Mokopane teachers gather to kick off Bushveld Teacher Awards

LIMPOPO – Principals and teachers from schools across Mokopane gathered at the RET Centre last Friday to celebrate the official launch of the 2025 Best Bushveld Teacher Awards.

The awards form part of the annual Bushveld Education Expo (EduEx), which takes place at the RET Centre in June.

These aim to recognise and honour exceptional teachers who go the extra mile and leave a lasting impact on their learners. In 2024, more than 100 teachers from across the Waterberg region were nominated, with Erndina Viljoen from Hoërskool Piet Potgieter crowned as the Best Bushveld Teacher.

During the launch, guests were encouraged to motivate their colleagues to get involved and submit nominations.

Attending the launch, Malose Seodisha, the principal of Sunrise Superkids Primary School, said: “I encourage everyone to nominate the best teacher you know and participate in this initiative.”

Este Peens from Ortloff’s also attended the launch and echoed this sentiment: “Let’s show our teachers just how much we appreciate all they do for us.”

Minda Marshall, director of Lectorsa, added: “This award is not just a celebration of individual achievement, but a tribute to the power of teaching to shape lives and build our communities.”

Who to nominate:

Anyone can nominate a currently practising teacher, whether you’re a learner, a parent, or a fellow teacher.

However, only one nomination per person is allowed, and nominations for relatives, partners or spouses will not be accepted.

All teachers within the Bushveld region are eligible, whether they teach at public schools, private institutions, or early childhood centres.

If they’re making a positive impact, they deserve to be recognised. The nominations close on May 30.

How to nominate:

Follow the Bushveld EduEx Facebook page and click on the nomination link.

An exciting addition to this year’s Education Expo is the launch of a Young Entrepreneurs Competition, with more details to be shared soon.