Free State teachers were honoured at a gala event on Friday, 18 September
2009. MEC for Education, Mr Tate Makgoe told hundreds of principals, teachers, government official and well wishers at Protea Hotel Central in Bloemfontein that the teachers who were being honoured were those active social beings, change agents and custodians of knowledge and values’ who constantly struggle to work for a better life for all.
He said education is the single most vital.
“It is the single most powerful instrument for empowering and enlightening the nation, thus enabling people to avoid exploitation and abuse.”
MEC Makgoe said the National Teaching Awards initiative serves to ensure teachers that the path they have taken, the dedication they have shown and the passion with which they continue to do their work, will not go without recognition.
“We honour teachers who without any doubt value and honour the value of upright communal life in society, as well as the importance of quality education for sustainable livelihoods. They have toiled diligently in pursuit of improved performance at their respective schools for the benefit of social and civic life in our province and the country as a whole. They have earned the honour being bestowed upon them.”
The MEC said a look at the history of the initiative shows the Free State teachers are rated among the best in the country.
“In 2006 we had teachers who participated in the national finals and we obtained the first position in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) category. In 2007 our teachers worked even harder, because unlike in 2006, three teachers won position one, two and three respectively in five different categories. The trend was repeated in 2008 when our teachers finished in positions one and two respectively in six different categories. Today I hope we have surpassed our previous years’ performance by a notable margin.”
“As we recognise the outstanding contributions of the recipients of the
National Teaching Awards 2009, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting all of our teachers in their ongoing work of opening the doors to a better world.”
Winners for the 2009 National Teaching Awards are as follows:
* Excellence in primary school teaching
Mrs J O’Neill of Aurora Primary School in Welkom, Lejweleputswa district
* Excellence in secondary school teaching
Mr RI Ralengoele of Tikwana Comprehensive School in Hoopstad, Lejweleputswa district
* Excellence in primary school leadership
Ms FR Motloung from Letotolo Primary School in Qwaqwa, Thabo Mofutsanyane district
* Excellence in secondary school leadership
Mrs MA Mangwegape from Tikwana Comprehensive School in Hoopstad, Lejweleputswa district
* Excellence in Grade R teaching
Mrs S Rossouw of Welkom Preparatory School in Welkom, Lejweleputswa district
* Excellence in inclusive education and special needs teaching
Mrs M van Eeden of Rosenhof High School and Youth Care Centre in
Bloemfontein, Motheo district
* Excellence in adult basic education and training
Mrs ED Mathe of Thusanang Bahale Public Adult Centre in Bothaville, Lejweleputswa district
* Lifetime achievement award
Mrs MA Mphatane from Meloding Secondary School in Virginia, Lejweleputswa district
Enquiries:
Solly Magalefa
Tel: 051 404 8314
Cell: 082 573 3404
E-mail: Magalefasr@edu.fs.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government
18 September 2009
Source: Department of Education, Free State Provincial Government
(http://www.fsdoe.fs.gov.za/)
