Makwela told the Herald that he was humbled and over the moon. He succeeds Alfred Mokgalaka from Phalaborwa who was not only Limpopo’s best teacher in 2022 but also the best teacher nationally. Mokgalaka will be representing South Africa in the coming weeks in Dubai at the Global Teachers Awards.

The provincial awards consist of fourteen categories and some of the winners include Shikwambana Bongani from Letaba Special School as the best teacher in teaching special needs learners; Dr. Paul Ngoako Rangongo received the Kader Asmal lifetime achievement award; Manamela Mpho Gift from Bokamoso Secondary School received an award for excellence in teaching mathematics; and Mashilangwako Katlego from St Paulos School was honoured for excellence in teaching Physical Sciences. The MEC congratulated all the winners for their hard work.

Also read: Mokgalaka keeps on winning

“We do not take for granted what you go through on a daily basis in your respective space of work. “You are confronted by unruly learners, bullies, and harsh working conditions that at times demoralise you to soldier on. I know infrastructure is among the challenges that deter and demoralise you. We have declared this financial year as the year of infrastructure and we have made inroads in addressing some of the challenges,” she said.