KNYSNA AND PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Teachers from Knysna and Plettenberg Bay primary and high schools have secured provincial recognition for excellence in teaching and educational leadership in various categories.

The achievements came at the 2026 National Teaching Awards' (NTA) provincial ceremony, held at the Old Mutual building in Cape Town on Friday 28 August.

Circuit 4 schools in the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area secured five provincial accolades, including two winners, two first runner-ups and a second runner-up. Fraaisig Primary School teacher Ambrosia Pheiffer was named provincial winner in Excellence in Primary School Teaching, while Mthobi Fihla, principal of Phakamisani Primary School, won Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership.

Pheiffer, a Grade Three teacher, said the achievement had not yet fully sunk in. "Being this young, I am in awe of the journey and being here. It still feels unreal, yet so rewarding and motivating - almost like you are seen and valued as an educator," she said. Pheiffer, who grew up at Dorothy Broster Children's Home, said her faith had been central to her journey.

"My whole life is built on 'but God' and 'on-time God' moments," she said. Her teaching philosophy centres on allowing learners to physically experience what they are learning. Her methods include using hula hoops to teach time, measuring everyday objects outdoors and teaching swimming techniques on the grass as the school has no pool.

Pheiffer also credited the support of her colleagues and principal, saying strong leadership and teamwork had helped her throughout the competition.

Phakamisani Primary School described Fihla's achievement as recognition of his leadership since joining the school in 2023. The school said his commitment to inclusive education was rooted in ensuring that every learner has an opportunity to learn, participate, develop and succeed. Fihla said, "I am humbled and thank God for the guidance in all that I do. The announcement means more responsibility, which I am willing to take. My first reaction was to look directly to our district director, who always inspires and encourages everyone to do the best they can for the betterment of the life of the child with his 100 Vision, where the focus is on 'no learner should be left behind'. Our learners need to be given opportunities to succeed at all costs so that they can have a share in global economy, whether on a small or large scale."

Mthobi Fihla, principal of Phakamisani Primary School, was named the provincial winner in the Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership category. Photos:Supplied

Fezile Madikizela of Percy Mdala Secondary School was first runner-up in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics, while Andrid Marais of Plettenberg Bay Secondary School was first runner-up in Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. Plettenberg Bay Secondary said Marais had proudly represented the school and helped highlight the quality of its educators and learners. Nomakhosazana Ngqambuza of Thembelitsha Primary School was second runner-up in the National Best Teacher category.

Pheiffer and Fihla will represent the Western Cape at the national round in Gauteng from 14 to 18 September, competing against top educators from across South Africa.

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