CAPE'S TOP ONNIES CELEBRATED

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher  demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” 

This is a quote by American writer, William Arthur Ward, which Provincial MEC for Education, David Maynier referred to as he announced the province’s 15 top teachers at the 2025 Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards on Friday.

The event was held at The Westin Cape Town, where the top three positions for each category were announced.

The 2025 Provincial Teaching Award winners are: Charles Mokoena, Dirk Boshoff Primary School, Uniondale (Eden and Central Karoo), Ammarah Ford-Pieters, Cedar Primary School, Bonteheuwel, Domé Swart, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South, Roché Witbooi, Concordia Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo), Fiona Blanchard, Crystal Secondary School, Hanover Park (Metro Central), Hendrik Smith, Hoërskool Langenhoven, Riversdale (Eden and Central Karoo), Chantelle Carstens, Paarl School, Brackenfell (Metro East), Alsje Schoeman, Oudtshoorn School of Skills, Oudtshoorn (Eden and Central Karoo), Mariska Niemand, Altena Primary School, Strand (Metro East), Charissa Shay-Sithole, Apex High School, Eerste River (Metro East)

The list also included: Demi Michelle Potts, Kretzenshoop Primary School, George (Eden and Central Karoo), Lana Schreuder, Rhenish Girls’ High School, Stellenbosch (Cape Winelands), Kirsten Tomé, Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna (Eden and Central Karoo), Wedaad Esau, Bridgeville Primary school, Bridgetown (Metro Central) and Lorinda Rinkwest, Kasselsvlei Primary School, Bellville South (Metro North).

The teachers will represent the province as nominees for the National Teaching Awards which will take place on October 9 2025.

Maynier said the teachers were a true example of inspiration for children: “What could be greater than inspiring our children, who are the future of our country? 

“We must develop our teachers, because when we develop our teachers, we develop our children.