Honouring the Western Cape’s top teachers

Statement by Minister Jaco Londt, Minister of Education Western Cape

“We don't need permission to give our best to our children – when their future demands nothing less.”

That is the belief of Athina Dennis – the winner of the Western Cape’s “National Best Teacher Award” for 2026, which captures the heart of what it means to be a teacher today.

On Friday, 28 August, Ms Dennis was honoured along with 14 top teachers at the National Teaching Awards Provincial Ceremony in Cape Town. These awards are an opportunity to celebrate our exceptional teachers whose innovation, passion and commitment shape the lives of learners and the future of our province.

Our 2026 Provincial winners are:

• Excellence in Grade R Teaching: Danielle Bosch, Koos Sadie Primary School, Goodwood (Metro North)
• Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6): Monique Basson, Forest Village Leadership Academy, Eerste River (Metro East)
• Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7): Ambrosia Pheiffer, Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo)
• Excellence in Primary School Leadership: Brenda Simani-Phike, Masiphumelele Primary School, Khayelitsha (Metro East)
• Excellence in Secondary School Teaching (Grades 8–12): Zerena Barendilla, Queen’s Park High School, Salt River (Metro Central)
• Excellence in Secondary School Leadership: Antonio Michaels, Blackheath High School, Blackheath (Metro East)
• Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching: Cindy Dreyer, Oudtshoorn School of Skills, Oudtshoorn (Eden and Central Karoo)
• Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership: Mthobi Fihla, Phakamisani Primary School, Plettenberg Bay (Eden and Central Karoo)
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET): Andhika Mahabeer, Edgemead Primary School, Edgemead (Metro North)
• Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET): Helena Kalp, Hoërskool Swartland, Malmesbury (West Coast)
• Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences: Evelyn Moodley, Rouxville Primary School, Kuils River (Metro East)
• Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Janine Makka, Atlantis Secondary School, Atlantis (Metro North)
• Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Hortense Stegmann, Laerskool Welgemoed, Welgemoed (Metro North)
• National Best Teacher Award: Athina Dennis, Oval North High School, Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain (Metro South)
• Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award: Gameeda Abrahams, Blomvlei Primary School, Hanover Park (Metro Central)

Congratulations to all the winners who will now go on to represent the Western Cape as nominees for the National Teaching Awards! 

You have already made us proud by showing up for our learners with dedication, support and love. We are positive that the national judging panel will see what we see: incredibly talented and hardworking individuals who deserve national recognition.

Well done to all the nominees and thank you to all our teachers for continuing to make a difference in the lives of our learners. The Western Cape is richer with you in it!