Government has dedicated the 18th National Teaching Awards (NTAs) to one of the greatest sons of Africa, Former President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Jeff Radebe, who represented President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the NTAs, described the world icon as a freedom fighter, a selfless leader, a democrat, and a founding father of our modern nation, who dedicated himself towards the realisation of a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, and prosperous South Africa. “As a nation, we must continue to draw lessons and inspiration from his life, as we confront current challenges. We shall use this historic occasion, the Centenary of Madiba, to unite, rebuild and renew our country with a special focus on the basic education sector,” said Minister Radebe.
Minister Radebe further referred to basic education as the heart of the nation and thanked teachers for delivering quality education in public schools. “We are encouraged to reclaim the legacy and core values of Madiba by ensuring that the teaching profession is highly regarded for its extraordinary and valuable contribution to society. These awards should encourage teachers to rededicate and recommit themselves to quality learning and teaching. Teaching is a communal endeavour, and it is vital that the different stakeholders play their part in promoting basic education. As parents, teachers, community leaders, learners and ambitious students at centres of higher education and training, we must work together to make 2018 a resounding success.”
The winner of the Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award, Mr Andrew Taylor from Brebner High School in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, said: “The effective way of promoting excellence in teaching and school leadership is through the empowerment of teachers in their area of specialisation. The role of teachers is not only about educating, but also to promote social cohesion as they are dealing with learners from different backgrounds, who have different values, beliefs and cultures. Tata Mandela based his leadership on promoting peace, human rights, social justice and cultural tolerance. We, as teachers have to walk in his footsteps to change the world for the better. It is befitting for us to work towards promoting social cohesion at school level to groom our children to become accountable citizens who uphold human rights, constitutional values and responsibilities”.
The 18th NTA Ceremony honouring teachers as the heartbeat of the nation, was hosted by the Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga, at the Sandton International Convention Centre, in the Gauteng Province on 17 February 2018.