Creativity, innovation and scientific knowledge were on full display as the winners of the 4th Laager Rooibos Design Competition and 3rd Laager Rooibos Science Competition were announced in the Western Cape over the weekend, in collaboration with TDL Advertising and The Creative Space.
“South Africa’s youth have tremendous potential, and platforms like these ensure their creativity, innovation and curiosity are nurtured,” commented Candice Sessions, Marketing Manager of Laager Rooibos, competition sponsors.
“Through science and design, these youngsters have shown remarkable discipline and imagination. This year’s submissions were some of the strongest yet; we applaud every participant and look forward to seeing how these young minds continue to grow.”
The competitions reflect Laager Rooibos’ ongoing commitment to supporting education, skill-building and opportunities for young South Africans, while deepening awareness of South Africa’s beloved homegrown Laager Rooibos heritage.
Grade 10 Design Competition
Supported by the Western Cape Education Department, competitors in the Laager Rooibos Grade 10 Design Competition showcased their designs on 15 November at De Wet Hall in Onrus, Hermanus.
This year saw 227 pupils participating, with 58 Grade 10 Design pupils from 12 schools showcasing their handcrafted and digital design pieces aimed at attracting the next generation of Laager Rooibos drinkers. This flagship design event gives young creatives real-world exposure to brand identity, packaging, product design, typography, and consumer-focused innovation.
For the competition, design pupils have the rare opportunity to work with an actual client brief: applying classroom principles to real brand challenges. The submissions ranged from full-scale advertising concepts and digitally designed packaging to handmade fashion pieces, crochet items, homeware, comics, and more. Judges described this year’s overall standard as ‘exceptional’.
The panel of five expert judges included:
- Leigh Ann Pringle, Deputy Chief Education Specialist: Visual Arts and Design FET Curriculum (WCED)
- Lize Heyns, Design SES (WCED)
- Lindsay Leppan, Director of TDL Advertising
- Frieda Loyd, Overberg Tourism & Economic Development Manager
- Candice Sessions, Marketing & Brand Strategy Manager, Laager Rooibos
- Mardee Cita, Artist and founder of Mardi Hats (Hermanus)
Design Competition 2025 Results
1. Digital Design Category
1st Place: Ariana Jansen – Long Acres Private School, Langebaan
2nd Place: Xavier Peterson – Muizenberg High School
3rd Place: Jaco Tredoux – Long Acres Private School, Langebaan
2. Handmade Design Category
1st Place: Bernadie Hugo – Hugo Naude Kunssentrum (Art Centre), Worcester
2nd Place: Simone Lochner – Durbanville High School
3rd Place: Cloe van Tonder – Durbanville High School
Laager Rooibos Science Competition
In addition to the Design showcase, the Laager Rooibos Science Competition was showcased on 14 November at the Curro STEAM Hub. This budding initiative forms part of the WCED/IEB curriculum and is rooted in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) framework.
The competition requires pupils to conduct scientific research linked to Laager Rooibos products, focusing on Laager Rooibos and its health benefits. This year, 18 pupils from three schools collaborated on various research projects, presenting their findings to science judges and BSc graduates, Mr G. Coetzee and Mrs Nicola Mackenzie.
Topics ranged from the impact of Rooibos on plant growth, the pH of Pure Rooibos vs flavoured Rooibos teas, Rooibos as a natural dye, the effect of brewing time on flavour and colour, and the antioxidant levels of different types of teas.
2025 Science Competition Winners
Joint First Place
• Andrew Mitten – Curro Hermanus
• Irene Mugerwa Namuddu – Curro Hermanus
Joint Second Place
• Olivia Janse van Rensburg – Curro Hermanus
• Keara Kruger – Curro Hermanus
Joint Third Place
• Mzvita Chikweche – Curro Hermanus
• Zurayda Michaels, Ethan Smith, Janica Bruintjies & Rickyle Blankenberg – Hawston Secondary School
Laager Rooibos
Laager Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free beverage with numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties, cardiovascular support, and potential benefits for blood sugar and allergies. Laager is the only Rooibos teabag endorsed by the Heart & Stroke Foundation SA and caters for the whole family with Pure Rooibos and flavoured Rooibos options, along with a kids range under the Laager Tea4Kidz brand.
Find out more about Laager Rooibos, including health tips and fantastic Rooibos-infused recipes, by visiting www.joekels.co.za or following @LaagerRooibosTea on Facebook and Instagram. Laager Rooibos can be purchased from all major supermarkets, as well as online at www.joekels.co.za.