Our teachers, our nation builders
Committed educators attended the National Teacher Awards Provincial Ceremony in Mpumalanga as a build-up towards the national event to be held in 2015. On the evening of 17 October 2014, the majestic building housing the Gert Sibande District Municipality in Ermelo within the Msukaligwa local municipality was the inviting venue for the gala event in honour of these educators who nurture the interests and the development of their communities and learners. The world over, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the 5th of October. South Africans, however, dedicate the entire month of October to teachers - Teachers’ Month redirects teachers towards our common goal of quality education for all.
Ten awards categories were identified for the best and excelling educators in the province. These were Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, Excellence in Primary School Leadership, Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, Excellence in Special Needs and Inclusive Teaching, Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Excellence in Technology - Enhanced Teaching, Excellence in Mathematics Teaching (FET), Excellence in Physical Science Teaching (FET) and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Each of the four districts of the province was represented in the National Teaching Awards and only the top three were nominated to compete for the honours.
The Provincial Department of Education acknowledged the fact that all the nominees are champions and the province is proud of each and every one of them.
Nozipho, a choral soloist who took position one in the provincial South African School Choral Eisteddfod, stole the show with her golden soprano voice wowing the audience to amazement.
In his message of support, the 2013 Lifetime Achiever, Mr Bright Mdaka, whose prowess in the NTA won his school a computer laboratory to the value of R250 000, laptops plus training for Ligebhuta’s teaching staff, congratulated all participants for taking the bold step to participate in the National Teaching Awards. He also highlighted the fact that all contestants were, by virtue of participation, winners.
The end product of the hard work and sweat of educators was evident as the MEC for Education; Mrs Reginah Mhaule, ascended the stage accompanied by Angel Nkambule, a praise singer from Duma Primary School in Pienaar, Ehlanzeni District.
In her keynote address, MEC Mhaule expressed her profound gratitude to teachers who are taking the journey forward to educate the nation. To that effect, she said, “This event comes just after the world celebrated its educators on World Teachers’ Day, 05 October 2014. Both these events give us a platform to express our profound gratitude to the educators that give us a 100 % commitment.
MEC Mhaule continued: “Allow me to first congratulate each and every educator who is a nominee here today. That alone, proves that you are an individual that aims to develop and elevate the educational standard of the South African child. Your dedication is reflected and exuded on the future leaders of this province. It is through your moulding factories that different generations are shaped to be responsible citizens that will have a positive change in our country.”
MEC Mhaule also pleaded with teachers to encourage learners to take up teaching as a profession to counter the negative effect of teachers who are exiting the system prematurely.
The victors in the 2014 National Teaching Awards can be summed up as follows:
- Excellence in Primary School Teaching - Ndaba Nomathemba C
- Excellence in Secondary School Teaching- Madalane Danisile E
- Excellence in Special Needs and Inclusive Teaching - Bester Pieter W
- Excellence in Grade R Teaching - Msibi Ntombi M
- Excellence in Primary School Leadership- Mabuza Amos M
- Excellence in Secondary School Leadership - Mlombo Moses
- Excellence in Technology - Enhanced, Teaching and Learning - Msimango J
- Excellence in Mathematics Teaching (FET) - Mashele Sibusiso M
- Excellence in Physical Science Teaching (FET) - Lebjane Council C
Appreciated as a Lifetime Achiever, Mirriame J Khoza, from Sifundzekhaya Primary School in Ehlanzeni District, received a standing ovation from the audience.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education wishes all first position nominees the best of luck in their quest to take the honours at the National Teaching Awards next year.
