A local mathematics teacher described winning the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET) as “an incredibly humbling and emotional experience”.

Edgemead Primary School teacher Andhika Mahabeer was one of the provincial winners at the recently held 2026 National Teaching Awards.

Grateful

Asked how she felt about winning her award, she said: “I felt deeply honoured to have my work in mathematics recognised at provincial level because as teachers we never think about recognition.When I heard myself named the provincial winner I felt a mixture of excitement, gratitude and disbelief.

“However, it also became a powerful moment of reflection. It allowed me to recognise my growth, refine my approach and take pride in the work I do.

“This recognition is far more than a personal achievement. It is a celebration of every learner who has embraced the challenge of mathematics with courage, every colleague who has supported and inspired me and every opportunity I’ve had to make mathematics meaningful, engaging, and accessible.”

Ceremony

The 26th National Teaching Awards were held on Friday 28 August.

The WCED congratulated all the winners and thanked them for their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to quality education in the province. It also wished them all the best as they went on to represent the province as nominees at the National Teaching Awards in October.

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