With more than two decades in education, Evelyn Moodley is redefining what it means to be a teacher. A Natural Sciences educator at Rouxville Primary School, an artist, a published author and a former fashion-design enthusiast, she brings creativity, innovation and purpose to everything she does. Recognised in the Western Cape for Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences, she is now being honoured at the Influential Awards 2026 – Cape Town Region.

For Evelyn, teaching goes far beyond the curriculum. It is about discovering potential and giving every learner the chance to shine — whether in the arts, on the sports field or in academics.

Where science meets creativity

Evelyn’s classroom is a vibrant meeting place for science, technology, the arts and life skills. She weaves coding, robotics, environmental education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals into her lessons, encouraging learners to question, create, investigate and solve real-world problems.

Her learners have taken part in science competitions, astronomy and marine initiatives, international opportunities and publishing projects — proof that a classroom in a resource-constrained community can become a gateway to the global stage.

Nurturing the whole child

Creativity sits at the centre of Evelyn’s philosophy. In her care, learners sew, knit, cook, bake, sculpt, paint, act, dance and sing. Through these experiences she builds confidence and practical skills, and helps every child recognise the talents within them.

Beyond the school day

Evelyn goes the extra mile to make sure circumstances never limit her learners. She set up after-hours WhatsApp study and project groups with parents, believing strong communication between home and school is key to success.

She reaches out to businesses for sponsorships so learners can go on trips and have experiences they might otherwise miss. And when her learners can’t go out into the world, she brings the world to them — with mini aquariums, reptile lessons and other hands-on experiences.

A heart for service

Her influence reaches beyond the school gates too. Through pastoral ministry, charity initiatives and family outreach, Evelyn has long served her community with feeding programmes, children’s activities, visits to the elderly and support for vulnerable families.

Her generosity has become contagious. Parents contribute what they can, and learners willingly share — some even using their own pocket money — so that no child goes without.

Lighting the way for others

Evelyn’s commitment to empowering others was recognised at a Women’s Leadership Conference, where she shared her message, “Lighting the Way for Others,” with women from many different sectors.

She has also contributed to STEAM education through the Future African Space Explorers’ STEM Academy, connecting learners with opportunities beyond South Africa.

A legacy in the making

Evelyn’s work has earned recognition at both district and provincial level, but she measures success differently. Every learner who discovers a talent, finds their voice, grows in confidence or sees a future beyond their circumstances is a victory.

Her greatest influence lives on in those learners — young people unlocking their potential and stepping confidently onto the global stage.

Why Evelyn Moodley is Influential

The Influential Awards honour South Africans whose impact reaches far beyond their own success. Evelyn Moodley’s impact is written into the lives of every child she has taught, encouraged and believed in. For her, true leadership isn’t about standing in the spotlight — it is about lighting the way for others to step into theirs.

Evelyn will be honoured at the Influential Awards 2026 – Cape Town, taking place on Sunday, 29 November 2026 at the Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone.

Congratulations, Evelyn — and thank you for lighting the way.

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Connect with Evelyn Moodley

Rouxville Primary School