By Johnathan Paoli
The Western Cape education department has praised teachers as pivotal in shaping the lives of learners and positioning the province as a leader in education outcomes.
Speaking during the 25th Annual Provincial Teaching Awards in Cape Town, education MEC David Maynier praised teachers, calling them the province’s “greatest asset”.
He said they were vital to ensure that learners have a brighter future.
“Teachers have become our children’s first responders. We need to ensure that our teachers in turn have the emotional support and tools they need to cope with difficult circumstances. A better teacher translates directly into better learning outcomes, and I have never met a teacher who did not want to be a better teacher,” Maynier said.
Head of Education Brent Walters formally welcomed the winners, describing them as “wonderful educators who embody the best of what our schools have to offer”.
The awards celebrated winners across 15 categories, including Grade R teaching, school leadership, special needs education and lifetime achievement.
This year’s ceremony also highlighted the powerful role women play in shaping education in the Western Cape.
Of the 15 awards presented, 13 went to female educators.
Maynier welcomed the timing during Women’s Month.
He said the awards reinforced the contribution women made not only as classroom teachers but also as leaders, mentors and innovators in education.
Educators from the Eden and Central Karoo Education District stood, securing the most awards of any district.
Their success is seen as a sign of the quality and commitment present across even the province’s rural schools.
The Democratic Alliance congratulated all the nominees and winners.
DA provincial education spokesperson Leon van Wyk said the awards underscored the value of educators who often served as “mentor, counsellor and motivator” in their schools.
“Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and their dedication ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
“The department’s investment in teacher development is therefore an investment in the future of our province, and the DA wholeheartedly welcomes it,” Van Wyk said in a statement.
He further emphasised that recognising teachers’ achievements must go hand-in-hand with continued support.
The following educators were recognised as the province’s best in their respective categories:
Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Charles Mokoena, Dirk Boshoff Primary School, Uniondale (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6): Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel (Metro Central)
Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7): Dome Swart, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)
Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Roche Witbooi, Concordia Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12): Fiona Blanchard, Crystal Secondary School, Hanover Park (Metro Central)
Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Hendrik Smith, Hoërskool Langenhoven, Riversdale (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School, Brackenfell (Metro East)
Excellence in Special Needs School Leadership: Alsje Schoeman, Oudtshoorn School of Skills, Oudtshoorn (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET): Mariska Niemand, Altena Primary School, Strand (Metro East)
Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET): Charissa Shay-Sithole, Apex High School, Eerste River (Metro East)
Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences: Demi Michelle Potts, Kretzenshoop Primary School, George (Eden and Central Karoo)
Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Lana Schreuder, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands)
Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Kirsten Tome, Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
National Best Teacher Award: Wedaad Esau, Bridgeville Primary School, Bridgetown (Metro Central)
Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award: Lorinda Rinkwest, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)
All 15 winners will go on to represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards on 9 October.
Maynier expressed confidence that the province’s teachers would shine on the national stage.
INSIDE EDUCATION
