Linge learners scoop prize money for their school and peers

A group of learners from Linge Primary School in Nyanga walked away as the winners of the inaugural Improve My School challenge, and in the process bagged R20 000 for their school.

The learners overcame a stiff contest from several schools, including runners-up Constantia Primary, Lourier Primary and Zwaanswyk Academy. The winners were declared during a Prescient Leadership Summit at the Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology in Retreat on Saturday 21 June. The challenge is part of the Prescient Foundation’s broader Made4More programme, an initiative focussed on educating youth by equipping them with the knowledge and skill to lead with purpose and confidence. It is a youth-led campaign celebrating young South Africans as drivers of change. A total of 11 prefects from schools that are beneficiaries of the Foundation were invited to submit proposals on how they would transform their schools.

The proposals not only highlighted the significant needs that exist but also demonstrated that these learners recognise those needs and are committed to making a difference. The proposals were judged on creativity, sustainability and long-term impact.

Judges hailed the Linge learners for their idea to improve classroom conditions. They proposed the purchase of new whiteboards, additional stationery supplies for under-resourced learners, and improved lighting in classrooms – simple yet highly impactful changes aimed at creating a more comfortable and effective learning environment.

“The calibre of entries has been truly inspiring,” says Meryl Bendie, Programme facilitator of the Prescient Foundation. “This initiative is a powerful reflection of what we stand for — enhancing lives and communities for a sustainable future. By giving young people a platform to pay it forward and lead change, we’re investing in South Africa’s next generation of leaders.”

Meanwhile, the process to identify top teachers in the province shifted to another gear recently when district winners for this year’s National Teaching Awards (NTA) were announced. The awards are currently celebrating 24 years of existence. The NTA scheme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education (DBE) acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers, often in very difficult conditions. Provincial winners will be announced on Friday 15 August with the national awards scheduled for Thursday 9 October.

One of the district winners and former Khanya Primary School principal Nomabisa Ndidi, told City Vision that she’s been dedicated to teaching for 30 years, starting as a class teacher and progressively moving into leadership roles as a department head, deputy principal, and now as principal.

She pursued her studies at Good Hope College in Khayelitsha and completed her Primary Teachers Diploma in 1994.

“My passion for teaching sparked at a very young age. I remember clearly always playing the role of a teacher, and in primary school, I loved reading aloud to others. It felt like my natural calling to guide and inspire young minds.

“My journey began and blossomed at Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele, Fish Hoek, where I served for 20 years. This was a transformative period for me and for the school. I arrived in 1995 when the school was just starting with minimal facilities, and I was fortunate to be involved in its foundational development and incredible growth. During my time at Ukhanyo, I was involved in numerous projects that made an impact to the school and the community,” she recalled.

In 2022 she encountered her most challenging leadership role during her time as Principal at Khanya Primary in Philippi’s Samora Machel.

“Here I learnt to work remotely from the district office due to safety concerns. Despite these challenges I remained fully operative emphasising the importance of resilience. My journey then led me to my current role, starting in 2023, as Curator Principal at Perivale Primary School.

“Stepping into a new community with a different cultural and linguistic background alongside diverse religions – presented another unique challenge,” she said.

This year marked Ndidi’s first time entering the teaching awards.

“I honestly doubted myself at first. However, Circuit Manager Mrs Jafta, nominated and really motivated me to give it a try. I decided to trust her judgment, believing she saw potential in me that I might not have fully recognized myself. I’m so glad I did,” she said. Her future goals during her current tenure as principal is: “to help build a generation of confident, capable, and compassionate young people from Lotus River who will not only succeed personally but also positively contribute to their community and beyond regardless of their backgrounds.”