Cape Town - Teachers who relentlessly pursue excellence have been recognised at the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) 24th Teaching Awards ceremony.
The annual celebratory event, held on Saturday, honoured teachers who go above and beyond to serve the schooling community.
Education MEC David Mayier described 2024 as a tough year for schools, considering the natural disasters and violent incidents that occurred in and around the school fraternity.
“There has never been a time when it has been more important to recognise what our teachers have achieved despite the hardships.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the teachers of the Western Cape for everything that you do, every day, for the children of the Western Cape,” he said.
Derek Swart, 63, won the Kader
Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award.
The humble headmaster of Paarl Boys’ High School has been teaching for over 40 years and said he would do it again in a heartbeat.
“This was like an early birthday present for me. It is good to know that the work I put in is being appreciated, though this is not about the limelight.”
Swart, who was braaing with his family when the media contacted him yesterday, said he only had the “Good Lord” to thank for his award.
“The dream started in standard 6. I had teachers that I thought, no, I deserve better than this, then I had teachers who really motivated me to go out there.
“That’s what I wanted to do. I did not just want to teach, I wanted to drive learners to be the best and show them the way to go.”
Teacher Heather van Staden was awarded the Excellence in Grade R Teaching.
She is described as an energetic and motivated educator who fills her classroom and the community with her vibrant personality, knowledge, and skills.
Van Staden lives by the motto: “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
The Best Teacher Award went to Tuscany Glen Primary School’s very own Llewellyn Van der Ross.
Van der Ross said yesterday that the reality still hadn’t kicked in.
“I feel overwhelmed, I am happy, it's a jumble of emotions, the messages, the support!
“I went into this competition at district and never expected at provincial because it’s a very big accolade, now there is a great amount of joy, that somehow, somewhat I made an impact and my work is recognised for it.
“This makes one want to do even better, to teach, mould and shape.”
There are 15 provincial winners who will go on to represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards in October.
Cape Argus