KNYSNA NEWS - Three teachers from Knysna scooped awards in different categories at the district level of the 2025 National Teaching Awards.

The event was held in Oudtshoorn on Friday 20 June. All the district winners will proceed to the provincial round that will take place in July, where it will be determined who will represent the province at national level.

Chanté Manuel of Knysna High School was the winner in the category Excellence in Secondary School Teaching.

Manuel said she was truly honoured to receive this prestigious award was grateful to be part of a profession that has the power to shape young minds and futures.

Chanté Manuel of Knysna High School was the winner in the category Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. Photos: Supplied

"This recognition is shared with the educators, mentors, and educational specialists who've supported me in my professional journey and beyond.

I'm committed to continuing the collective work in making a lasting impact on our learners and community through quality teaching and learning engagements," she said.

Her principal, Mark Mosdell, said he was very proud of Manuel.

"This is a pay-off for the hard work that the teachers are doing. I'm really hoping that she makes it through in the next round and represents the province at national level.

I know that she stands a good chance of making it through. She is a phenomenal teacher. We hope that the school will be represented on a regular basis in these awards."

Fraaisig Primary School Grade 3 teacher, Kirsten Tomé, won in the category Excellence in Technology-enhanced Teaching and Learning. She said that she didn't expect that she would win but was very happy.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to represent my school, circuit and now the district. I'm very proud of that, also thankful to my colleagues and principal.

She made this space for me to be able to try and grow. This was the first time that I had entered the awards."

Fraaisig Primary School Grade 3 teacher, Kirsten Tomé, won in the category Excellence in Technology-enhanced Teaching and Learning and here with husband Rudolph  Tomé

Fraaisig Primary's principal, Constance Stuurman, said the school was very happy for Tomé.

"We are extremely proud of her and we were expecting this achievement from her and all the staff are happy."

For Roche Witbooi of Concordia Primary, who won in the category Excellence in Primary School Leadership, it was a privilege and especially in the category she entered.

 "It's not about me, it's a collaboration of the community, the children, the staff and non-government organisations. Everybody has played a small part in what I have achieved. It's a collaborative effort of teamwork."

This was the second time that she entered the awards. Last year she was the runner-up in the same category, but this year she brought the award home. Her principal could not be reached for comment on her win due to other engagements.

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