LIMPOPO – Teacher Fulufhedzani Zwivhuya Mulaudzi of Daniel Mubva Primary School, west of Louis Trichardt, has won a top award at the 26th annual National Teachers Awards ceremony, held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni on October 1.

Mulaudzi, a maths teacher, said she was thrilled when her name was announced as the winner in the mathematics at General Education and Training (GET) level category.

The awards are presented annually by the Department of Basic Education to recognise teachers whose dedication, innovation and leadership strengthen teaching and learning across South Africa’s schooling system.

Won despite limited resources

Mulaudzi, who started teaching in 2022, said she was particularly excited about the award given the lack of resources at her school.

She received a certificate, trophy, laptop and a new car.

She attributed her success to hard work, teamwork, networking and proper time management.

“I never procrastinate, and I make friends with people whom I know I will learn from. I also go to other schools to learn how they work, so that I can use the knowledge to benefit my learners,” she said.

Mulaudzi said she also made a point of being accessible to her learners and was not motivated by financial incentives.

“I do not get paid extra for my achievements, but I stay at school after normal schooling hours for the sake of our learners.”

Teaching is a calling

For Mulaudzi, teaching is a calling, and her love for her learners motivates her to go the extra mile to help them succeed.

In her award submission, she explained that her lessons cater for learners at different levels, challenging advanced learners while providing additional support to those who need it.

Her approach has helped improve learner participation, confidence and overall performance in mathematics, while encouraging learners to engage actively in problem-solving.