Natural sciences teacher at Rouxville Primary, Evelyn Moodley, and the principal of Blackheath High School, Antonio Michaels, were among 15 teachers honoured at the provincial leg of the National Teaching Awards on Friday 28 August.

Provincial Education Minister Jaco Londt told nominees that the strength of public services lay not in policies or plans but in people. “It lies in you, those who are dedicated to making a real difference.”

He said the awards recognised a calling rather than only lesson plans or matric results, celebrating teachers who arrive early to prepare extra reading lessons, Grade R teachers who create safe spaces, maths teachers who refuse to let learners believe they cannot do maths and principals who lead with compassion.

Natural sciences

Moodley is described as a dedicated and innovative natural-sciences teacher with more than 20 years’ experience who creates an inclusive, learner-centred classroom where every learner is valued, challenged and empowered to achieve.

Her teaching is strongly inquiry-based and practical, the motivation states, integrating digital literacy, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. Through science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, agriculture and coding initiatives she exposes learners to emerging technologies and science-related career paths, enabling them to compete in local and national events while connecting scientific concepts to real-world challenges.

She also takes part in the Western Cape Education Department’s professional development initiatives, including coding and robotics, back-on-track natural sciences and technology, the Primary Science Programme and STEM Club as well as the UbuntuHub PLC and partnerships with iThemba LABS. She shares her expertise through subject cluster meetings, webinars and conferences.

Moodley is also described as resilient, having, through more than two decades of teaching, using blended learning, digital platforms and consistent parent communication to maintain learning continuity and ensure curriculum coverage.

She also provides co-curricular and environmental leadership. As lead teacher of Rouxville Primary’s Environmental Club she oversees the school’s food garden and sustainability initiatives and encourages participation in science clubs, competitions, awareness campaigns, exhibitions, field trips and online tutoring.

Moodley also has an upcycling initiative, where learners turn worn clothing into useful items for charitable donation. She connects learners with innovative scientific opportunities.

Leadership

Michaels, principal of Blackheath High, received the award for “Excellence in Secondary School Leadership”.

The motivation notes he has shaped a clear vision for the school, which serves learners facing adverse socio-economic challenges. Michaels believes learners must “bloom where they are planted” as “sunflowers always turned towards the sun”, the “Sunflower Approach” setting a clear direction for the school.

Through systems thinking, strategic project delivery and individual learner support plans he has driven sustained academic excellence from the ground up.

He is also resilient, adaptable and deeply responsive to the school community, creating a safe, welcoming environment. He actively encourages learners to “dream with creativity and succeed with perseverance.” Through innovative leadership, he fosters a culture of lifelong learning, partners with organisations to enrich the lives of those he serves.

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