South Africa has held its 24th National Teaching Awards, recognising excellence in education across 15 diverse categories in a ceremony that coincided with World Teachers Day.
The ceremony recognised excellence across 15 categories, including teaching at various levels, leadership, special needs education, and subject-specific excellence.
Ms Ntombozuko Mkizwana was crowned with the National Best Teacher Award, the top honour of the event. Derek Swart received the prestigious Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award, named after the late education minister who established the awards.
The full list of award categories included:
- Excellence in Grade R Teaching
- Excellence in Primary School Teaching
- Excellence in Primary School Leadership
- Excellence in Secondary School Teaching
- Excellence in Secondary School Leadership
- Excellence in Special Needs Teaching
- Excellence in Special Needs Leadership
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET)
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET)
- Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences
- Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences
- Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning
- Excellence in Teaching Life Skills (Gr 1-6)
- Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award
- National Best Teacher Award
President Cyril Ramaphosa, speaking at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni, emphasised the crucial role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future. He likened educators to “devoted, tender gardeners, nurturing our nation”.
Reflecting on his own educational journey, the President shared personal memories:
“I have the fondest memories of my own teachers at Tshilidzi Primary School in Soweto and Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda. I remember many of these fine educators not just for the knowledge they imparted, but also for their guidance and encouragement.”
Ramaphosa highlighted the multifaceted role of modern educators:
“Teachers aren’t only expected to impart textbook knowledge to their learners. They often have to be counsellors, social workers, disciplinarians and surrogate parents.”
Addressing the challenges faced by educators, particularly in resource-poor areas, the President acknowledged:
“In some schools, resources are plenty, the schoolyard is safe, there are basic amenities, the pupil-teacher ratio is appropriate, and learning takes place in good conditions. But in others, educators struggle to obtain even the most basic resources for teaching, schools lack safe toilets and running water, and crime and violence from outside the school inevitably finds its way in.”
On ongoing educational reforms, Ramaphosa stated:
“We are working to fully implement the three stream model, which offers academic, vocational, and occupational pathways for learners. Educators play an important role in identifying the best course for a learner.”
Established in 2000, the awards aim to celebrate excellence in teaching and raise the profile of the teaching profession. Ramaphosa used the occasion to discuss recent educational reforms, including the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.
Concluding his speech, the President expressed gratitude to the nation’s educators, urging them to continue to do for our nation
“To the teachers of South Africa, we congratulate you. And we thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our nation.”
While celebrating progress, Mr Ramaphosa acknowledged that more work remains to be done to address inequalities in the education system and prepare students for the challenges of the future.
