Meet the Western Cape’s finest: 15 Teachers competing in National Awards

The Western Cape’s Top 15 teachers, announced at the 2025 Provincial Teaching Awards last week, will now go on to represent the Western Cape as nominees for the National Teaching Awards, which will take place on 9 October 2025.

The Western Cape Education Department has lauded these educators for their hard work over the past year, and for the dedication, support, and love, that they show to learners every day.

The provincial event was held at The Westin Cape Town on Friday, 15 August, where the top three positions for each category were announced.

The 2025 Provincial Teaching Award winners are:

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): Domé Swart, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North)
Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Roché 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 Tomé, 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)

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR A VIDEO OF ALL THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS-UP:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/media/41262

Education MEC David Maynier delivered a speech at the provincial awards, emphasising that teachers need to be developed and supported, because in doing so, learners are developed and supported.

“Investing in teacher development makes a difference. 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 says to enhance teacher development, the Department is focusing on core concepts and skills in Maths and Languages, but also on the methods and rationale behind the content that is taught in the classroom, or the “how” and “why” of teaching.

“Over the next three financial years, we will invest over R500 million in teacher development and training. I say “invest”, because that is exactly what teacher development is: an investment in our teaching staff, and an investment in our children’s future.”

He adds that emotional support for teachers is equally important, as learners often bring the circumstances they face at home and in the community into the classroom with them.

“Our district support teams do so much good work, not just in supporting our schools during emergencies, but in helping our teachers develop the skills they need to cope with traumatised learners, with safety concerns, and with behavioural problems. And I urge our teachers to reach out to the support teams, or to our employee wellness programme, for support in dealing with these challenges.”

Maynier has encouraged teachers to also reach out to their district manager if they encounter a challenge where the basic necessities for schooling are not available.

“We are going to do everything we can to develop and support our teachers. You are our greatest asset, and without you, our children would have no hope of a brighter future.”