Three Western Cape teachers have come out tops at this past weekend’s annual National Teaching Awards ceremony: Michelle Swart from the Hermanus Pre-Primary School, Landeka Diamond from the Westlake Primary School, and Wendy Horn from Protea Heights Academy, were commended by Minister Angie Motshekga for their outstanding contribution to the profession.
A spokesperson at the National Department of Basic Education, Terence Khala, says these teachers play a valuable role in the foundational education of South African learners, adding that the Awards aim to elevate the level to which teachers are recognized.
Head of Department at the Western Cape Education Department, Brian Schreuder, congratulated the winners, saying he wishes “this motivates and inspires other educators to commit themselves to ensuring Quality Education for every child, in every classroom, in every school in the Province.”
Swart won the National Teaching Award for Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Diamond walked away with the National Teaching Award for Excellence in Primary School Leadership, while Physical Science teacher and principal at the Protea Heights Academy, Horn, scooped the award for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership.
This brings us to the end of the 20th Annual National Teaching Awards. Congratulations to all our outstanding winners, nominees & partners. – A System, indeed on the rise! #NTA2020 pic.twitter.com/rK6HXePOHH
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 15, 2020
This is how teachers should be celebrated…A heroes welcome for @DiamondLandie after she won the National Teaching Award for PS leadership. @Wendy_Horn01 and Michelle Swart who also won National Awards. Go Team WCED! pic.twitter.com/Zj9YalTEQr
— WCEDNews (@WCEDnews) February 16, 2020
Staff, learners, in uniform on a Sunday, and parents surprised me at the airport with a hero's welcome. It was totally unexpected and so special. #PHAasONE. @WCEDnews @WC_NTA pic.twitter.com/cdv1pzenbf
— Wendy Horn (@Wendy_Horn01) February 16, 2020
Excellence in Secondary School Leadership:
1st Place: Wendy Horn, Protea Heights Academy
2nd Place: Sahaboodin Abdull, Zinniaville Secondary School
3rd Place: Livhalani Bridget Sinyosi, Dzata Secondary School pic.twitter.com/PeNfsLOpZZ— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 15, 2020
