Excellence in teaching was awarded on World Teachers’ Day when South Africa’s top performing teachers were awarded for their dedication and commitment towards the profession. President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, took to the podium to congratulate the winners of the 2024 National Teaching Awards (NTAs) hosted by the Basic Education Ministry at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Benoni on 5 October 2024. The NTAs were launched in 2000 by the late Minister of Education, Prof Kader Asmal, to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate teacher excellence.
Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule supported the President in awarding the prestigious prizes to the winners. Categorically, the 1st place prizes ranging from a car to cash prizes to vouchers and training courses, as well as certificates and trophies, were awarded to the following winners: Ms Ntombozuko Nkizwana (National Best Teacher Award) from the Eastern Cape; Mr Derek Swart (Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award) from the Western Cape; Mr Sithembiso Mahlalela (Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET) from Mpumalanga; Mr Ethon Alexander (Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET) from the Western Cape; Ms Motlatso Maake (Excellence in Teaching Physical Science) from Limpopo; Ms Maserle Mojela ( Excellence in Teaching Natural Science) from Limpopo; Mr Itumeleng Komane (Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning) from the North West; Mr Mboniseni Dlamini (Excellence in Special Needs Leadership) from KwaZulu-Natal; Mr Tiiseto Chaka (Excellence in Special Needs Teaching) from the Free State; Ms Rose De Doncker (Excellence in Secondary School Leadership) from the Eastern Cape; Mr Thapelo Mthimkhulu (Excellence in Secondary School Teaching) from the North West; Ms Koliwe Mbatha (Excellence in Primary School Leadership) from KwaZulu-Natal; Ms Nthabiseng Mateba (Excellence in Life Skills Teaching (Grade1-6) from the North West; Ms Bonisiwe Maphumulo (Excellence in Primary School Teaching) from KwaZulu-Natal; and Ms Melissa du Plessis (Excellence in Grade-R Teaching) from the Northern Cape.
Addressing guests during the proceedings, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the DBE’s efforts in sustaining the NTAs for the past 24 years. “This enduring commitment to honouring our educators speaks to their unique and treasured place in our country. All of us are who we are because of the teachers we once had. I have the fondest memories of my own teachers at Tshilidzi Primary School in Soweto and Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda. I remember many of these fine educators not just for the knowledge they imparted, but also for their guidance and encouragement. All these years later, they still hold a special place in my heart. The teacher is the devoted, tender gardener, nurturing our nation. Just as the diligent gardener knows the special needs of each of the plant species in his/her garden, teachers tend to their students as unique individuals. The devoted educator gives learners his/her attention, guidance, encouragement and patience,” remarked the President.
President Ramaphosa called on teachers to remain role models in their respective schools as their classrooms were conducive to learning. “Even as the teaching environment is often fraught with challenges, we are blessed as a nation to have good, dependable, devoted teachers. Our young people’s needs inside the classroom reflect the circumstances and the world outside it. Teachers aren’t only expected to impart textbook knowledge to their learners. They must often be counsellors, social workers, disciplinarians and surrogate parents. To produce more learners who excel in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects, we need to invest more in teacher support, resource provision and teacher skilling. The passing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act is part of ongoing efforts to build an education system that is more effective and more equitable,” concluded the President.