Three educators from the Western Cape region won first place in their respective categories at the annual National Teacher Awards held in Johannesburg. Among the fifteen teachers representing the Western Cape at the ceremony on October 1, 2026, were Mtobi Phikhela from Fakamasani Primary School in Plettenberg Bay, Daniel Bosch from Kuus Seidi Primary School in Goodwood, and Hortense Stegmann from Velgemud Primary School.
Phikhela received an award for Excellence in Leading Inclusive Education, while Bosch was recognized as a national winner in the category of Excellence in Grade R Teaching. Stegmann received an award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching with Technology.
The National Teacher Awards recognize outstanding achievements among teachers across South Africa. The Department of Basic Education reported that the 2026 ceremony featured 15 categories.
The Minister of Education for the Western Cape, Jacob Londt, congratulated the three national winners, as well as representatives from other provinces.
Mtobi Phikhela emphasized the importance of inclusive education in preventing students from being left behind. He stated that inclusive education is critical for modern schools because no student should be excluded. Furthermore, inclusive education helps avoid the stigmatization of students who attend specialized schools for specific needs.
He also highlighted the necessity of teaching children and recognizing their progress at their own pace.
Daniel Bosch, who won the Excellence in Grade R Teaching category, focused on the importance of establishing a clear daily routine. She noted that a well-planned routine and daily schedule contribute to effective classroom management, which in turn promotes active student engagement in their own learning.
Hortense Stegmann, representing Velgemud Primary School, received the award for Excellence in Learning and Teaching with Technology. The awards ceremony was held under the theme 'Uniting for Excellence, Elevating Achievements, Empowering Educators to Shape the Future of South Africa.' Minister of Basic Education Sivive Gwarube also spoke at the event, describing the districts as places 'where real educational leadership becomes evident.'