Held annually on 5 October since 1994, World Teachers’ Day (WTD), also known as International Teachers’ Day, commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This Recommendation sets benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, and teaching and learning conditions.

During 2019, WTD will be celebrating teachers under the theme, “Young Teachers: The future of the Profession.” The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the teaching profession globally, to take stock of achievements, and to address some of the challenges facing the profession.

The commemoration forms part of the support programmes under the banner of the Teacher Appreciation and Support Programme (TASP), which is led by the DBE and the South African Council for Educators (SACE). TASP is supported by the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), the ETDP-SETA, Teacher Unions and School Governing Body Associations. The aim of the TASP is to support the Education 2030 Framework for Action by developing and celebrating South African teachers throughout the year, and not only on World Teachers’ Day in October of each year. The Programme enhances the DBE’s efforts of teacher development and support, which is one of the major focus areas under the motto: “The teacher, the heartbeat of the nation”.

The TASP was launched on 31 August 2015, and forms part of the overarching initiatives that serve as a stimulus for WTD on 5 October. The programme incorporates year-long activities that are aimed at lifting the morale of teachers, such as the National Teaching Awards (NTAs).