CAPE TOWN – The Western Cape’s most outstanding teachers were recognised on Friday at the 2025 Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards, held in Cape Town.
In their 25th year, the Awards have once again provided the opportunity to celebrate excellence in teaching, with 15 outstanding educators who exemplify dedication and innovation in their classrooms.
The provincial awards serve as a crucial stepping stone for educators across the Western Cape, with all winners advancing as nominees for the National Teaching Awards which will be held on 9 October. The awards celebrate the incredible work that teachers in public schools do every day, highlighting excellence across multiple educational categories from Grade R through Grade 12, as well as special needs education and educational leadership.
Award winners
The 2025 Provincial Teaching Award recipients are:
Charles Mokoena from Dirk Boshoff Primary School in Uniondale took the Excellence in Grade R Teaching award, while Ammarah Ford-Pieters of Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel, was recognised for Excellence in Teaching Life Skills.
In primary education categories, Domé Swart from Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South, won Excellence in Primary School Teaching, with Roché Witbooi of Concordia Primary School, Knysna, taking the leadership award.
Secondary school honours went to Fiona Blanchard from Crystal Secondary School, Hanover Park, for teaching excellence, and Hendrik Smith of Hoërskool Langenhoven, Riversdale, for leadership.
Special needs education was represented by Chantelle Carstens from Paarl School, Brackenfell, and Alsje Schoeman of Oudtshoorn School of Skills.
Mathematics education awards were split between Mariska Niemand from Altena Primary School, Strand (GET phase), and Charissa Shay-Sithole of Apex High School, Eerste River (FET phase).
Science education recognition went to Demi Michelle Potts from Kretzenshoop Primary School, George (Natural Sciences), and Lana Schreuder of Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Physical Sciences).
Kirsten Tomé from Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna, was honoured for Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning.
The prestigious National Best Teacher Award was presented to Wedaad Esau of Bridgeville Primary School, Bridgetown, while Lorinda Rinkwest from Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South, received the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards recognised educators from across all education districts, including Metro Central, Metro North, Metro East, Eden and Central Karoo, and Cape Winelands.
Recognition of educational excellence
Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier praised the dedication of all educators across the province at Friday’s ceremony.
“These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work that teachers in our public schools do every day,” Maynier said, emphasising the vital role educators play in shaping the province’s future.
Maynier expressed confidence in the Western Cape’s representation at the national level, noting the exceptional calibre of teaching talent in the province. With this being the 25th year of the awards, Maynier highlighted how the recognition continues to elevate the teaching profession and acknowledge those who go above and beyond in their commitment to learner success.
“We thank all of our teachers for their hard work over the past year, and for the dedication, support, and love that they show to our learners every day in the Western Cape.”
