Four teachers from Limpopo and the Free State were honoured at the 26th National Teaching Awards on Thursday. They were recognised for new classroom methods, inclusive teaching and school leadership, according to SAnews.
The winners are Fulufhedzani Zwivhuya Mulaudzi of Daniel Mubva Primary School and Taetso Evidance Mmako of Molamo Primary School, both in Limpopo. From the Free State, Tshepang Confidence Olifant of Pholoho Special School and Hendrik Jacobus Kachelhoffer of Hoërskool Trio High School were also honoured.
The ceremony took place at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the event, SAnews reported.
The Department of Basic Education runs the awards every year. The department said the awards celebrate teachers whose work and leadership improve teaching and learning across the country.
Mulaudzi won the award for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET). According to SAnews, she uses interactive activities and digital resources to help learners understand the subject.
In her entry, she said her lessons are planned for learners at different levels. Stronger learners are pushed further, while others get extra help. SAnews said the method has lifted participation, confidence and results in Mathematics.
She also sits on the Mathematics Circuit Committee. She helps her departmental head with moderation and Quality Management System work, and serves on several school committees.
Mmako was honoured in the Natural Sciences category. SAnews said she uses videos and digital tools to vary her lessons and gets learners involved in science activities outside class.
She leads ICT at her school and is working to turn it into a smart school, despite limited resources, according to SAnews. She also mentors younger teachers and coordinates professional development for the South African Council for Educators.
Her work has helped link the school with private sector partners. These partners have given learners chances to meet high-profile guests, SAnews reported.
Olifant received the award for Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching. She started teaching English at Navalsig Secondary School in 2022. She later taught Grades 1 to 6 at Wilgehof Primary, including learners with special educational needs.
She joined Pholoho in 2024, where she teaches Foundation Phase. In her entry, Olifant said she wants learners to be seen for who they are and what they can become, not defined by disability.
Kachelhoffer won the award for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership. He started as a student teacher at Harrismith High School in 2005.
He became a head of department in 2015 and deputy principal in 2016. In 2019 he became principal of Die Afrikaanse Hoërskool Kroonstad. After it merged with Kroonstad High School, he became principal of Trio High School in 2022.
In his entry, Kachelhoffer said his leadership is guided by honesty, teamwork, high expectations and a love of developing young people.
Finalists from across the country were recognised in other categories too. These include Grade R teaching, primary school leadership, the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Best Teacher Award.
Source: this article is based on reporting by SAnews.gov.za. Image: GCIS via SAnews.gov.za. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Technology desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Werner Jacobs covers technology for Tzaneen Voice. Werner reports on mobile networks, data prices, internet access, smartphones, apps, AI, cybersecurity and South African tech companies. Each story explains what a new product, price change or policy means for ordinary users in South Africa.