Our Western Cape superstar teachers shine at National Teaching Awards!

9 October 2025 – Statement by Minister David Maynier, Minister of Education Western Cape

Our Western Cape teachers have shone with no less than FOUR first place winners at the 25^th annual National Teaching Awards!

The National Teaching Awards celebrate teaching excellence across the country, and this year’s edition took place on 9 October 2025 in Boksburg.

Our National Teaching Award winners are:

• WINNER – Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences: Lana Schreuder, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands)
   
• WINNER – Excellence in Special Needs Teaching: Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School, Brackenfell (Metro East)
   
• WINNER – Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Grades 1–6): Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel (Metro Central)

And this year, the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, invited learners to submit nominations for the most deserving teacher to receive the Minister’s Special Award. Charnelle Arendse from Belmor Primary School in Hanover Park (Metro Central) was selected as the WINNER, following a heartfelt nomination from one of her learners, Jade Amos!

A seasoned achiever, Charnelle was previously awarded 2^nd place in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category at the 2022 National Teaching Awards. 

Congratulations to our exceptional winners! Your department, schools, colleagues and learners are so proud of you. 

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!