President salutes teachers

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to South Africa’s educators for their role in teaching young minds.

The president’s remarks came during his keynote address at the South African Democratic Teachers Union’s (SADTU) virtual 30th anniversary event on Tuesday and just a day after countries around the globe marked World Teachers’ Day.

“You are true nation-builders, and the work you do is greatly appreciated. Your dedication to the success of our children and the future of our country has been proven time and again, but more so during the COVID-19 pandemic.for the sake of our children and their academic progress, you braved the dangers and risks posed by COVID-19 and returned to the classroom when asked to do so,” said the president.

The president urged education stakeholders to tackle the scourge of school violence.

“We must work together to rid our schools of violence that threatens the safety, not only of learners but also of our educators,” he said.

On World Teacher’s Day Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, lauded teachers as the heartbeat of the education system.

“It is reality that teachers are and will remain the heartbeat of any basic education system in the world and we salute them for that,” said the Minister.

“As a country, we must do more to show appreciation to our teachers. Our teachers deserve extra support in both monetary and nonmonetary measures for their tenacity and expertise,” she said.