Basic Education Minister, Mrs Angie Motshekga, took to the podium during the annual National Teaching Awards (NTA) to recognise and acknowledge the excellent work done by teachers. Through its NTAs, the DBE collaborate with various business partners to honour hard-working teachers who strive for excellence in grooming the young generation. The 20th NTAs took place at Soshanguve East Secondary School on 15 February 2020.
Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu, said the nation must unite in uplifting the morale of teachers to enable them to do their work diligently. Minister Mthembu further encouraged parents to instil good values in their children so that they embrace teachers as role models in their lives. He further added: “The important work that teachers do in shaping society is often not recognised nor respected. As a former teacher myself, I know that teachers are indispensable. As a country, we are proud of your relentless pursuit of excellence amidst unfavourable conditions such as resource constraints, violent protests in our communities and the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse and other social ills.”
Director for Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD), Ms Veronica Hofmeester, said that, “the Basic Education Sector is one of the biggest systems in the country with a huge responsibility at hand. At the moment, the Sector consists of 25,154 schools that are served by 437,449 teachers. The overall learner enrolment stands at 12,819,542 learners in ordinary schools who are supported through 75 districts. Therefore, for the sector to excel in its mandate of delivering quality education, it requires extended support from the private sector. I would like to thank all education partners for their support and contribution in making the 20th NTAs a success."
Minister Motshekga congratulated the NTA winners and thanked the teachers for assisting the DBE in delivering quality education. "We know the challenges you face as many of our children come from underprivileged families and economically deprived communities. Our mission is to realise the key priorities of the Sector and comply with our vision as contained in the NDP. Thank you for nurturing and developing these precious young people in your care to ensure that they reach their full potential,” said Minister Motshekga.