MAYOR'S CIVIC PRIDE AWARDS 2026

[Audio] PARK CRESCENT GRASSY PARK 7941 Principal : Mr W Solomons Secretary: Mrs K Watlington TELL: 021 703 1544 e-mail: [email protected] THEME: Greater Expectation Greater success � The Honorable Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis Office of the Executive Mayor Civic Centre, Podium Block 12 Hertzog Boulevard Cape Town, 8001 capetown.gov.za Dear Mayor Hill-Lewis, Subject: MAYOR'S CIVIC PRIDE AWARDS 2026: LOTUS HIGH SCHOOL On behalf of Lotus High School and our Eco Club learners, I want to extend our sincere thanks for your "Keeping Our City Clean" initiative. This past month, our Eco Club learners took part in a cleanup at Zandvlei and Princess Vlei. The learners showed up with energy, pride, and real commitment to keeping our environment clean. Zandvlei Clean-Up: "Keeping our city clean Page 1.

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[Audio] I write to you with immense pride and a deep sense of nostalgia as an ex-learner and educator at Lotus High School for the past 34 years. Our school's journey is a testament to the power of community and civic pride. Page 3.

[Audio] Our Eco Club has been running strong since 1995. For 31 years, learners at Lotus High have been taught that caring for the environment is caring for our community. To see them still living that value in 2026 makes us incredibly proud. Your initiative gave our learners purpose beyond the classroom. It showed them that their actions matter and that the city sees and values their contribution. Page 4.

[Audio] A Brief History of Lotus High School and Our Environmental Legacy Let me share a brief history of Lotus High School and the journey of our Eco Club. As a former learner of Lotus High School and a teacher at the school for the past 34 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing its growth and transformation firsthand. In 1996, we moved to our current school site, which was surrounded by dense bush and invasive Port Jackson trees, with no sports fields or developed recreational areas. These environmental challenges inspired the growth of the Lotus Eco Club, which has since become an integral part of our school's identity and values. Over the years, the Eco Club has played a significant role in fostering environmental awareness, civic pride, and community responsibility among our learners. Through a variety of projects and initiatives, learners have actively contributed to keeping Cape Town clean while developing a deep sense of environmental stewardship and service to their community. Today, Lotus High School continues to be a beacon of environmental sustainability and community involvement. Our ongoing projects reflect our commitment to creating a greener future and empowering learners to become responsible citizens who make a positive impact both within the school and beyond. The photographs included in this portfolio showcase the wide range of initiatives undertaken by the Lotus Eco Club over the years. They capture our learners actively participating in environmental conservation, food security, community upliftment, and sustainability projects that continue to benefit both our school and the wider Cape Town community Veggie Garden: Feeding our learners and promoting food security. Page 5.

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[Audio] Indigenous & Tropical Gardens: Preserving biodiversity and educating on local flora. Page 7.

[Audio] Cati Succulent Garden: Showcasing Cape Town's unique flora. School Nursery & Propagation Program: Growing plants for our school and neighboring schools. Page 8.

[Audio] Princess Vlei Clean-Ups & Restoration: Restoring a vital green space for our city. Page 9.

[Audio] Outreach Meals: Nourishing the needy in our community. ( STOP HUNGER ) Page 10.

[Audio] Eco Hikes: Thrice a term, our learners explore and appreciate Cape Town's natural beauty. Page 11.

[Audio] Princess Vlei Parade: An annual event showcasing our environmental advocacy. Page 12.

[Audio] ️ Annual Camps: Fostering teamwork and environmental awareness in our learners. Page 13.

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[Audio] These initiatives, driven by our learners, embody the civic pride you champion. We are humbled to be nominated for the Mayor's Civic Pride Awards 2026. I humbly submit this nomination, highlighting the tireless efforts of our learners and staff. Thank you for recognizing and celebrating community champions. Thank you again for leading by example and for creating opportunities for young people to be part of the solution. The Lotus High Eco Club looks forward to supporting future cleanups and environmental projects in Cape Town. Yours sincerely, Shafiek Isaacs Acting HOD Eco Club Coordinator Lotus High School 072 606 5496 [email protected] Page 16.