Teachers at Mitchell’s Plain schools were the biggest group of winners at a recent awards event.
The teachers took home eight first prizes out of the 26 categories at the Metro South Education District’s Enrichment Awards.
The ceremony was held on Friday 24 October at Zwaanswyk Academy in Retreat and teachers from West End, Liesbeeck, Perseverance, Caradale, Meadowridge, Eastville, Yellowwood and Eisleben Road primary schools all won prizes, as well as Westridge High School and Beacon School for Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN).
Among the winning teachers at Mitchell’s Plain schools, West End took home the most first prize trophies. Clive Arries took home first place for Supportive Principal of the Year, while Victor Kelly of Perseverance was the runner-up. Junaid Booysen won Creative Arts Personality of the Year and Rozalia Davadoss won Excellence in Social Cohesive Programmes, for which Chante Bam at Liesbeeck Primary School was the runner-up.
West End also won School Enrichment School of the Year, for which Beacon LSEN was the runner-up. Beacon LSEN won Inclusive School of the Year.
Dawn Cockerill at Caradale won Teacher Administrator of the Year, Chesray Sauls at Yellowwood won Conductor of the Year and Wendy Claasen at Eisleben won Female Coach of the Year.
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Meadowridge’s school soccer team won School Team of the Year and the school was second runner-up for Sports School of the Year.
Runners up included Mark Jeneker was for Visual Arts Teacher of the Year and West End for the Developing Sports Team of the Year. Eastville was second runner-up for Choreographer of the Year and Westridge High School for Creative Arts School of the Year.
Celebrating teachers
Provincial education department spokesperson Millicent Merton said the event was part of National Teachers’ Month celebrations.
“It has been heartwarming to see various initiatives this month by learners, parents, schools, districts and organisations to show teachers how much they are valued and to thank them for the support, care and love that they show every day to the children of the Western Cape,” said Merton. She said the Enrichment Awards was aimed at recognising excellence in sport, the arts, social cohesion, and inclusive educational activities.
The winners were among 105 nominations in the district.
Former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was the keynote speaker. He emphasised the vital role teachers play in transforming lives, particularly in underserved communities.
Other special guests included Emo Adams, Shaun D (leader of the Take Note Band), Laurian Haupt (assistant Springbok Women’s coach), and JP Duminy.
Adams posted on social media that he was moved by the awards evening as it was a poignant reminder of the role teachers have played in shaping the trajectory of his life.
Closing performer Ndilisa Goba said: “I was deeply moved by the spirit of celebration, which offered well-deserved recognition to the teachers who dedicate their lives to shaping young minds and nurturing hidden talents.”
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