Athina Dennis, a Mechanical Technology teacher at Oval North Technical High School in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain, has been named provincial winner of the National Best Educator Award for 2026.

Dennis qualified as a Red Seal Welder at John Thompson, a division of ACTOM, before completing a National Professional Diploma in Education. She teaches Mechanical Technology at the Metro South district school.

She achieved a 100% National Senior Certificate pass rate with her learners since 2018, and 52% of her learners have been placed in industry. Placements include companies such as the Oceana Group and John Thompson.

Encouraging girls in technical subjects

Dennis encourages girls to pursue technical subjects, breaking gender barriers by serving as a role model. She became the first female Western Cape Education Department chief marker for Mechanical Technology (Welding and Metalwork) in the NSC examinations.

She shares her lessons with learners and fellow educators on TikTok.

Dennis founded Athina’s Artistry, a South African non-profit organisation and social enterprise, which mentors youth and women in welding and technical trades to help them create sustainable careers. The foundation’s website has more than 100 000 views.

Through her networks, she secures apprenticeships and real-world placements for alumni.

Awards and recognition

In 2025, Dennis won the Christian Women Entrepreneur Network in Africa (CWENA) Award in the category of Leadership in Service of Skills Development. She was also honoured by Good Hope FM with the Warrior Woman Award, and was nominated for the Sunday World Heroic Women Award 2025.

Her work has been featured in various newspapers and magazines.

Dennis lives by her motto: “We don’t need permission to give our best to our children – when their future demands nothing less.” She also says: “Replace weapons with welding machines.”

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