The leadership of the National Teachers Union (NATU) invited the Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, and the Director-General  Mr Mathanzima Mweli, to address its thousands of members gathered at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg for the NATU Triennial National Conference. NATU members are individuals employed in the Basic Education Sector, serving as teachers, office based-educators, lecturers, Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners, school principals, departmental heads, and non-teaching staff. As of 2020, NATU had a record of 400 000 members in totality, making it one of the largest teacher unions in South Africa.

The conference, held under the theme, Beyond the Classroom: Re-Imagining Education Funding to Support Teachers and Transform Education, commenced from 3 to 5 September 2025. The conference received full support from scholars, government officials, legislators and NGOs. In his welcoming remarks, NATU President, Mr. S.V. Malinga, extended his gratitude to the DBE for showing commitment towards the sustainability of labour peace and stability in the sector. He hailed the Basic Education Ministry for its unwavering leadership in support of teachers and schools. He encouraged NATU members to ensure that their voices were heard through the elective conference, thereby electing candidates with good credentials to take the organisation to the highest level. President Malinga further urged the members to uphold the high standards of the teaching profession in order to transform the character of the society. “As you exercise your voting right, please to do so wisely, ensuring that you put the interest of NATU first. Choose leaders who will represent you well to make a meaningful contribution towards the transformation of education in South Africa,” remarked President Malinga.

In her address, Deputy Minister Mhaule acknowledged teachers for their selfless service in educating young South Africans. She remarked: “I affirm that the teaching profession is the cornerstone of any education system. Without teachers, there is no learning. Without learning, there is no nation-building. Teachers not only transmit knowledge but nurture values. They shape character, inspire imagination, build confidence in children who may otherwise feel invisible. Many of us in this room today are here because at some point in our lives, a teacher believed in us. We must never underestimate the profound social responsibility that rests on the shoulders of teachers. Teachers are often counsellors, social workers, mentors, and at times even second parents to our children. This is why when we speak of education transformation, we must always begin by speaking about teachers, because the quality of any education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers. The theme resonates well with our ambitions for teachers. "Beyond the classroom", this  is not a catchphrase; it is a recognition that teachers’ lives extend far beyond lesson plans and school hours. Your theme reminds us that supporting teachers goes beyond what happens in the four walls of a classroom. It requires us to consider the broader ecosystem of housing, transport, safety, professional growth, and community respect. It is of little use to expect a teacher to perform at their best if they are overwhelmed by overcrowded classrooms,  lack of resources, or unsafe working conditions.”