The Fochville branch of SADTU (The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union) held a special event for its best achievers this week.

The group of teachers who had given much more than they were asked to do gathered for the function in Greenspark on May 29.

According to the union’s Fochville branch education convenor, Tshepo Seeri, the event not only celebrates excellence but also honours commitment, resilience, and revolutionary education.

He says the awards appreciate excellence and recognise educators who go beyond the call of duty and who sacrifice their time, energy, and even personal comfort to ensure that learners succeed.

The awards are also meant to inspire others because when excellence is celebrated publicly, it reminds every educator that hard work does not go unnoticed.

The event also strengthened the culture of quality public education.

“Today is not just an awards ceremony. Today is a declaration. A declaration that the work of a teacher matters. A declaration that in the midst of overcrowded classrooms, social challenges, curriculum pressures, and limited resources, there are educators who continue to rise every morning and shape the future of our nation,” he said.

He especially hailed primary school educators as the foundation builders of our education system and saluted their patience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and added that teachers are nation builders, community transformers, and the frontline soldiers against poverty, crime, ignorance, and hopelessness.

A total of 74 certificates for a 100% pass rate per subject were handed out to the teachers whose learners excelled, while 40 certificates for learners getting 80% to 99% were also handed over. Three educators also received special awards. The event was held with the help of some caring local businesses and individuals.