Gauteng, Limpopo educators share ‘best teacher’ award

Teachers from across the country have been honoured at the event, which takes place during the month of World Teachers Day (5 October).

The two winners received a R50,000 cash prize as well as vouchers, tech equipment and education bursaries from various organisations.

Delivering his keynote address at the event, which was held at the CSIR in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele described teachers as the nation's greatest asset who remain dedicated to their work even through challenging circumstance.

“You are the nation’s greatest asset, the flag carrier, so to speak, in the knowledge and basic education sector…today we celebrate our teachers' transformative and critical role in unleashing our learners’ full potential. It is abundantly clear that our teachers are critical in the life of our national by playing various roles amongst others knowledge producers, counsellors, etc,” he said.

At the same time, Education Minister Angie Motshekga said the annual awards are meant to celebrate outstanding educators who, often under challenging circumstances, remain committed to their roles in moulding the citizens of the future.

“We are mindful that teachers are the backbone of our recovery efforts as a country following three devasting events such as Covid-19, the Natal riots in July and we also had floods in KZN. Teachers are the lighthouse for our society and should be recognised on an ongoing basis.

“As government we are indebted to the high calibre of our teaching cohort,” she concluded.

Her remarks come as Motshekga earlier in the week said she could not guarantee the exemption of schools from the grip of load shedding, adding further strain to the schooling environment ahead of end-year exams.

Meanwhile, the Kader Asmal lifetime achievement award went to Ridwan Samodien from the Kannemeyer primary school in the Western Cape.

The announcements were made by programme directors, social media sensation Christo Thurston and Lala Maje, who are also teachers.

“…people who are committed to serving,  who are never off duty and see that their profession is relevant in their community. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner, and that winner is from Kannemeyer primary school in Cape Town. Ridwan Samodien.”

 Other categories include 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 teaching math, and excellence in special needs teaching, among others.

All top 3 finalists in the different categories received cash prizes, vouchers, and bursaries.

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