Kathorus teachers shine at Cluster 7 National Teaching Awards

Six teachers from various schools around Kathorus were elated when they were awarded certificates of excellence in different teaching professions.

The six teachers were honoured with certificates of excellence for their extraordinary commitment and dedication to the teaching profession during the Cluster 7 National Teaching Award ceremony held at Dr WK Du Plessis School in Springs on September 26.

A teacher at Mthimkhulu Primary School in Vosloorus, Mantombi Wessel, was bestowed with a certificate of excellence for teaching life skills from Grade 1 to Grade 6. Another teacher from the same school, Simphiwe Ndlovu, was awarded a certificate of excellence in primary school teaching.

Vusi Sibiya, a teacher at Abinala Primary School, also in Vosloorus, received a certificate of excellence in technology and enhanced teaching. A physical sciences teacher at Thabo-Ntsako Secondary School in Thokoza, Promise Makhanza, was also honoured with a certificate of excellence in teaching physical sciences.

Gladys Monyepao, a life orientation educator at Alafang Secondary School in Katlehong, was presented with a certificate of excellence in secondary school teaching. A foundation phase teacher at Thabotona Primary School in Palm Ridge, Ntshepiseng Motaung, was honoured with a Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award for her 31 years of service in the teaching profession.

Makhanza, who has been a teacher for four years at Thabo-Ntsako Secondary School in Thokoza, said she was honoured to be awarded the certificate of excellence in teaching physical sciences at the Cluster 7 National Teaching Awards.

“Although I didn’t obtain the first position, I’m happy with walking away with the silverware award, which I did not expect. The award validates the hard work I have contributed as a teacher. This is a celebration of my learners’ success. In 2024, as a novice physical sciences Grade 12 teacher, I managed to attain a 97% pass rate in the subject that I’m teaching,” said Makhanza.

She mentioned that she tries to come up with innovative teaching techniques for her learners to understand what she is teaching.

“I use fact simulation from YouTube educational videos, AI tools, and other methods for my learners to comprehend what I’m teaching in class, and it works. The support that I received from my colleagues also enabled me to achieve what seemed impossible, which was to attain this award. Our school is under-resourced; it doesn’t have a science laboratory, but I try to make my learners understand even without that essential facility.”

A life orientation department head at Alafang Secondary School, Monyepao, said she was excited to be awarded a certificate of excellence in secondary teaching.

“It was my first time partaking in the Cluster 7 National Teaching Awards. I enjoyed the experience even though I did not expect to be awarded. We were competing against other teachers in other districts around Ekurhuleni during the award ceremony, and being honoured as a winner was surreal. It has kept me inspired and I’m really humbled by the award,” Monyepao shared.

Wessel, who has been teaching at Mthimkhulu Primary School for 10 years, mentioned that she is proud of herself for being awarded a certificate of excellence in teaching life skills.

“Previously, when I took part in the award ceremony, I scooped a silverware, but this time I occupied the first spot, and I’m proud of myself. “I experienced a lot of challenges before taking part in the competition. I lost my cellphone, which had most of my portfolio work, but I managed to extract the information from my acquaintances.
“I completed my portfolio work in time and submitted it to the Cluster 7 National Teaching Awards, which paid off. This award serves as a motivation to me,” Wessel expressed.

Another teacher at Mthimkhulu Primary School, Ndlovu, said he is overwhelmed with excitement for being awarded a certificate of excellence in primary school teaching.

“Winning this award was a special moment for me. This award boosts my confidence going forward because it shows me that I’m on the right track. I was also confident when I enrolled for the awards. I have taken part in the awards several times previously, but I’m glad I tried again and I never gave up because I’m reaping the rewards currently,” Ndlovu shared.

A teacher at Abinala Primary School, Sibiya, said being awarded a certificate of excellence in technology and enhanced teaching is astonishing for him.

“Scooping the silverware means a lot to me because it was my first time taking part in the awards. I have also achieved a huge milestone in representing my school because it was the first time any teacher from my school was awarded in the National Teaching Awards. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who have supported me throughout by being my pillar of strength. On my side, I surely believe this award opens a door for more awards at Abinala Primary School,” Sibiya stated.

Motaung, who has been a teacher for 31 years and currently teaches at Thabotona Primary School, said receiving a Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award means a lot to her.

“This award rewards my lengthy dedication and commitment to the teaching profession. I’m overjoyed that I have been honoured for my longevity in the teaching profession. It was not easy, but my love and passion kept me going and all the sacrifices I have made for the profession have yielded positive results. The teaching profession is the core foundation for all other professions in the world and it needs to be loved by those who are pursuing it, because without it the other professions won’t exist. This award makes me proud and gives me the strength to do more,” said Motaung.

The Ekurhuleni South District senior education specialist (National Teaching Awards coordinator), Nomasonto Buthelezi, said teachers were awarded for their best teaching practices.

“We were hosting the award ceremony for Cluster 7 because in the whole of Gauteng, there are seven clusters, and the Ekurhuleni region is dubbed Cluster 7. The award ceremony serves as a platform where the Department of Education honours teachers for their good work,” Buthelezi added.

She mentioned that people need to understand that the teaching profession is very difficult.

“Novice teachers need to work hard to develop themselves. They mustn’t expect to make a lot of money in the profession, but do it for the love and passion.”