Phuti Mosomane
Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Thursday paid tribute to teachers at the 23rd National Teaching Awards (NTAs) held at the Heartfelt Arena in Tshwane when he said the role of the teaching profession will remain unmatched.
The National Best Teacher Award went to KwaZulu-Natal English teacher Gugu Qwabe from the Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence, Umkhanyakude District.
Mashatile together with the Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, officiated at the teacher awards held under the theme ‘Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ where educators representing all nine provinces were receiving awards in several categories.
The Deputy President applauded the work done by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in introducing the Three Stream Model, saying that it will provide vast learning opportunities within the school system.
The DBE’s mantra is that Three Stream Model prepares learners for the future, by providing them with diverse and essential skills aligned with what our nation requires to rebuild and surge forward.
Mashatile commended Motshekga, Basic Education Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule and Director- General Mathanzima Mweli for steering the sector in the right direction, amidst numerous challenges.
“Your commitment and dedication to transforming the sector is commendable. I congratulate all the educators who are being honoured today; your dedication and commitment to the development of our country and its youth does not go unnoticed as we, in the presence of your family and friends, recognise your efforts, and hope that you will not tire in doing good.
“I want every teacher to know that the nation sees you, values you and cherishes the difference you make in the lives of your learners and to our communities. The task of a teacher is diverse, not only are you imparting knowledge, but you are also shaping characters, instilling values and crafting the future leaders of our country. Educators play a critical role in building the foundations upon which society exists.
“It is a well-known fact that every successful person had a teacher who once had faith in them and helped them through their formative years. In the 29 years of concerted efforts to transform the education system, we are proud to say that many products of our education system have gone on to make a difference in their communities, government and various other sectors”.
As part of the NTAs, cash prizes, international study tours and digital devices were awarded to the top performing teachers for excellence in Special Needs leadership and teaching; excellence in teaching Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Special Needs, Natural Sciences, Grade R and the use of technology in enhancing teaching and learning.
The teachers and school principals were also saluted for their excellent teaching and leadership skills in primary and secondary schools across all nine provinces as part of the World Teachers’ Day Celebration, commemorated annually on 5 October 2023.
The annual NTAs have been facilitated by the Education Sector in honour of teacher excellence in South Africa since 2000.
In her speech Motshekga said teachers should be celebrated for their undying commitment to the venerable cause of basic education.
“This year’s theme expresses the core of the endeavours undertaken by our award recipients. Beyond being disseminators of knowledge, they have been the torchbearers of hope, inspiration and the guiding principles that shape life’s journey.
“To each of our honoured recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations. Your innovative approaches, boundless energy, and undying dedication have raised the bar of excellence. The futures you have helped shape and the flames of curiosity that you have kindled will light up the world for years to come”.
INSIDE EDUCATION
