Nkowankowa woman named SA’s best Grade R teacher
Banana Primary School’s Sonia Kallai wins SA’s Best Grade R Teacher award, earning prizes including a new car and Denmark trip.
TZANEEN – The Mopani West Education District is celebrating one of its brightest stars, Sonia Kallai, who has been named the best Gr R teacher in South Africa.
Top honour for Limpopo teacher
Kallai, from Nkowankowa and a teacher at Banana Primary School in Dan village, received the prestigious honour at the National Teaching Awards held in Boksburg on Thursday, October 9.
As recognition for her excellence in early childhood education, she was awarded a brand-new car, R10 000 in cash, a Woolworths voucher, a laptop, tablet, and an educational development trip to Denmark valued at R250 000, along with several other prizes.
Kallai told the Herald the day after her win that the moment felt surreal.
“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. The competition was tough, but I’m overwhelmed with joy and thankful to God for this grace,” she said. She attributes her success to creativity in the classroom and treating her learners like VVIPs.
Nkowankowa celebrates local hero
The celebrations continued upon her return to Limpopo. On Friday, she and other provincial winners were welcomed at Polokwane Airport by Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and family members.
More celebrations followed in Tzaneen and Nkowankowa, with a special homecoming event hosted by the Mopani West Education District and Nkowankowa Circuit.
When schools reopened on Monday, Kallai paraded through the streets of Dan and Nkowankowa with her trophy, proudly celebrating with her community.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her journey, especially her school, circuit, and district, for organising the homecoming.
“I would be honoured to receive further recognition from the Nkuna Traditional Authority and the Greater Tzaneen Municipality. Teachers work tirelessly to shape the future of this nation, and it means so much when that work is acknowledged,” Kallai said.
Mopani West Education District director Philipine Modika praised Kallai as a “fountain of wisdom, knowledge, and skills” and said the district would create a platform for her to share her expertise with other Gr R educators.
Messages of congratulations poured in from across the province, including from Mopani District Mayor Pule Shayi, GTM Mayor Gerson Molapisane, and many others.
