Mpulukeng Mhlanga placed second in the Excellence in Teaching Life Skills category at Gauteng’s 26th National Teaching Awards, held on September 28 in Edenvale.

Mhlanga is a teacher for Sakhelwe Primary School in Kwa-Thema, where she teaches Grade Three.

She told the African Reporter that she felt disbelief, joy, and deep gratitude. She said being recognised as second in the entire Gauteng province is such an honour.

“I immediately thought of my learners, because they are the reason I teach with so much passion.

“I also thought of my Sakhelwe Primary School family, my principal and colleagues who support me daily.

“And I thought of the Gauteng East District, which groomed me to become an excellent teacher,” shared Mhlanga.

She said it is exciting that her school is recognised for excellence. She added that it gives her great joy to put the school on the map.

Mhlanga, who started teaching in 2017, explained that life skills is not only about academics; it develops the holistic child.

“It develops the child physically, emotionally, socially and creatively. Life skills equips learners with the tools to make responsible decisions, to respect diversity and to care for their environment,” she noted.

She shared that her lessons are practical and learner-centred. Mhlanga use everyday resources like recycled materials, as they are easy to find.

She added that such resources help learners connect school knowledge with their everyday knowledge.

“Life skills includes creative arts and performing arts, and I think the creative part is a challenge for some teachers.

“Creative arts need a lot of creativity, so I use the internet, YouTube, and TikTok for ideas, and I’m not afraid to try something new.

“I love performing arts because it brings out the inner child in me. My learners love it because that’s where we learn through poems, acting, singing and so forth.”

Mhlanga expressed that the subject teaches them how to navigate life. It builds self-respect, respect for others, resilience and good decision-making.

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She added that they will carry these skills into their homes, friendships, and future workplaces. She credited her family as her support system, especially her husband for pushing her to her fullest self.

Mhlanga thanked the school’s principal, Vuyolwethu Rejoice Seoketsa, and her department head, Stephina Zanele Masemula, and her colleagues.

“The principal nominated me and she is the one who has been motivating me to continue doing well and to be consistent,” she said.

She added that the award puts the school and the district in a positive light. It shows that quality teaching is happening here in Gauteng East.

Mhlanga hopes it inspires other teachers to know that their hard work can also be recognised at provincial level.

Her goal is to keep making a lasting impact, mentor other teachers, and find new ways to reach her learners.

“I want every child I teach to leave my class believing in themselves and equipped for life. I am going to participate in next year’s awards, aiming to be number one in the province and to go nationally,” she concluded.