Celebrating teaching excellence: Western Cape educators shine at National Teaching Awards
The Western Cape continues to lead by example in nurturing education, with a remarkable group of teachers receiving national recognition for their dedication, innovation, and impact on learners’ lives at the 25th annual National Teaching Awards.
The National Teaching Awards celebrate teaching excellence across the country.
From special needs classrooms to life skills, physical sciences, and primary education, these educators embody the passion and commitment required to transform young lives.
Chantelle Carstens of Paarl School in Brackenfell was honoured for Excellence in Special Needs Teaching.
“Personally, winning this award is overwhelming and deeply humbling. It fills me with gratitude and pride, and it reassures me that the dedication, patience, and care I pour into my learners every day truly matter,” she said. “Professionally, this award is both recognition and motivation.
“It validates my teaching approach, inspires me to continue innovating, and gives me the confidence to share best practices with colleagues.”
Carstens has been teaching for eight years, describing her journey as a calling.
“I didn’t choose special needs education it chose me… They teach me, without knowing it, about life. About what really is important. They remind me that teaching is about helping each child believe in their own potential.”
Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of her work, she added, “It is such a privilege to work with differently abled learners. This is my purpose in life.” Looking forward, she hopes to advocate for inclusive teaching practices and mentor fellow educators, carrying forward a commitment to ensure every learner reaches their full potential.
Ammarah Ford-Pieters of Cedar Primary School in Bonteheuwel was recognised for Excellence in Teaching Life Skills.
“Winning this award is a testimony to the hard work I’ve poured into my teaching. It’s also a message to my learners, that I once sat in the same school benches they sit in today… and through perseverance and passion, I’ve been able to reach beyond the borders of Bonteheuwel,” she said.
Ford-Pieters’ inspiration comes from her own journey, growing up in Bonteheuwel alongside her twin sister. “I had teachers who made me realise just how important it is for every child to feel seen, supported, and believed in. That experience inspired me to become the kind of teacher who makes learners feel valued and capable.”
Her motivation comes from witnessing learners grow from struggling to achieving excellence: “Teaching in South Africa today certainly comes with challenges… but their drive, curiosity, and resilience keep me passionate about giving my best every day.”
She hopes for education in South Africa to remain a national priority, where teachers are supported, learners are empowered, and schools nurture excellence, pride, and purpose.
At Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch, Lana Schreuder received the award for Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences.
“I am honoured and extremely grateful to win the award as I believe it recognises my passion, effort and dedication to science education, to my learners and to my school,” Schreuder said.
“But I am also humbled as I am aware of so many excellent Physical Sciences teachers… I merely represent all the teachers who are passionate about teaching Physical Sciences and who inspire their learners to excel in their own way.”
Now in her 19th year of teaching, Schreuder said she is fuelled by the “light bulb” moments when learners grasp difficult concepts, and by seeing them enjoy practical experiments.
Her recent Master’s research addressed science anxiety, equipping her to make Physical Sciences more engaging and enjoyable. Schreuder’s vision is to empower young women in science, giving them the confidence to pursue STEM careers and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Charnelle Arendse of Belmor Primary School in Hanover Park was selected for the Minister’s Special Award following a heartfelt nomination from her learner, Jade Amos.
The Minister’s Award in Teaching is a unique category within South Africa’s National Teaching Awards (NTA), established by the Minister of Basic Education.
Often referred to as a “people’s choice” award, it allows current public school learners to nominate teachers who have made an exceptional, meaningful, and lasting impact on their lives.
“The Ministerial Award is truly an award of another kind,” she said. “It is incredibly special because it is the echo of my learners’ hearts being acknowledged nationally.”
Now in her 15th year of teaching, Arendse grew up in Hanover Park, navigating the challenges of gangsterism and poverty.
She described school and the library as her “passport into another porthole”, a pathway to transform the lives of her learners.
“Teachers stand as architects of change… It is my mission to open that porthole of possibility to my learners,” she said.
Arendse’s proudest moments include mentoring young authors and touching the life of a former learner, Farhaanah, whose determination in the face of cancer underscored the lasting impact a teacher can have. Arendse continues to pioneer projects promoting care and compassion, including Sow-A-Sandwich, Sole Mates, Sanitary Savvy, and The Care Closet.
“I am eternally grateful to my learner, Jade Amos, for reminding me that teaching is truly a work of heart,” she said.
Western Cape Education Department MEC David Maynier congratulated the group.
“We appreciate the incredible contribution that every one of our province’s teachers make to the future of our children.
“Behind every dream realised is a teacher who believed.
“Thank you for the work you do every day to support the children of the Western Cape!”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za