The DBE and Woolworths have entered into a partnership to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by teachers in uplifting the morale of South Africans. As part of the World Teachers’ Day celebrations, Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga, joined by Woolworths Executive, Mr Peter Twine, handed over prizes to 33 teachers who received the majority of nominations for the SHERO Award. The nomination process was conducted as part of the Woolworths initiative, MySchool Card Swipes. The programme seeks to support education and aims to ensure that all children have access to the quality education they deserve. There are more than 7,500 registered schools that benefit from funds raised through MySchool Card Swipes.

The community-based projects initiated by teachers in mitigating the challenges posed by COVID-19, were also considered during the nomination process which was facilitated by Woolworths from 26 – 28 September 2022. Woolworths also opted for a digital platform, which was opened from 23 August to 21 September 2022. Approximately 4,643 nominations were received from all nine provinces. A total of 33 finalists in various categories of the SHERO Award were identified through a panel of adjudicators comprising of four Woolworths representatives and three officials from the DBE. In addition, an external auditor was also invited. The SHERO Award consisted of the following five categories: Foundation Phase; Intermediate Phase; Senior Phase; Further Education and Training Phase; and Special Needs.

During the SHERO Award Ceremony, Minister Motshekga said that the Awards recognised educators’ vital role in their schools, communities and the lives of South African children.  “The SHERO Awards coincided with World Teachers Day to highlight the work of teachers, and calls on Government to invest in teachers, involve teachers and trust and respect teachers. There is no better way than to honour all teachers for their resilience and for going the extra mile to benefit our learners. The teacher’s contribution to national endeavours to educate our learners can never go unnoticed. We celebrate all teachers in our country in all schools, working tirelessly against all odds to help our learners reach their full potential. The nation is truly indebted to you for your service to our homeland. With the help of Woolworths, we are meeting here to honour the achievements of some of our most innovative, resilient, committed and dedicated teachers through the SHERO Awards. The Awards are a step in the right direction towards the recognition of, as well as restoring, the status of teachers, as we do with the NTAs and others.  For me, what makes the Awards more remarkable is that participants are nominated by learners, parents and colleagues, and a serious motivation is required detailing why the said teacher has made a significant difference in their lives.”

She also indicated that Woolworths, through the SHERO Awards, has not only created a refreshing competition but, more importantly, a platform for teachers to once again feel appreciated and celebrated. “We welcome the opportunity to partner with Woolworths to honour our teachers on the most critical day, World Teacher’s Day.  Like us, Woolworths is committed to uplifting and empowering our educators, learners and schools. The Woolworths Making a Difference educational programme is currently impacting over 6,000 schools across the country. They share their expertise in sustainability, nutrition and healthy eating with educators, learners and parents. The MySchool programme alone has raised R760 million for schools across South Africa. We thank you for acknowledging the importance of basic education and supporting educators through incentives such as these awards. All these efforts are part of a singular pursuit of improved learner outcomes and overall improved quality of basic education,” added the Minister.

Minister Motshekga invited all South Africans who shop at Woolworths to join the MySchool initiative, whereby they would be able to nominate a disadvantaged school to be considered for funding under the MySchool programme. The Minister then thanked the Free State MEC for Education, Dr Tate Makgoe, for having shown a keen interest in getting his schools on board.