Give up a round of applause for the provincial winners of the 2022 National Teaching Awards! The winners are now set to represent the Western Cape in the national competition in October. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate the dedication and outstanding efforts from teachers on a regular basis.

Schools matter, teachers matter

Fellow teachers, governing bodies and district officials were invited to submit nominations, for the awards, for teachers registered at public sector schools.

Education MEC David Maynier says that the one thing that the pandemic taught people, is ”that schools matter, and that teachers matter”. He offered his heart-felt thanks to all teachers “for their innovation, dedication, integrity, commitment, courage, caring, and most importantly, the deep love that they have for the children of the Western Cape“.

The provincial teaching winners are:

• Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Ms Jamie-Lee Titus, Sunningdale Primary School, Sunningdale, Blouberg
• Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Ms Delanie Geldenhuys, Alta du Toit School, Kuils River
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics : Ms Memory Dizha, Manzomthombo Secondary School, Mfuleni
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET): Ms Lizette Schroeder, Protea Heights Academy, Brackenfell
• Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences: Ms Luize Kroukamp, Paul Roos Gymnasium, Stellenbosch
• Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Ms Marieke Pretorius, Apex High School, Eerste River
• Excellence in Primary School Teaching: Ms Charnelle Hector, Belmor Primary School, Hanover Park
• Excellence in Secondary School Teaching: Ms Robin van de Rheede, Apex High School, Electric City, Eerste River
• Excellence in Technology–Enhanced Teaching and Learning Award: Mr Niel Botha, Hermanus Primary School, Hermanus
• Excellence in Special Needs Leadership: Ms Yolanda Lupondo, Siviwe School of Skills, Gugulethu
• Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Mr Mark Agulhas, Elnor Primary School, Elsies River
• Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Mr John Matiso, Manzomthombo Secondary School, Mfuleni
• Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr Ridwan Samodien, Kannemeyer Primary School, Grassy Park

Teaching the way forward

MEC Maynier says that the awards is a way to build a network of innovative teachers, mentors and ground-breaking leaders – whose examples can teach and inspire. Premier Alan Winde, who also attended the celebrations said:

“Our teachers are so much more than just educators. They often have to act as counsellors, guardians, protectors and life coaches of sorts, offering our learners education, hope and guidance, sometimes under challenging circumstances. I urge all our educators to keep up with their invaluable work. Thank you to all our teachers for all they do for our children and education system; and a special congratulations to this evening’s winners.”