Africa’s leading private education provider, JSE-listed ADvTECH, has placed a national spotlight on world-class teaching through the 2025 Stellar Teacher Awards and ADvLEARN Celebration of Excellence.
At a high-profile ceremony, some of South Africa’s standout educators were honoured for their impact in classrooms across the country and beyond.
“The awards showcased how data-driven innovation, personalised learning and focused teacher development are producing measurable academic gains for tens of thousands of students across South Africa and internationally,” says Darren Purdon, Academic Project Manager at ADvTECH.
With hundreds of nominations received from across the continent, finalists advanced through four demanding rounds. These included video presentations and detailed teaching portfolios assessed by an expert judging panel. The process highlighted a growing movement within one of the country’s largest education groups to turn classrooms into centres of discovery, close learning gaps and strengthen teaching standards.
ADvLEARN Celebration of Excellence Awards
This year’s ADvLEARN Awards recognised educators who used data insights to improve learner engagement, close academic gaps and deliver strong results through focused, personalised learning. For the first time, ADvTECH International Schools joined the celebration, with teachers attending from Botswana and Kenya.
The ADvLEARN Teacher Award winners were:
Ibrahim Makonjio – Makini Kisumu City
Tandee Coppin – Crawford International Lonehill
Patsy Fourie – Trinityhouse Glenvista
Laurentia van Muylwyk – Crawford International Ruimsig
Siboniso Masvisvi – Gaborone International School
Andison Muzinda – Gaborone International School
Vicki Baard – Trinityhouse Randpark Ridge
Jordan Seokame – Crawford International Ruimsig
Smangaliso Mdluli – Maragon Mooikloof
Nhamoinesu Zinyandu – Trinityhouse Glenvista
These educators were recognised for translating data into real classroom progress that supports learner outcomes.
The Stellar Teacher Awards
The Stellar Teacher Awards honour educators who show dedication, creativity and consistent effectiveness in teaching. These teachers inspire excellence while committing to continuous professional growth and a culture of motivation.
The 2025 Stellar Teacher Award winners were:
Chantelle Claassens – Crawford International Pretoria
Lauren de Freitas – Trinityhouse Little Falls
Lalitha Govender – Crawford International La Lucia
Vanessa Majola – Crawford International La Lucia
Chelsea den Heyer – Tyger Valley College
Cindy Francis – Glenwood House
Lyndal Singery – The Bridge Lonehill
Kelly Carew – Crawford International La Lucia
Claire Ferreira – Trinityhouse Little Falls
Shelby Parnall – Greenwood Bay College
A Rigorous Selection Process
“This year, we received 235 nominations, both from South Africa and internationally. All submissions demonstrated how thoughtful use of data, technology and innovation can elevate students’ learning experiences,” says Purdon.
From the original nominations, 150 teachers advanced to Round 2. A total of 116 educators submitted video presentations for Round 3, and 20 portfolios advanced to Round 4.
“Through their work, all nominees turn data into action, challenges into opportunities and classrooms into spaces of discovery and growth,” Purdon adds.
“Their excellence continues to inspire our collective pursuit of quality education across the ADvTECH Group and reflects the Academic Centre of Excellence’s commitment to consistently strong outcomes and the rapid adoption of best practice across our schools.”
