Programme Director, we would like to express words of profound gratitude to the President, Mr Jacob Zuma for finding time in his busy schedule and honour this important occasion. We furthermore would like to thank the Minister of Basic Education and her team for having done everything to make this important occasion a great success.
Words of appreciation also go to Government Ministers and Deputy Ministers present, the Director-General of Basic Education and his team, Mr Soobrayan, representatives from institutions of Higher Learning, the staff of this Department, representatives of foreign governments, the sponsors (Telkom Foundation, Vodacom Foundation, SABC, Independent Newspapers Group, Paarl Media, Macmillan Publishers, Oxford SA Publishers, Via Africa Publishers, ETDP SETA, Nedbank Foundation, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Sangari SA, Nestlé, Gallagher Convention Centre and NB Publishers) our social partners, all other esteemed guests.
This occasion could not have been possible had it not been of our exceptional finalists for performing great work that calls for recognition. We thank our adjudication panel for providing taking time in selecting the best.
Our sincere gratitude will not be done without recognizing those who work behind the scene, the co-coordinators of the event.
Programme Director, I want to believe that we heard the messages of both the President and the Minister of Basic Education very clearly. These are messages of hope for our schooling system which calls upon all teachers not to only emulate the good example displayed by these excellent teachers but also to strive for greater heights in pursuit of excellence.
I want to assure you President, that the example set by these teachers has given all of us opportunities for learning about the good qualities of great leaders, such as amongst others, clarity of intent, focus, optimism, and passion. These are men and women who constantly see the cup as half full rather than half-empty so that they are able to stay focused on the noble calling of transforming the human resource capital of our country.
Programme Director allow me to conclude by making reference to some inspiring words from Ever Garrison who compares a teacher to “a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the learners ”.
We salute these great men and women. Let’s all enjoy the dessert. Thank you.
