Willowmoore High School teacher shines at the 23rd National Teaching Awards

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on October 5 to honour the role teachers play in shaping and transforming the lives of learners.

As part of recognising teachers, the Gauteng Department of Education hosted the 23rd National Teaching Awards on September 28 at Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School in Benoni. The theme this year was ‘Invest in People, Prioritise Teachers’.

Willowmoore High School teacher Sardamah Sharol Naidoo shined brightly in second place in the category of Excellence in Secondary School Teaching.

The National Teaching Awards marked its 23rd year, serving as an annual platform to acknowledge and recognise the outstanding contributions made by teachers from public, ordinary schools in nurturing young minds. These awards for teaching excellence inspire teachers to succeed, build resilience, and shine.

According to Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona, they celebrated teachers as the architects of knowledge, nurturers of curiosity, and catalysts of change. Their influence on learners was enduring, and they possessed the power to inspire, ignite curiosity, and empower the next generation.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who attended the event, noted that in an age of technological advancement, where information is readily accessible, teachers provided the wisdom and guidance necessary to navigate this vast sea of knowledge.

“They instil critical thinking, empathy, and resilience in children, fostering an environment where dreams could take flight, imaginations could soar, and we hear voices. The impact of a single teacher extended far beyond the classroom walls.

“Through their guidance, they shaped future leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Teachers instilled a love of learning, encouraged curiosity, and fostered creativity. They also taught invaluable life lessons, such as teamwork, cooperation, empathy, and the importance of standing up against injustice,” said Chiloane.

He encouraged teachers to continue shining brightly and being guiding stars for the generations to come.

Winners
Excellence in Primary School Teaching
Janita Prag: Dr Yusuf Dadoo Primary School: Gauteng West
Nkosi Mamello Hlatshwayo, Tshepo Malose Segalabutla and Boitumelo Seemi: Laerskool Noordhoek: Sedibeng West
Angelique Botha: Laerskool Impala: Ekurhuleni North

Excellence in Secondary School Teaching
Thando Lauren Zamakuhle Mokapela: Sedibeng East
Sardamah Sharol Naidoo: Willowmoore High School: Ekurhuleni North
Khumbelo Tshililo: Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation: Johannesburg Central

Excellence in Primary School Leadership
Wilfred Paul Jacobs: Delta Park School: Johannesburg North
Andries Koiee Thulo: Bophelong Primary School: Sedibeng West
Mariana Margaretha Van Niekerk: Laerskool Kameeldrift: Tshwane West

Excellence in Secondary School Leadership
Selaki James Masenya: Chipa-Tabane Secondary School: Gauteng North
Hawa Bibi Munshi: Lenasia Secondary School: Johannesburg South
Maesela Alpheus Madisha: Khutlo Tharo Secondary School: Sedibeng West

Excellence in Grade R Teaching:
Nhlanhla Tsolo: Laerskool Hendrik Van Der Bijl Primary School: Sedibeng West
Refiloe Lebe: Kid-Maponya Primary School: Gauteng West
Gizelle Shannon Levin: Westbury Primary School: Johannesburg North

Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning
Sinoyolo Dikana: Mthimkhulu Primary School: Ekurhuleni North
Katinka Burger: Kameelsdrift Primary School: Tshwane West
Ingrid Esterhuizen: Laerskool Wierdapark: Tshwane South

Excellence in Special Needs Teaching
Cornè Engles: The Gateway School: Johannesburg West
Matshidiso Mathildah Dladla: Vezulwazi Full-Service School: Gauteng North
Tineke Helena Brand: Delta Park School: Johannesburg North

Excellence in Special Needs Leadership
Maria Elizabeth Kempen: The Gateway School: Johannesburg West
Daleen Visser: Felicitas School: Gauteng East
Mainganya Lucy Mabuka: Isizwe-Setjhaba Special School: Sedibeng East

Excellence in Teaching Mathematics-FET
Belenda Mlambo: Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation: Johannesburg Central
Petrus Mokete Mphela: Steve Bikoville Secondary School: Tshwane North
Amico Meital Khumalo: Mahlenga Secondary School: Gauteng North

Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences-FET
Allen Thabiso Selota: Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation: Johannesburg Central
Timothy Moyana: Tshepo Themba Secondary School: Sedibeng West
Keletso Mpetje Nkadimeng: Steve Bikoville Secondary School: Tshwane North

Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences-GET
Ragosebo Maria Mokgopo: Moriting Primary School: Ekurhuleni North
Naumaan Mohammed Panchbhaya: Eldorado Park Primary School: Johannesburg Central
Gerda Reyda Van Moerkerken: Pinedene Primary School: Sedibeng West

Best Teacher Award
Vela Innocent Mdledle: Mpilisweni Seconadary School: Ekurhuleni South
Mapula Annah Zichally: Lehlasedi Primary School: Sedibeng West
Nokwethemba Mvubu: Maphutha Secondary School: Johannesburg East

Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement
Noni Julia Hlahle: Moriting Primary School: Ekurhuleni North
Joseph Khumalo: Bophelong Primary School: Sedibeng East
Duduzile Nkuna: Sekampaneng Primary School: Tshwane North

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