Five schools from KwaZulu-Natal, namely Durban High School, Weston Agricultural College, Glenwood High School, Westville Boys’ High School, and Hillcrest High School, recently took part in the Husqvarna South Africa Schools Challenge. The event, held on September 22 at Greenheart Organics in Monteseel, west of Durban, was organized in partnership with Food & Trees for Africa. The challenge was designed to promote teamwork, speed, and tree-planting skills among pupils.
The competition required pupils to plant fruit trees that would create a space for ongoing community engagement, personal development, and learning. The challenge has evolved over the years, with teams previously only digging holes for trees. However, this year, pupils were required to complete the full planting process, including digging, adding compost, planting, mulching, and watering. The additional tasks demanded efficient teamwork and care for the trees.
Weston Agricultural College emerged as the winner of the 2026 challenge, taking home a Husqvarna blower and a R5 000 voucher for the Husqvarna online store. Durban High School finished second, receiving a R5 000 voucher, while Hillcrest High School took third place with a R2 500 voucher. Each participating school also received a fruit tree to plant on its own grounds, promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement.
According to Kathy Boast, a teacher at Weston Agricultural College, the team was proud to take the title, having worked exceptionally well together. The experience was particularly special, as pupils contributed to something that would have a lasting impact. The event not only promoted teamwork and tree-planting skills but also provided an opportunity for pupils to develop practical skills and understand the importance of caring for the environment.
Husqvarna South Africa Marketing Manager Timothy Isabirye stated that the evolution of the event reflected the company’s aim of making its annual Arbour Month initiative more meaningful. The partnership with Food & Trees for Africa enabled the event to form part of wider tree-planting, food-security, and environmental programmes. The fruit trees planted during the challenge were intended to benefit the community, with ongoing care and maintenance being crucial for their growth.
Isabirye emphasized that planting day was just the start, and pupils needed to understand that looking after a tree mattered just as much as getting it into the ground. The competition and trophy were the fun part, but the event aimed to give young people a chance to get outside, develop practical skills, and realize the importance of contributing to environmental sustainability.
The Husqvarna South Africa Schools Challenge has grown significantly since its inception in 2024 as a contest between two schools. This year’s event saw five schools participate, with pupils demonstrating exceptional teamwork and tree-planting skills. The challenge not only promoted environmental sustainability but also provided an opportunity for pupils to develop practical skills and understand the importance of community engagement and caring for the environment.
Key points
- Weston Agricultural College emerged as the winner of the 2026 Husqvarna South Africa Schools Challenge.
- The challenge required pupils to complete the full planting process, including digging, adding compost, planting, mulching, and watering.
- The event aimed to promote environmental sustainability, community engagement, and practical skills among pupils.
