The Basic Education Department (DBE) hosted the 22nd National Teaching Awards (NTA) yesterday in recognition of the nation’s foremost teachers and to celebrate outstanding educators.
The department said the 22nd edition of the awards has been benchmarked against global teacher award strategies, such as the African Union Teacher Prize, the Commonwealth Education Awards and the Global Teacher Prize.
DBE Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule, who delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony, said that as the world celebrates Teachers' Month, quality education depends on a teacher’s ability to create and enable a conducive environment for learners to thrive.
"Teachers are the torch bearers and nation builders who inspire, guide, lighten, motivate, and make the world a better place," the deputy minister said.
Minister Angie Motshekga said the NTAs were one of the most important events in the sector, because it was about the people who made the matric results happen.
"We're mindful that our teachers are the backbone of our recovery efforts. As a government, we are indebted to the high calibre of our teaching cohort. They represent, through deeds and honesty, what it means to be a quintessential civil servant," the minister said.
The top categories for the NTAs include, but are not limited to, Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Leadership, Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, and the Lifetime Achievement Award
The NTA winner for Grade R Teaching went to Sophia Abigail Chepape, from Boduma Primary School in Limpopo.
The Excellence in Primary School Teaching award went to Pinky Thandeka, Ndlozi from Imizikayifani Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal.
"I may not be able to bring about 100% change, but that 2% I bring makes a huge difference to the learners," Ndlozi said.
Dikeledi Vilmah Sekopamotse, from Platinum Village Primary School in the North West, was awarded the top spot in Excellence in Primary School Leadership.
"A lot is required of teachers, and this sometimes puts a strain on their lives. As school leaders, we need to ensure that our staff’s physical, mental, and emotional health are in top shape," the winner said.
Sizwe Desmond Zwane, from Empangeni High School in KwaZulu-Natal, took home the award for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, while Vasiliki Viki Mpompolas, from Kimberley Technical High School in the Northern Cape, won the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching award.
"Although being strict plays a huge role in addressing some of the learners’ behavioural issues, I believe showing more empathy, love and kindness is just as important," Mpompolas said.
Qaphela Professor Dlamini, from KwaZamokuhle Special School in KwaZulu-Natal, won the Excellence in Special Needs Teaching award.
The Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award went to Ridwan Samodien, principal of Kannemeyer Primary School in the Western Cape.
"Today, 1 713 school principals and 1 713 business leaders have partnered to benefit approximately 34 000 teachers, 1 000 300 children, and almost two and a half million parents across the country.
“So I would say if I have to look back, not for an award but on my legacy, this is the legacy that I will leave behind when I walk away from the profession," Samodien said.
Mondli Gungubele, Minister in the Presidency, said that one thing he appreciated about education was its ability to open people’s eyes to their own capabilities as individuals.
"Once you know who you are and what your capabilities are, your eyes are opened by education. You develop a sound sense of identity. Immediately, you know that you matter and adhere to certain standards of life," the minister said.
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