02 Dec Celebrating Growth, Legacy, and Community in Education – Under the Penreach Tree
MBOMBELA – With educators, community champions, partners, and leaders gathered in one powerful moment of unity, the 2025 Penreach Awards brought Mpumalanga’s education ecosystem to a standstill this past Saturday. The annual celebration shone a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals transforming classrooms, nurturing young minds, and reshaping the future of learning across the province and beyond. More than an awards ceremony, it was a testament to the collective strength of the communities standing “Under the Penreach Tree”—a symbol of growth, legacy, and shared purpose.
Penreach CEO, Mrs Susanna Behrendt, described the symbolism as deeply connected to the organisation’s work on the ground. “Over the past twelve years, no matter where I travelled, part of the day was always spent under a tree. A tree where people talk, rest, watch children play, or share a moment that becomes a memory. Today reminds us that the seeds we plant now will bear the fruit of tomorrow.”
This spirit of shared purpose reflects the growing community under the “Penreach Tree,” where educators find support, volunteers bring energy, and partners collaborate for lasting change. In 2025 alone, Penreach’s supported 3 771 educators, 1 476 volunteers, and reached more than 315 000 children every single day – from ECD centres and Grade R classrooms to STEAM clubs, literacy programmes, and leadership-driven schools.
“These are not just numbers,” Behrendt added. “They represent lives, futures, and the roots and branches of the tree we stand under today. This is our impact.”
Honouring Excellence: 2025 Penreach Award Winners
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the 2025 Penreach Awards recipients, recognised for outstanding innovation, commitment, and measurable impact in under-resourced communities:
● ECD Centre of the Year: Grace Educare Centre – Thembeni Matukane
● ECD Practitioner of the Year: Sibusisosethu Educare – Lucia Nkosi
● Toy Library Volunteer of the Year: Little Bright Stars – Constance Mdluli
● STEAM Club Volunteer of the Year: Likusasaletfu Club – Nomcebo Gama
● Teacher of the Year: Mganduzweni Primary – Sakhile Malindisa
● School of the Year: Tikhontele Secondary – Principal Bhekinkosi Erion Nkosi
These individuals and institutions embody excellence in action – championing quality education, nurturing children’s potential, and strengthening communities.
A Collective Celebration of Impact
The Penreach Awards also acknowledged the invaluable role of funders and partners who make this work possible. This year’s event was proudly supported by Manganese Metal Company, Cell C, Greenviro and Pod & Petal.
Planting the Seeds for Tomorrow
The 2025 Penreach Awards once again demonstrated how education, community, and dedication intertwine to create meaningful, lasting change. By honouring innovators and leaders, the ceremony reaffirmed Penreach’s mission: to grow a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and succeed.
Looking Ahead: Future Direction
Shirley Moshikidi Mnisi, Chair of Penryn Council, shared her vision for Penreach’s next chapter:
“Penreach’s next chapter focuses on deepening early literacy and numeracy, strengthening ECD delivery at scale, and expanding access to digital learning across schools. Our continued partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Education and growing alignment with the University of Mpumalanga will anchor system-level capacity, research, and long-term impact.”
To stay informed about our 2026 Teacher Development Workshops, please follow our social media platforms for upcoming announcements.