared insights on how the ocean influences us and how our actions impact it. A keynote address by Fhumulani Ramukhwatho (DSTI) emphasised the importance of ocean literacy in nurturing South Africa’s next generation of ocean stewards.
Learners presented their Blue Schools research projects, demonstrating exceptional creativity and scientific insight on issues such as algal blooms, plastic pollution, marine biodiversity and climate change.
The best learner presentation award at the 2025 Blue Schools Conference was presented to Netshikovhela Ndamulelo from Thengwe High for his presentation on “Algal Blooms in Mutshundudi River.” The second place was awarded to Leony Moyisile of Thabane High School for her presentation titled, “Copper Catcher: A Natural Ocean Purification Using Crushed Seashells.” Third place was awarded to Michael Van Der Merwe from Inkosi Moses Zikhali Secondary School for his presentation, “Is Lake Sibaya Still Healthy?. Each of the three learners won an iPad. These projects highlighted learners’ dedication to understanding and protecting aquatic environments.
The educators attended a workshop, “From Currents to Action: Practical Skills for Your Blue Schools Classroom,” co-facilitated by Thomas Mtontsi, Caitlin Ransom, Dipuo Masebe, and Rendani Ivy. The workshop focused on data visualisation, sourcing scientific information, and strengthening teachers’ and mentors’ roles in supporting future Blue Schools projects.
The learners participated in a workshop on ocean storytelling and a collage-making led by Dr Mia Strand (Nelson Mandela University), encouraging them to reflect on what the ocean means to them and their communities. The day concluded with a tour of SAEON’s Ocean Sciences laboratories, where learners explored nutrient analysis and microscopic marine life, which was led by Noziphiwo Hambaze and Elwandle Node, NRF-SAEON colleagues.
On the final day, 16 October, participants embarked on an educational field trip, which included a boat ride by SAEON’s Elwandle Node. For many learners, this was their first time going on a boat and getting to see dolphins at sea. Learners and educators visited the Addo Elephant National Park and were given a guided game viewing tour that was sponsored by SANParks. These experiences deepened learners’ understanding of how land, rivers, and oceans are interconnected, reinforcing the spirit of sustainability and stewardship.
The 2025 Blue Schools Conference truly embodied its theme, demonstrating how collaboration between science, education, and creativity can inspire young minds to take meaningful action for a sustainable ocean future.
