Mitchell's Plain teachers triumph at the district National Teaching Awards 2025

Mitchell’s Plain teachers once again achieved excellence during the Metro South education district leg of the National Teaching Awards 2025, which took place at Zwaanswyk Academy on Friday, June 20.

Meadowridge Primary’s Marike De La Guerra won the National Best Teacher Award, while Stacy Theunissen of Spineview Primary achieved first runner-up.

Ms Theunissen said being recognised in this category constitutes more than just a personal achievement."

“It is a reminder that the small, consistent efforts – offering a listening ear, encouraging a struggling learner, believing in a child who doesn’t yet believe in themselves – truly matter.

“It reaffirms that every lesson taught, every connection made, and every challenge overcome has been part of something much bigger,” she said.

Spineview Primary’s Michaela Coordom was named winner in the Life Skills Teaching category, with West End Primary’s Anthonia Felix named as first runner-up.

Ms Coordom said winning this teacher award two years in a row was an overwhelming and humbling moment.

"It’s more than a personal milestone; it’s a reflection of the passion, dedication, and collective growth shared between myself, my learners, and my school.” she said.

Elam Nyembezi of Paramount High was named first runner-up in the Natural Science Teaching category, while Awona Siokwana of Meadowridge Primary was named second runner-up.

Cheryl Muller, principal of Beacon School for learners with special educational needs (LSEN), won the Special Needs Leadership category.

Princeton High’s Ismail Meyer won the Kadar Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award, while Summerdale High’s Waldilene Folding clinched first place in the Teaching Mathematics (GET) category.

Beacon LSEN’s Zelia van Rooyen won the Special Needs Teaching category, and Shaheeda Panday from Lentegeur LSEN was named first runner-up.

West End Primary’s Andrea Papier and Chanté Ross were named first and second runners-up, respectively, in the Grade R Teaching category.

“These awards are a testament to the exceptional quality of teaching and learning taking place at West End Primary School.

“The school community is especially proud of all its colleagues' achievements and the recognition they have received for the outstanding work they do for learners and the community.

“Each nomination and award represents countless hours of dedicated service, innovative thinking, and genuine care for learner development,” said West End principal Clive Arries.

Harvester Primary’s Schereta Daniels was first runner-up in the Primary School Leadership category, while Spineview Primary School Mushfeeqa Petersen was second runner-up.

Ms Petersen said her recognition represents the collective effort of every student, colleague and community member who have been part of her journey.

“To be recognised at a district level among so many inspiring peers reminds me that leadership is not about titles or positions, but about impact, the ability to inspire growth, empower others, and create lasting change in a school community,” she said.

All the district winners will be considered for the provincial leg of the National Teaching Awards, with adjudication taking place from 23  to 29 July.

West End Primary’s Clive Arries and Ziyaad Noordien are joining this year’s provincial awards as adjudicators in the Primary School Leadership and Natural Science Teaching categories, respectively.