Mojela Maserole receives her teaching award from President Cyril Ramaphosa, alongside Deputy Minister of Basic Education Reginah Mhaule (far left) and Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube (centre left). (Supplied/Limpopo Department of Education)
Four Limpopo Teachers Shine at National Teaching Awards
Four educators from Limpopo took center stage at the National Teaching Awards (NTA) ceremony, held at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg on Saturday.
The NAT celebrates the country’s top educators for their excellence and commitment to shaping the future through quality teaching.
Mojela Maserole took first place in Limpopo for Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences.
The 26-year-old teaches at Semorishi Primary School in Bakone, Vlakfontein education circuit, in Capricorn North.
Maserole said this award would help her show children in the area she grew up in that anything is possible.
“This award means it’s possible, regardless of where you come from. It’s important never to allow where we are to shape where we can go,” she said.
Limpopo’s MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, lauded the winners for their achievements and praised their dedication.
“These educators have not only made Limpopo proud but have set a shining example for teachers across the country. Their unwavering commitment to delivering quality education is truly commendable,” she said.
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Motlatjo Maake from Kgapane High School in the Bolobedu area was named the winner in the Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences category.
She says the award is a motivation for her and the learners to aim higher.
“I feel incredibly honoured and I’d really like to thank everybody who supported me, from the school to the circuit, the district and the province in general. And for me, winning means it is validation that what I am doing in the classroom it is actually on the right track, that my practices are actually meaningful to the learners and that I am able to develop myself, so that my learners can benefit.
Among the Limpopo educators recognized were:
- Mojela Maserole Semorishi from Bakone Vlakfontein Circuit, Capricorn North, who took 1st place in the Excellence in Teaching Natural Sciences category.
- Ramalepe Victoria Mphati, representing Diopong Primary in Mankweng, Capricorn South, secured 3rd place in the Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning category.
- Motlatso Lucia Maake from Kgapane High School, Rakwadu Circuit, Mopani West, was honored for Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences.
- Thema Ntshabo Sarah of Ithuteng Lower Primary School, Mahwelereng Circuit, Mogalakwena District, took 2nd place in the Primary School Teaching category.
The awards celebrated the vital role teachers play in developing young minds and improving education standards across the country.
Limpopo’s winners, in particular, are seen as inspiring figures for both their students and fellow educators.
These educators have been credited with raising the bar for teaching in their respective fields, making significant strides in their schools and communities.
Their recognition at the national level underscores the importance of their contributions to education in South Africa.
President Ramaphosa delivers keynote address
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged teachers to follow up on their learners until grade 12 to help curb the drop-out rate.
He was speaking at the National Teachers Awards in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
The event, attended by hundreds of teachers, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, coincides with International Teachers’ Day.
Ramaphosa says teachers have to make sure that their learners complete their 12-year programme in class.
“The devoted educator gives learners their attention, guidance, encouragement and patience. And when the child is absent from class, the teacher should be the first to know that this child is not in class today and in that way, we should be able to curb or lessen the dropout rate in our schools. We all know that many of our children do not finish the 12 years of schooling. So, a good teacher is a role model who encourages a child to achieve their potential.”
Four Limpopo Teachers Shine at National Teaching Awards