Awards celebrate teachers changing lives

South Africa's National Teaching Awards took place on October first, twenty twenty-six at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng. The Department of Basic Education hosted the ceremony under the theme Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa's Future.

Mpho Mosala wins best teacher award

Mpho Anatjie Mosala from Letlotlo Naledi Primary School in the Free State was named South Africa's National Best Teacher. She was recognised for her commitment to literacy and for supporting learners beyond the classroom.

Mosala supports learners beyond school

Mosala said she supported pupils with learning barriers, stayed in touch with them after they moved to high school, and visited their homes when they stopped attending school. She believed in making sure learners know how to read for comprehension.

“I'm a teacher who believes in supporting learners beyond the classroom, and also understanding the background of my learners.”

Mkhonto makes maths accessible

Sibusiso Blessing Mkhonto from Ndzundza Mabhoko Secondary School in Mpumalanga won Excellence in Teaching Mathematics. He regularly holds extra lessons on Saturdays and Sundays to make the subject accessible to pupils.

Mkhonto's strategies drive results

Mkhonto said his approach had helped pupils achieve strong Grade twelve results, including distinctions. Some of his former pupils had gone on to study at universities in South Africa and abroad.

“They make mathematics easy; they make mathematics interesting. Hence, they are always willing to come to my classes.”

Ramaphosa credits teacher with changing life

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address and paid tribute to his former school principal, Mr Ntsandeni, whom he credited with changing the course of his life. Some teachers had wanted him expelled for asking too many questions, but Ntsandeni intervened.

Ramaphosa on technology and teaching

Ramaphosa said great teachers see promise in learners who might otherwise be overlooked. He stressed that digital tools could support teaching, but could not replace the human connection between teachers and learners.

“Technology can transmit information, but it cannot replace the encouragement, discipline, empathy and human connection that a good teacher provides.”

Gwarube prioritises learning foundations

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said success should be measured by whether learners remained in school, developed literacy and numeracy, and gained opportunities in mathematics and science. Strengthening learning foundations was a priority.

Department expands early literacy training

The Department of Basic Education was expanding early childhood development access and planned targeted literacy and numeracy training for ten thousand Foundation Phase teachers. Gwarube urged districts to use evidence to identify where schools needed support.

Gwarube defines true measure of success

Gwarube said excellence should be a continuing commitment rather than a single result or award. The true measure of education work was whether a child's prospects improved because the system acted early, supported the teacher and refused to give up.

“The true measure of our work is whether a child's prospects are improved because the education system acted early, supported the teacher, strengthened the school and refused to give up on that learner.”