Nominations for the 2025 National Teaching Awards are open!

13 April 2025 – Statement by Minister David Maynier, Minister of Education Western Cape

Nominations for the 2025 National Teaching Awards are now open until 16 May 2025! 

The National Teaching Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate teaching excellence, and to appreciate the outstanding work done by our teachers in public schools each year. 

All teachers, School Governing Bodies, and district officials are invited to submit nominations to their principals or centre managers. 

A minute with the nomination guide and relevant application will be sent to all schools, and details are also available on the WCED website. This includes a step-by-step guide to completing the nomination form:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/national-teaching-awards

The categories for this year are:

• Excellence in Grade R Teaching
• Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7)
• Excellence in Primary School Leadership
• Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12)
• Excellence in Secondary School Leadership
• Excellence in Special Needs Teaching
• Excellence in Special Needs School Leadership 
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET)
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET)
• Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences
• Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences
• Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6)
• Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning
• National Best Teacher Award
• Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award

The Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards will take place in August, and our 15 provincial winners in these categories will then go on to be our nominees for the national awards ceremony due to take place during October. 

We encourage every teacher to participate in the awards, so that we can celebrate their dedication, care and love for the children of the Western Cape!

Read more about our 2024 provincial winners here:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/2024-national-teaching-awards-provincial-winners