Five national titles for Team Western Cape

Five national titles for Team Western Cape

7 October 2026

Team Western Cape secured 18 podium places, including five first-place finishes, at the 2026 National Skills Competition, held from 30 September to 2 October.

The results showcased the province’s technical and vocational talent on the national stage. 

Learners and teachers from across South Africa tackled real-world challenges that tested their expertise, problem-solving abilities and precision. Presented by the Sasol Foundation and Kagiso Trust, the competition also helped participants develop valuable skills for future careers and entrepreneurship.

Nathan Joseph, Senior Curriculum Planner for Electrical and Mechanical Technology, summed up the team’s performance: “We no longer call ourselves Team Western Cape. We call ourselves Team Winning Cape.”

Western Cape Minister of Education, Jaco Londt, said: “I am incredibly proud of our learners and teachers who have made the Western Cape shine at the National Skills Competition. This achievement shows what is possible when we invest in technical and vocational skills that prepare our young people for the world of work."

Prize winners:

Teachers

1. Heino Kesonk – second place, Automotive (Eden THS)
2. Kevin Van der Byl – second place, Fitting & Machining (St. Andrews Sec. School)
3. Jason Abrahams – first place, Civil Services (Bellville THS)
4. Maghdi Achilles – first place, Woodworking (Oude Molen THS)
5. Izak Theron – third place, Power Systems (Weston Sec School)
6. Marlene Fourie – third place, Digital Systems (Parklands College)
7. Neil Thomson – first place, Electronics (Bellville THS)
8. Wimpie Kleynhans – third place, Engineering Graphics and Design (Drostdy THS)
9. Janeen Jansen – third place, Computer Aided Design (Oude Molen THS) 

Learners

1. Shihan Huang – third place, Digital Systems (Parklands College)
2. Noah Teague – second place, Digital Systems (Wynberg Boys HS)
3. Jack Maclear – first place, Electronics (Wynberg Boys HS)
4. Luca Nel – third place, Woodworking (Bellville HS)
5. Zane Blauw – third place, Automotive (Proteus Sec. School)
6. Janco Kellerman – first place, Automotive (Drostdy THS)
7. Erich Malan – second place, Fitting & Machining (Langenhoven Gymnasium)
8. Henry Burden – third place, Engineering Graphics and Design (Hopefield HS)
9. Emma Coetzee – second place, Computer Aided Drawing (La Rochelle Girls HS) 

Congratulations to every member of Team Western Cape whose dedication, skill and determination contributed to this exceptional achievement.