By Akani Nkuna
President Cyril Ramaphosa has likened the responsibilities of teachers to those of surrogate parents, social workers, counsellors and disciplinarians.
Speaking at the National Teaching Awards on Saturday, Ramaphosa said that a good teacher was a role model who encouraged a child to achieve their potential.
“But a teacher who disregards their responsibilities, who rules by fear, can demoralise a child, damage their self-esteem and put them off learning,” said.
The gathering, which was held on World Teachers’ Day, placed significant emphasis on the pivotal role of educators in shaping the trajectory of national progress and development.
For 24 years, the Basic Education Department has sponsored the awards to recognise outstanding teachers.
Ramaphosa said that the very essence of teaching and learning went beyond classroom walls, with the skills that learners acquired impacting on society as a whole.
“The skills that build thriving households and communities and that promote an active, engaged citizenry and a productive workforce, are all taught in the classroom,” he told the gathering.
South Africa was riddled with unemployment and inequalities that affected the socio-economic status of the country’s citizens, the president said.
“With the high youth unemployment in our country, educators need to ensure that our schools are producing the skills our economy needs.
“They need to ensure that every school leaver has the confidence and capabilities that enable them to study further, find employment and be self-employed,” he said.
Ramaphosa also acknowledged that enhancing teacher capabilities, resources and support was crucial to foster excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics amongst learners.
Moreover, the recent enactment of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act marked a significant step towards creating a more efficient and equitable education system, focusing on enhanced early childhood education, parental accountability and an inclusive learning environment, Ramaphosa said.
This year the Basic Education Department increased the number of categories for the awards to 14 to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers, often in very difficult conditions.
INSIDE EDUCATION
