Eden and Central Karoo named South Africa's top education district

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SCHOOL NEWS - The Eden and Central Karoo Education District has been recognised as the best in South Africa for district leadership and management at the 2026 National Education Excellence Awards.

The district received first place in the Excellence in District Leadership and Management category during the national awards ceremony held on Friday 24 July at the NH Johannesburg Sandton hotel.

The award, handed over to district director Jewel Jonkers recognises outstanding leadership, governance and support provided to schools across the district.

The achievement was one of several honours for the Western Cape Education Department, which once again performed strongly at the national awards.

The National Education Excellence Awards recognise exceptional performance in key teaching and learning indicators across schools and education districts.

The Western Cape also celebrated success in several other categories. The Cape Winelands Education District was named the country's top district for Physical Sciences, while Metro Central received first place for excellence in district support for primary learning outcomes. Metro North earned second place for mathematics participation and performance and third place in Physical Sciences.

WATCH A VIDEO: Edmondo van den Berg, eLearning advisor of the Western Cape Education Department, interviews Jewel Jonkers, Eden and Central Karoo education district director:

Schools across the province also received national recognition. The Centre of Science and Technology (COSAT) in Khayelitsha was named South Africa's top-performing Quintile 3 public ordinary school. Bloemhof Girls' High School placed second nationally among Quintile 5 schools, while Westerford High School finished third. Vredendal Secondary School received third place for the upkeep and maintenance of school facilities.

The Western Cape Education Department also received a Special Ministerial Award after every education district in the province achieved a National Senior Certificate pass rate above 80% in 2025.

Acting Western Cape Education Minister Anton Bredell congratulated education officials, principals, teachers and school staff on the achievements.

"Their commitment to educational excellence continues to ensure that learners are provided with opportunities to achieve their full potential and contribute positively to society," he said.

Jewel Jonkers (centre) during the award ceremony. Photo: Screen grab