The minister of education in the Western Cape (WCED) David Maynier has announced that nominations for excellent teachers in education are now open.
Maynier said the National Teaching Awards give the education sector the opportunity to honour teachers who demonstrate commitment, innovation and meaningful impact in the classrooms.
“Our teachers work hard every day, day and night, to shape learners for their future career,” Maynier said.
Nominations close on 15 May 2026, and Maynie urged schools and districts in the Western Cape not to miss “this important opportunity to recognise excellence within our school community.”
He said all teachers, governing bodies and districts are invited to submit nominations according to the qualifying criteria and the nomination guide, which are available on the WCED website:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/education/national-teaching-awards
Teachers can be nominated in the following categories:
- Excellence in grade R teaching
- Excellence in primary school teaching (grades 1–7)
- Excellence in primary school leadership
- Excellence in secondary school teaching (Grades 8–12)
- Excellence in secondary school leadership
- Excellence in inclusive education teaching
- Excellence in inclusive education leadership
- Excellence in teaching mathematics (GET)
- Excellence in teaching mathematics (FET)
- Excellence in teaching natural sciences
- Excellence in teaching physical sciences
- Excellence in teaching life skills (grades 1–6)
- Excellence in technology – enhanced teaching and learning
- National best teacher award
- Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award
The provincial Western Cape awards ceremony will be held on 28 August 2026, and the winners will go on to represent the Western Cape at the national ceremony during October 2026.
Maynier invitedthe education sector in the Western Cape to celebrate teaching excellence across their province, “and build a better future for our children in the Western Cape.”
