The Department of Basic Education in association with Entsika, Avbob, Via Afrika, Vodacom and Massmart + Walmart partnered and hosted the 20th Annual National Teaching Awards at Soshanguve East Secondary School in Block XX.
The event took place on Saturday 15/02/2020 to recognize best performing teachers through awards and other prizes.
The Teaching Awards were attended by Minister for Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu and Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Ms Reginah Mhaule.
Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Ms Mhaule, thanked all the teachers for being available and accessible to all leaners in the education sector.
“To all our sponsors, we cannot express how we appreciate the support which has always been an inspiration to us with your prizes that will be awarded today.’’
Minister for Basic Education, Ms Motshekga, said she is thrilled with the support from different stakeholders.
“This is a special day to celebrate the greatest teachers who give their time to the education of our nation and children,” she said.
Minister in the Presidency, Mr Mthembu, said statistics show that there is an improvement on the South African education over the past years.
“The recent 2019 matric results particularly those from rural areas and townships demonstrate that South Africa’s basic education is now firmly on the rise.
“As former President Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world, there is no doubt that we have made great progress in improving education over the last 25 years.
“We will continue to empower our teachers through knowledge and techniques for a changing world,’’ said Mr Mthembu.
The awards were handed according to different sections and rankings of the South African education system in the following criteria:
- Excellence in Grade-R Teaching, 1st Place, Michelle Swart from Hermanus Pre-Primary School. Excellence in Primary School teaching, 1st Place, Mikhongelo Florence Priscilla from Bekwa, Magangeni Primary School.
- Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, 1st Place, Genevieve Claassen, from Fields College. Excellence in Special Needs Teaching, 1st Place, Catarina Engelbrecht from Platorand Special School.
- Excellence in Primary School Leadership, 1st Place, Londeka Diamond from Westlake Primary School.
- Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, 1st Place, Wendy Horn, from Protea Heights Academy. Excellence in Teaching Natural Science (GET), 1st Place, Mthombeni Mercia, from Bunny Khosa Secondary School.
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET), 1st Place, Constance Kgomotso Pilane, from Mafenya Primary School.
- Excellence in ICT Enhanced Technology, 1st Place, Louise Fullard, from Hoerskool Bergflam.
- Lifetime Achievement Award, 1st Place, Jacobus Johannes Du Plessis Van Rensburg, from Ligbron Academy of Technology. Professor Kader Asmal Award, 1st Place, Ian William Galbraith, from Lilyfontein School.
