Cape Town - The Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) schools and teachers emerged as the cream of the crop at the 2024 National Education Excellence Awards, receiving top honours for consistent excellence and innovation.

The awards, held on Friday at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg, celebrated the achievements of South African schools and districts in delivering quality education.

Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof, from the Cape Winelands, was crowned the Top Performing Public Secondary School in Quintile 5, a prestigious recognition for its exceptional academic achievements.

Rhenish Girls’ High School, also in the Cape Winelands, secured 3rd place in the same category, underscoring its consistent performance.

Both schools ranked in the top three last year, highlighting the dedication of their teachers and learners.

Isalathiso Primary School, based in the Eden and Central Karoo, achieved 3rd place in the category for Outstanding Upkeep and Maintenance of School Facilities.

According to the WCED, as a Quintile 2, no-fee school, Isalathiso has set an impressive precedent for low-income schools, proving that a clean and well-maintained environment is critical to fostering quality education.

Two other schools in the province Homba Primary School from the Metro East and Alexander Sinton High School in the Metro Central, were recognised for their contributions to health promotion in schools.

Education MEC, David Maynier, described the awards as a testament to the hard work and dedication of district officials who support schools and learners every day.

“These achievements highlight the Western Cape’s continued pursuit of excellence in education and innovation. From exceptional schools and districts to groundbreaking projects, the dedication of our educators and officials inspires learners and elevates the standards of education across the province,” Maynier said.

Provincial education districts also had a strong presence at the awards.

The Metro North Education District, under director Wendy Horn, was honoured for maintaining an 85% matric pass rate over the past five years. The district also claimed 2nd place for Top Performing District, with the highest number of Bachelor’s Passes over a three-year period.

The Metro Central Education District, led by Brenda Robertson, received two awards: 2nd place for Top Performing District, for the highest overall score using quality performance indicators, and 3rd place for Excellence in Improving Primary School Learning Outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Eden and Central Karoo Education District, headed by Jewel Jonkers, secured 3rd place for Excellence in District Leadership and Management.

At the National Batho Pele and Innovation Awards, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Conference Centre in Kempton Park, more Western Cape officials were celebrated for their contributions to public service and innovation.

The province’s Johan Clarke, from the Overberg Education District Learner Transport Scheme, won the National Trailblazer Award for developing an innovative app that streamlines learner transport operations.

The app reduces waiting times for critical information and resources, allowing schools to focus on education.

Clarke also earned a silver award in the Innovation Harnessing Technology category for this project.

The WCED’s Rapid School Build Team, led by Salie Abrahams, received a bronze award in the Best Implemented Project of the Year category for its transformative work in delivering schools to underserved communities faster and more efficiently.

Both projects were also recognised earlier this year at the Premier’s Service Excellence Awards, further solidifying their impact on education in the province.

Cape Argus