DailySunPietermaritzburg – Equipped with spades and proudly displaying their school colours, 40 boys from four of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading schools gathered at Ferncliffe Forest for the second annual Husqvarna Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge.
Initially launched in 2024 as a pilot event between Weston Agricultural College and Durban High School, the challenge has seen significant growth.
This year, both schools returned, joined by Maritzburg College and Westville Boys’ High School, in a competition where teamwork and endurance were as vital as speed.
In partnership with the non-profit organization Ferncliffe Forest Wilding, the challenge tested each team’s ability to dig 10 planting holes across three stations within the endangered mistbelt forest, all while collaborating and being mindful of the surrounding natural environment.
The Challenge began with an environmental lesson led by Husqvarna veld management expert Divan Vermaak, after which the boys set off with spades, gloves, and maps to navigate the course.
Teams were required to stay together, complete each segment fully before proceeding, and tread lightly to protect the delicate indigenous plants nearby.
After an afternoon filled with enthusiastic competition, Maritzburg College was declared the winner, taking home the trophy and earning a Husqvarna PW 480 Pressure Washer valued at R11 700 for their school.
Weston Agricultural College, last year’s champions, finished in second place, followed by Durban High School in third and Westville Boys’ High School in fourth.
Each of the three runner-up schools received vouchers for Husqvarna’s online store, and all participants were awarded certificates recognizing their contributions.
Timothy Isabirye, Husqvarna South Africa’s marketing manager, shared that the challenge’s success stems from its growth each year.
“Last year was focused on testing the concept. This year, we doubled the number of participating schools. Next year, we aim to broaden it even more,” he stated.
“The fundamental takeaway is that each year, the impact grows.
“More schools, more boys, more trees planted, and more young people appreciating the importance of giving back to their environment.”
He also praised the boys for their enthusiastic participation—not merely for victory, but to contribute to a legacy.
For Husqvarna, the Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge represents much more than mere competition.
It reflects the brand’s lasting commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
Scheduled during Arbour Week, the initiative also highlighted the critical role trees play in protecting ecosystems and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
“It’s not just about winning on the day; it’s about fostering a sense of stewardship. Our goal is to educate the boys that by taking care of the environment, they are also securing their future,” Isabirye concluded.
