Teachers recognised as driving force of Makhanda’s academic future at awards gala

By Sabrina Zerf

A new chapter of excellence is unfolding in Makhanda’s education system, driven by a strong partnership between Rhodes University, GADRA Education and local schools. GADRA, the city’s leading youth-focused education NGO, has long championed the belief that teachers are the true architects of change. The Makhanda Teacher Awards honour those educators who go above and beyond for their learners, recognising their critical role in ensuring every child receives the education they deserve.

The 2nd Annual Makhanda Teacher Awards Gala, hosted at Kingswood College, was a vibrant celebration of teaching excellence. The keynote address, delivered by Dr Xolani Mayana, Circuit Manager at the Department of Education’s Grahamstown District, set the tone for the evening. His message highlighted the profession’s power to shape the future and the need to support teachers wholeheartedly. Echoing the biblical figure of Daniel, whom he described as “found without fault”, Dr Mayana urged educators to embody the same “excellent spirit” in their work: “Let’s stay united and committed to realising our collective vision guided by ubuntu principles. Like Daniel, let the world find no faults in you. Remember, you have an excellent spirit.”

The gala was not only a celebration of individual achievement but also of collective purpose – a reminder that education is about more than academic outcomes. It is about building a strong, united community rooted in collaboration, excellence, and ubuntu.

Rhodes University and GADRA Education remain at the forefront of this mission, with students, staff, and faculty actively contributing to educational reform through research and hands-on involvement in local schools. Dr Ashley Westaway, General Manager at GADRA, underscored the importance of this partnership, describing education in Makhanda as “not just a job, but a calling”. He linked the city’s bold aspiration to become South Africa’s leading academic hub by 2028 directly to the dedication of its teachers: “The profession that will take us there is teachers.”

Dr Westaway emphasised that recognising a teacher’s “excellent spirit” translates directly into better learner outcomes: it is not only about competence, but also the deeper impact of their passion and commitment.

The awards honoured outstanding contributions across categories, celebrating teaching excellence, leadership, and dedication to learner development. This year’s winners included:

• Excellent Emerging ECD Centre (new category): All for Christ Pre-School
• Excellent Novice Teacher: Hope Prince (Good Shepherd Primary)
• Excellence in Foundation Phase Teaching: Zimkhitha Mdingi (Holy Cross School)
• Excellence in Intermediate Phase Teaching: Jayne Berriman (St Mary’s Primary School)
• Excellence in Senior Phase Teaching: Setyenzwa Nyanda (Ntsika Senior Secondary School)
• Excellence in FET Phase Teaching: Nadia Czeredrecki-Schmidt (Victoria Girls’ High School)
• Excellence in Leadership: Primary School: Elzaan van Wyk (PJ Olivier Combined School) & Gerard Jacobs (St Mary’s RC Primary)
• Excellence in Leadership: High School: Thobile Ncula (Ntsika Senior Secondary School)

This shared commitment to excellence reflects the vision of Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who, according to Dr Westaway, has “significantly repositioned the University” to actively engage in revitalising education in Makhanda.

The Makhanda Teacher Awards stand as a beacon of hope: proof that a community united around education, guided by an “excellent spirit,” can transform futures. True success lies not only in individual achievement but in the collective impact of teachers working together to shape a better tomorrow.