Teachers honoured for excellence and dedication
The Mpumalanga Department of Education hosted the provincial instalment of the National Teaching Awards at the University of Mpumalanga in the City of Mbombela on September 2.
The head of department, Lucy Moyane, was overjoyed by the commitment of teachers within the province.
"The National Teaching Awards remains paramount in the departmental calendar as it provides us with an opportunity to appreciate all our teachers. We also congratulate all schools and teachers who have entered the National Teaching Awards since its conception in 2000.
"We would further like to acknowledge their extraordinary efforts, which have often been achieved under very difficult conditions and in service to our children, most of whom come from poor backgrounds.
"There’s a saying that goes, not all heroes wear capes, and every time I hear this saying we are reminded of teachers who give their all inside and outside the classroom.
"We are reminded of teachers who go as far as to sacrifice their time, even on weekends, so that learners can be empowered with knowledge and skills for survival. Teachers are truly nation builders and pillars of growth and development. We are here celebrate and honour all those dedicated teachers who have chosen to take positive action towards building our society. To all the finalists, we wish you all the best, you are all winners," she said.
Sombre as the moment might present itself currently, the recognition and honouring of teachers’ excellence and dedication cannot go unnoticed or allowed to evaporate into thin air.
Speaking at this occasion, MEC Bonakele Majuba paid homage to teachers.
“We know for the fact that a teacher occupies and serves multiple roles in society henceforth there is a need to show appreciation to them continually.
“It is therefore incumbent upon us to pledge our utmost and unwavering support to them.
“They are practically in a social service paradigm - an inflection on how as advantaged strata of society, we should strive to ensure that those in the lower rung and disadvantaged are served with humility.
“As we celebrate this occasion, our hearts and sympathy go out to all those members of this fraternity as the conduit of life fell as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and they could not see the fruits of their labour in learner progression and achievement.
“We shall forever remain indebted for their contribution, dedication and sacrifice.
They will always remain in our souls and memories for the impact they have made on education.
“We are encouraged to indicate that all teachers who were in excess have been duly placed. We will push on to look at the plight of all temporary teachers with the intention to secure their permanent status within the system.
"It pains us to learn that there are teachers who for the past five years have been serving the department on a temporary basis. We will address this as a matter of utmost urgency.
"While we celebrate the outstanding work from most of our teachers, we need to use this platform to condemn those who render a disservice to our people.
"These are those who bunk classes, do not attend class as expected, who always cause disputes in schools, use corporal punishment and those who sexually abuse learners.
"We need to be bold in condemning such behaviour and work with all structures of our society to work those out of the system.
"We will continue to work with the South African Council for Educators to address impediments resulting from misconduct from some of our teachers.
"I therefore would like to take this opportunity to urge all teachers to strive for excellence in their esteemed calling.
"We congratulate all teachers who participated in the programme at all levels and those who made it this far.
"Equally, we congratulate those who will represent our province on a national level, hopefully some of you will make a mark on the global stage.
"We are proud of your achievements,” Majuba said.
The event was supported by Liberty, MTN, Old Mutual and Vodacom.