Western Cape teachers shine at the National Teaching Awards

Statement by Minister David Maynier, Minister of Education Western Cape

Our phenomenal Western Cape teachers have done it again! Four of our provincial nominees have placed in the top 3 nationally at the National Teaching Awards.

The awards were held in Tshwane this morning, coinciding with World Teachers’ Day. These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work that teachers in our public schools do every day, and to recognise excellent teaching practice.

Our top achieving teachers are:

• 1st runner up – Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Mr Cyril Goldstone, Bloubergrant High School, Blouberg Rise, Cape Town
• 1st runner up – Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Ms Shanley Amy Cyster, Rietenbosch Primary School, Cloetesville, Stellenbosch
• 2nd runner up – Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7): Mr Dillon Henwood, Elnor Primary School, Elsies River 
• 2nd runner up – Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Mr Mzoliswa Michael Mavovana, Hector Petersen Secondary School, Wallacedene, Kraaifontein  

Congratulations to these outstanding teachers on their achievement! We cannot wait to see what great heights they will achieve in the future.

Global Teacher Prize

We have some more good news: Dr Mariette Wheeler of Protea Heights Academy, Brackenfell, has been selected as one of the top 50 finalists in the Global Teacher Prize.

Dr Wheeler won the award for Best Teacher at the 2021 National Teaching Awards, and went on to be nominated by the Department of Basic Education for the global competition. We are thrilled that she has made the top 50, and wish her all the best for the final announcement later this year!

Read more about the prize and Dr Wheeler’s achievement here: https://globalteacherprize.org/news/global-teacher-prize-finalists/2023-finalists-global-teacher-prize/1150/1150-Mariette-Wheeler

#ThankaTeacher campaign

October is Teacher Appreciation Month, and we want to thank the incredible teachers of the Western Cape for the love and support they give to our children every day.

We encourage everyone to participate in our #ThankaTeacher campaign, by sharing their words of appreciation for a teacher on social media, using the hashtag so that teachers can view them and see how much we collectively value them.

Read about the campaign here: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/news/thankateacher-social-media-during-october

#ThankaTeacher today!

Media Enquiries:
Kerry Mauchline
Spokesperson to Minister David Maynier
Western Cape Ministry of Education
Kerry.Mauchline@westerncape.gov.za