WCED wins big at the National Teaching Awards! | Western Cape Education Department
WCED wins big at the National Teaching Awards!

WCED wins big at the National Teaching Awards!

22 October 2021

On 6 October 2021, we watched online in anticipation as they announced the National Teaching Award winners and runners up at a ceremony in Gauteng.

And the event did not disappoint! Our provincial nominees did us extremely proud with exceptional results.

Our nominees who placed in the top three nationally for their categories are:

  • Best Teacher Award (new category): Dr Mariëtte Wheeler, Protea Heights Academy, Brackenfell – WINNER
  • Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Ms Renate van der Westhuizen, Apex High School, Blue Downs, Eerste River - WINNER
  • Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Mr Jevonn Cloete, Rusthof LSEN School, Rusthof, Strand - WINNER
  • Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences (FET): Ms Danielle van Eck, Protea Heights Academy, Brackenfell – SECOND PLACE
  • Excellence in Technology–Enhanced, Teaching and Learning Award: Ms Nikki Potgieter, La Rochelle Girls’ Primary School, Paarl – SECOND PLACE
  • Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Ms Cecilia de Vries, Langebaanweg Primary School, Langebaan – THIRD PLACE
  • Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Ms Anthea Williams, Dorothea School, Stellenbosch – THIRD PLACE
  • S/Hero Award (new category): Mr Chadley Davids, Protea Heights Academy, Brackenfell – THIRD PLACE
  • National Learner Award (companion award to the NTAs): Mr Alessio Marcus, Beacon Hill High School, Beacon Hill, Mitchells Plain – THIRD PLACE

It is quite something for our province to have 9 of our 14 nominees place in the top three nationally.

“They have all made us extremely proud, whether they won their category or not,” said Minister Debbie Schafer.

“We will celebrate them, and the contribution of all the committed teachers of the Western Cape, for the entire month of October. Teachers truly are the backbone of society and I urge all Western Cape residents to join us in our #ThankATeacher campaign, and recognise the profound impact they continue to have on our lives.”

“Previous winners of these awards have gone on to do really great things in education, and we have no doubt that these will as well.  Congratulations – we are SUPER proud of you,” she said.