‘IT is gratifying to see the dignity of teaching as a noble profession being restored, despite negative media reports the profession has attracted of late.’
That was said by Department of Education District Director, David Chonco, speaking at Uvondlo Primary School outside Nseleni where he congratulated a Grade R teacher, Lindiwe Gumede, for being voted the Best Teacher in South Africa at the National Teacher Awards ceremony in Gauteng.
‘We pride ourselves for producing the best teacher in the country. Miss Gumede’s achievement will undoubtedly re-energize other teachers in the district to strive for excellence against all odds,’ Chonco said.
Gumede’s journey to national recognition started at cluster level where she was voted as top teacher, then claimed the honours at provincial level before scooping the national award.
Chonco said Gumede’s achievement has put the uThungulu district on the national map.
‘This, we believe, will inculcate a culture of teaching and learning in schools. We want to revive our core values as teachers by going back to basics.
‘For the past few years the Department of Education in this district has been rocked by incidents of infighting, school disruptions, violence and criminal activities.
‘We want to bury all that negativity and start on a clean slate.’
