Educators shine at the national awards
Winning at national level bears fruit for the schools as they will also benefit from sponsors of the awards," explained Mdaka.
NELSPRUIT – Teachers of Nkomazi Local Municipality represented the province in the 14th Annual National Teaching Awards in Boksburg last Thursday.
Ms Jayasree Thulasi Nair of Suikerland High School in Malalane obtained the second position in excellence in teaching mathematics.
Ms Promise Mabaso of Sekusile Primary School in Kamaqhekeza, came third in excellence in grade R teaching while Lugebhuta Secondary School’s principal, Mr Mbongeleni Bright Mdaka also received third place in the lifetime-achievement award.
“I’m humbled by this achievement and I realise how important it is to serve others,” said Mdaka. “I showed evidence to the panel of judges of how I was impacting the community and that is how I won,” he said.
The three were warmly received by learners and teachers of Suikerland Secondary upon their return.
At Schoemansdal, the R570 nearly came to a standstill when teachers, learners and some parents tirelessly waited for the arrival of Mdaka who was received as a hero.
“Winning at national level bears fruit for the schools as they will also benefit from sponsors of the awards,” explained Mdaka.
Finalists of the province left for Johannesburg on Wednesday, toured Soweto on Thursday and had a lunch with education minister, Ms Angie Motshekga and finally a gala dinner with both the minister and the president Mr Jacob Zuma. That was where the best achievers were awarded.
One of them was Mr Cibi Francis, a business studies and psychologist teacher of Sidlamafa Secondary School in Ka Mhlushwa. He said, “I am really excited to be a national finalist and feel more responsible for the community, I was selected because of the project I’m busy with at school, providing psychological counselling to learners and educators.”
The national teaching awards were instituted by the former minister for education, Mr Kader Asmal in 2000.
It aims to salute the noble contributions of educators in the country.
They have dedicated their lives in ensuring that the education of an African child was not compromised.
