Western Cape learners, teachers excel at National Skills Competition

Western Cape learners and teachers took home 14 awards at the 2025 National Skills Competition, held from 8 to 9 October in Johannesburg.

This national event was presented by the Sasol Foundation and the Kagiso Trust, and brought together learners, teachers and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students from all nine provinces to showcase their technical and vocational talents across a wide range of disciplines.

Participants competed in real-world, industry-relevant tasks. The province’s learners achieved five awards with one category win, while its teachers achieved nine awards with five category wins.

Learner awards:

• Winner – EGD CAD (Engineering Graphics and Design using Computer-Aided Design): Joshua Eitner, DF Malan High School
• 2^ND Place – Power Systems: Kayden Chandler, Langenhoven Gymnasium
• 2^ND Place – EGD CAD: Jared Thompson, Brackenfell High School
• 3^RD Place – Automotive: Glody Bantu, Bellville Technical High School
• 3^RD Place – Electronics: Mogamad Kariem, Bellville Technical High School

Teacher awards:

• Winner – Wood working: Maghdi Achilles, Spes Bona Secondary
• Winner – Electronics: Neil Thomson, Bellville Technical High School
• Winner – EGD CAD: Wilque Hefer, Brackenfell High School
• Winner – EGD Instrument Drawing: Jacques Vermooten, Parelvallei High School
• Winner – Welding and Metalwork: Andrew Arends, Struisbaai School of Skills
• 2^ND Place: – Fitting & Machining: Darryl Koopman, Bellville Technical High School
• 3^RD Place – Civil Services: Jason Abrahams, Bellville Technical High School
• 3^RD Place – Automotive: Kevin Fortuin, Bellville Technical High School
• 3^RD Place – Power Systems: Izak Theron, Weston Secondary

Western Cape minister for Education, David Maynier released a statement on Sunday in which he applauded learners and teaching on the outstanding achievement, and said it was a testament to the hard work of the technical learners and teachers in the province. “These skills are vital to our economy and to ensuring that our learners are ready to move into further technical studies and employment after they matriculate.”

Nathan Joseph, Senior Curriculum Planner for Mechanical and Electrical Technology and lead organiser of the provincial competition, added his congratulations: “Our passionate and dedicated team of Western Cape learners and teachers gave their all. Their work was of high quality and reflected true commitment.”

“As we celebrate National Teachers Month, we highlight the passion and dedication of our teachers in the technical fields. They inspire their learners to achieve in national competitions and beyond, because behind every dream realised is a teacher who believed. Thank you for the support you give to our learners every day here in the Western Cape!,” Maynier concluded his statement.