Portland Primary School pupil shines in national art competition
From left back art Mark Jeneker arts teacher, and in front are Portland Primary School pupils, Liqhame Zuba, Lucia van der Ross and Azrah Petersen.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Portland Primary School Grade 7 pupil Lucia van der Ross, 11, placed third in the 2025 Art and Water Competition.
The competition, hosted by the UWC Science Learning Centre for Africa, brought together young artists from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the country.
Pupils were challenged to interpret the vital role of water in daily life through their work.
It was held on Saturday, August 2, at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) campus in Cape Town.
Lucia said she was shocked to hear she had placed third. “I was in disbelief, yet I believed in my ability. Mr Jeneker helped me a lot to express my art. I wanted to show how we use water every day, an essential part of life that we should also take care of,” she said.
The competition, hosted by the UWC Science Learning Centre for Africa, brought together young artists from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across the country. Pupils were challenged to interpret the vital role of water in daily life through their creative work.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Lucia's classmate, Azrah Petersen, said she painted “a world with hands on a black background.” She described the competition as “creative and fun” and said she enjoyed drawing and painting with her friends under the guidance of their art teacher, Mr Jeneker.
Liqhame Zuba, 12, explained that his artwork showed “a world with water pouring down.” He said he loved having the opportunity to be creative while learning more about art from Mr Jeneker.
Mark Jeneker, Portland Primary’s art teacher, said the pupils’ participation tied in closely with UWC Science Week, which this year focused on Clean Water, Clear Minds and Stronger Communities. “The children did their paintings based on this theme, and to have Lucia win third place in the whole of South Africa...I am over the moon,” he said.
Mr Jeneker, who also runs art therapy sessions at the school, said he is proud to guide pupils in using art as both a creative and academic tool. “Some children have problems at home or struggle academically, and through art therapy, you would never say it’s the same child who had a problem when they walk out of my class. I am proud to keep them in the art field and link this with their academics,” he said.
Winning artworks, including Lucia’s third-place piece, were displayed during UWC Science Week.
UWC did not respond in time for this publication.