A teacher from Nkomazi Local Municipality (NLM) in the Ehlanzeni District, Thulani Sibiya, is the overall winner of the 2025 National Teaching Awards in National Best Teacher Category.

The award ceremony was held in Gauteng on Thursday, October 9.This honour was bestowed upon him by the minister of basic education, Siviwe Gwarube.

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During an interview, Sibiya said he is excited that he won.

“It is time for me to harvest the hard work that I have put in for the learners to succeed,” he remarked.

Sibiya is a former deputy principal and mathematics teacher at Sophungane Combined School in the NLM. He is a passionate science and maths educator with years of experience in teaching Grade 12 learners.

“I will be serving as a senior education specialist for mathematics at Ehlanzeni TVET College when schools reopen. For the past year I was at Sophungane, and while I was there I managed to help them improve from underperforming school to getting 91% pass rate in maths. Before that, I worked at Shinyukane High School, where I served as the head of the mathematics department for seven years.”

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Sibiya’s passion for teaching started when he was in Grade 10. He had a study group assisting his friends and fellow classmates.

“I did it for free as they are my friends and I have seen how learners from rural areas are not informed about the impact maths has in their careers.”

The Mpumalanga Department of Education’s spokesperson, Gerald Sambo, said it salutes Sibiya for his dedication, resilience, and outstanding contribution to education.

“He embodies the spirit of excellence that propels our nation forward. Sibiya continues to be a beacon of hope and excellence in the education sector. His mission is clearly to nurture future professionals such as medical doctors, engineers, and pilots, who will one day contribute to the growth and prosperity of South Africa’s economy.”