Veteran and Rising Star Teachers Honoured at Provincial Awards
After more than four decades of service, Lorinda Rinkwest of Kasselsvlei Primary School has been honoured with the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award at the Provincial Teaching Awards. The accolade celebrates educators who reflect the late Professor Kader Asmal’s values of activism, social justice, intellectual commitment, and inspired teaching.
Rinkwest, who has taught in Bellville South for 43 years, said teaching had always felt like a calling rather than a choice. She explained that her purpose was never just about delivering content but about igniting curiosity, building character, and instilling confidence.
Her philosophy extended beyond the classroom. She believed being present on the sports fields, in the corridors, and during cultural activities built visibility, which in turn created trust and transformation. Rinkwest described the award as a collective victory, acknowledging fellow teachers, learners, and communities who contributed to the journey. Even after more than four decades, she said her motivation still came from her pupils and the constant challenge of finding new ways to reach them.
Looking ahead, she expressed a desire to mentor young educators, advocate for inclusivity, and share practical tools to support schools in under-resourced areas. According to her, true excellence lies in passionate teachers and resilient learners, regardless of resources.
Another standout recipient was Wedaad Esau of Bridgeville Primary in Bridgetown, who received the National Best Teacher Award. With just over 11 years of teaching experience, Esau’s passion for literacy stemmed from her own childhood struggles with reading. She was once diagnosed with dyslexia and required extra support, but this challenge, she said, became her driving force to ensure learners never felt inadequate or incapable.
Esau has been recognised for her application of the Science of Reading, a research-based method explaining how children’s brains process text. Her efforts have helped many pupils build strong reading foundations. She also uses social media to support fellow teachers, highlighting the importance of collaboration in what she describes as a challenging profession.
She credited her parents, who worked as small vendors, with instilling the belief that education was more valuable than material possessions, as it could never be taken away.
Both Rinkwest and Esau were among 15 educators celebrated at the Provincial Awards and will represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards on 9 October 2025. Provincial MEC for Education, David Maynier, said the winners demonstrated the importance of developing and supporting teachers, describing them as the country’s greatest asset.
Rinkwest, who has taught in Bellville South for 43 years, said teaching had always felt like a calling rather than a choice. She explained that her purpose was never just about delivering content but about igniting curiosity, building character, and instilling confidence.
Her philosophy extended beyond the classroom. She believed being present on the sports fields, in the corridors, and during cultural activities built visibility, which in turn created trust and transformation. Rinkwest described the award as a collective victory, acknowledging fellow teachers, learners, and communities who contributed to the journey. Even after more than four decades, she said her motivation still came from her pupils and the constant challenge of finding new ways to reach them.
Looking ahead, she expressed a desire to mentor young educators, advocate for inclusivity, and share practical tools to support schools in under-resourced areas. According to her, true excellence lies in passionate teachers and resilient learners, regardless of resources.
Another standout recipient was Wedaad Esau of Bridgeville Primary in Bridgetown, who received the National Best Teacher Award. With just over 11 years of teaching experience, Esau’s passion for literacy stemmed from her own childhood struggles with reading. She was once diagnosed with dyslexia and required extra support, but this challenge, she said, became her driving force to ensure learners never felt inadequate or incapable.
Esau has been recognised for her application of the Science of Reading, a research-based method explaining how children’s brains process text. Her efforts have helped many pupils build strong reading foundations. She also uses social media to support fellow teachers, highlighting the importance of collaboration in what she describes as a challenging profession.
She credited her parents, who worked as small vendors, with instilling the belief that education was more valuable than material possessions, as it could never be taken away.
Both Rinkwest and Esau were among 15 educators celebrated at the Provincial Awards and will represent the Western Cape at the National Teaching Awards on 9 October 2025. Provincial MEC for Education, David Maynier, said the winners demonstrated the importance of developing and supporting teachers, describing them as the country’s greatest asset.
