From left, Brent Walters, Head of Department: Education; and Minister David Maynier, Western Cape Minister of Education, on the right; hands over the award to Paarl Boys’ High School Principal Derek Swart at the awards ceremony. PICTURE: WCED
School Principal of Paarl Boys’ High School in Paarl, Derek Swart, won the prestigious Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Western Cape Provincial Teaching Awards, hosted by the Western Cape Education Department in Cape Town, on Saturday August 24.
Mr Swart, who has been an educator for more than 40 years, will now go on to represent the province at The National Teaching Awards to be hosted later this year.
Education MEC David Maynier said at the awards ceremony: “These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the incredible work that teachers in our public schools do every day.
“These teachers relentlessly pursue excellence, and their passion for improving learning outcomes is clear for all to see. It is wonderful to see how our teachers are making a lasting impact on the lives of learners in the Western Cape.”
Mr Swart, who became the principal at Paarl Boys’ High in 2007, and who the school announced would retiring at the end of the school year, was one of the 15 Provincial winners recognised for their excellence in their educational sphere of influence.
He said about the years devoted to education. “I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.”
According to information by the Basic Department of Education, the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award was launched in 2011 by the then Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, as a tribute to Professor Asmal - who started the National Teaching Awards when he served as the Minister of Education.
“The award to Swart reflects his exceptional ability to motivate and inspire learners, his innovative approach to teaching, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in education,” said the school in a statement to Bolander.
Mr Swart said: “My passion for teaching started at a young age. It wasn’t just about imparting knowledge but about inspiring learners to excel and guiding them on their journey to success.”
“The applause and admiration from colleagues, learners and community members made it clear that Swart’s influence extends far beyond the classroom.
“His legacy of passion and dedication continues to inspire those around him, reinforcing the vital role of educators in shaping the future,” the school concluded.
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