Western Cape teachers excel at the National Teaching Awards
National Teachers awards sees Hanover Park teacher, Charnelle Arendse as the winner in the Ministerial Special award, along with the learner Jade Amos who nominated her.
Image: supplied
Western Cape teachers have shone with no less than four first place winners at the 25th annual National Teaching Awards.
The National Teaching Awards celebrates teaching excellence across the country, and this year’s edition took place on October 9 in Boksburg.
Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, invited learners to submit nominations for the most deserving teacher to receive the Minister’s Special Award.
Charnelle Arendse from Belmor Primary School in Hanover Park (Metro Central) was selected as the winner, following a heartfelt nomination from one of her learners, Jade Amos.
MEC for Education in the province, David Maynier said: “A seasoned achiever, Charnelle was previously awarded 2nd place in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category at the 2022 National Teaching Awards.
“Congratulations to our exceptional winners! Your department, schools, colleagues and learners are so proud of you.
Western Cape learners and teachers have also delivered an exceptional performance at the National Skills Competition held in Johannesburg, walking off with 14 awards.
Image: Supplied
“We appreciate the incredible contribution that every one of our province’s teachers make to the future of our children.
The National Teaching Award winners are: Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Lana Schreuder, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands), Special Needs Teaching: Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School, Brackenfell (Metro East), Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6): Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel (Metro Central).
Western Cape learners and teachers have also delivered an exceptional performance at the National Skills Competition held in Johannesburg, walking off with 14 awards.
Maynier said the awards which took place between October 8 and 9, was a true testament of the dedication that they had showcased.
“Our Western Cape learners and teachers have delivered an exceptional performance by winning 14 awards at the 2025 National Skills Competition, held from 8 to 9 October in Johannesburg,” he said.
He said this national event was presented by the Sasol Foundation and the Kagiso Trust, and brought together learners, teachers and 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, and our learners achieved 5 awards with 1 category win, while our teachers achieved 9 awards with 5 category wins.
Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School : National Teaching Awards.
Image: Supplied
For the Learner awards, the winners include: EGD CAD: Joshua Eitner, DF Malan High School, 2nd: Power Systems: Kayden Chandler, Langenhoven Gymnasium, 2nd:EGD CAD: Jared Thompson, Brackenfell High School, 3rd: Automotive: Glody Bantu, Bellville Technical High School and 3rd:Electronics: Mogamad Kariem, Bellville Technical High School.
For the Teacher awards in the skill category: In Wood working: Maghdi Achilles, Spes Bona Secondary, Electronics: Neil Thomson, Bellville Technical High School, EGD CAD: Wilque Hefer, Brackenfell High School, EGD Instrument Drawing: Jacques Vermooten, Parelvallei High School, Welding and Metalwork: Andrew Arends, Struisbaai School of Skills, 2nd:Fitting & Machining: Darryl Koopman, Bellville Technical High School, 3rd: Civil Services: Jason Abrahams, Bellville Technical High School, 3rd: Automotive: Kevin Fortuin, Bellville Technical High School and 3rd: Power Systems: Izak Theron, Weston Secondary.
Nathan Joseph, Senior Curriculum Planner for Mechanical and Electrical Technology and lead organiser of the provincial competition, added: “Our passionate and dedicated team of Western Cape learners and teachers gave their all."
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