Category: Africa

Teachers from Limpopo and the Free State have been recognised at the 26th National Teaching Awards for innovative classroom practices, inclusive education and leadership that extends beyond the traditional classroom. 

The educators are Fulufhedzani Zwivhuya Mulaudzi of Daniel Mubva Primary School in Limpopo, Taetso Evidance Mmako of Molamo Primary School in Limpopo, Tshepang Confidence Olifant of Pholoho Special School in the Free State and Hendrik Jacobus Kachelhoffer of Hoërskool Trio High School in the Free State.

The awards were held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, on Thursday under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.”

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

Mulaudzi, who was recognised for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET), uses interactive activities and digital resources to support learner understanding and participation.

In her submission for the awards, she indicated her lessons are designed to accommodate learners at different levels, challenging advanced learners while providing additional support to those who need it.

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

Beyond the classroom, Mulaudzi serves on the Mathematics Circuit Committee and assists the Departmental Head with moderation and (Quality Management System (QMS) processes.

She is also involved in several school structures, including the Benevolence Committee, Sporting Committee and Fundraising and Tourism Committee.

Natural Sciences

In the Natural Sciences category, Mmako was recognised for her creativity in ensuring that learners understand the subject and participate actively.

The Molamo Primary School educator uses videos and digital tools to diversify her lessons, while encouraging learners to participate in co-curricular Natural Sciences activities.

As the school’s ICT pioneer, Mmako is also driving its transformation into a smart school, despite limited resources.

She has further contributed to teacher development as a mentor to younger educators and as a coordinator for South African Council for Educators (SACE) Continuing Professional Teacher Development.

Her work has also helped forge links between the school and the private sector, including bringing partners on board who have helped expose learners to high-profile guests and opportunities.

Championing inclusion

For Olifant, who received recognition for Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching, the focus is on ensuring that learners are seen for their potential rather than defined by disability.

In her submission for the awards, she indicated her teaching journey began with English at Navalsig Secondary School in 2022 before she moved to Wilgehof Primary, where she taught Grades 1 to 6, including learners with special educational needs.
The experience deepened her passion for inclusive education.

Since joining Pholoho Special Needs in 2024, where she teaches Foundation Phase and mentors learners, Olifant said her belief in every learner’s potential has continued to grow. In her submission for the awards, Olifant said she entered because she wants learners seen for who they are and what they can become, not defined by disability.

She said one of the most rewarding aspects of her work was seeing learners she had nurtured find their voices, embrace leadership and pursue their dreams.

Leadership beyond the classroom

Kachelhoffer, who received the award for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, has built a career in education spanning more than two decades.

His journey began in 2005 as a student teacher at Harrismith High School. He progressed to Head of Department in 2015 and Deputy Principal in 2016 before becoming Principal of Die Afrikaanse Hoërskool Kroonstad in 2019.

Following its amalgamation with Kroonstad High School, he became Principal of Trio High School in 2022.

In his submission, Kachelhoffer said his leadership is driven by integrity, teamwork, high expectations and a passion for developing young people. His work at the school includes creating opportunities for academic, sporting, cultural, technical and agricultural development.

About the National Teaching Awards

The award which were addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aim to focus public attention on the positive aspects of basic education, enhance the public image of the teaching profession, and recognise, appreciate and promote excellence in teaching performance.

Finalists from across the country were recognised in a range of categories, including Excellence in Grade R Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Leadership; Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET); Excellence in Secondary School Teaching; Excellence in Secondary School Leadership; the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award; and the National Best Teacher Award. – SAnews.gov.za

Limpopo Physical Sciences educator Abiud Prosper Baloyi has been recognised at the 26th National Teaching Awards for his commitment to learner achievement and his role in helping turn around his school’s academic performance.

Baloyi, who teaches Grades 10 to 12 at Mugwazeni Secondary School, has eight years of experience teaching Physical Sciences.

His commitment extends beyond normal classroom hours, with the educator conducting extra classes in the mornings, afternoons and on Saturdays to help learners master the subject.

His efforts have contributed to strong results, with the school recording a 100% result with a distinction in Physical Sciences in the first term of 2026.

Baloyi also serves as a Grade 12 project manager. Since taking on the role in 2024, Mugwazeni Secondary School has moved from chronic underperformance to being a performing school.

Beyond his teaching and school leadership responsibilities, in his submission for the awards, Baloyi indicated he chairs the Physical Sciences Professional Learning Community of the N’wanedzi circuit and serves as secretary of the School Governing Body teacher component.

He also founded and manages the Progressive Learning Science Academy, a community programme providing Physical Sciences extra classes to Grade 8 to 12 learners from the N’wanedzi and Xihoko circuits.

His influence has extended to former learners, with some of those who matriculated from Mugwazeni now studying for Bachelor of Education degrees and preparing to become Physical Sciences educators.

Baloyi is also involved in several school and community structures, including the Mugwazeni Development Committee.

His contribution to teaching, leadership and community education earned him recognition in the Physical Sciences category at this year’s National Teaching Awards.

About the National Teaching Awards

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the 26th National Teaching Awards at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, on Thursday.

The awards were held under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.”

The National Teaching Awards are hosted annually by the Department of Basic Education to recognise and celebrate educators whose dedication, innovation and leadership strengthen teaching and learning across South Africa’s diverse schooling system.

The awards aim to focus public attention on the positive aspects of basic education, enhance the public image of the teaching profession, and recognise, appreciate and promote excellence in teaching performance.

Finalists from across the country were recognised in a range of categories, including Excellence in Grade R Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Leadership; Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET); Excellence in Secondary School Teaching; Excellence in Secondary School Leadership; the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award; and the National Best Teacher Award. – SAnews.gov.za

Forty-three years in education have earned Gauteng educator Duduzile Constance Nkuna the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th National Teaching Awards. 

Nkuna, who is from Sekampaneng Primary School, began her teaching career in 1983 and has served as a teacher, Departmental Head, Deputy Principal and Principal.

Hosted annually by the Department of Basic Education, the awards recognise and celebrate educators whose dedication, innovation and leadership strengthen teaching and learning across South Africa’s diverse schooling system.

The award ceremony was held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, on Thursday, and was addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Nkuna’s career includes 21 years at PL (post level) 1 level, 10 years at PL2, one year at PL3 and 12 years at PL5 level, where she currently serves as a principal.

She spent 10 years as Departmental Head for English, Social Science and Life Skills and also served as an Annual National Assessments (ANA) Examiner at the Department of Basic Education.

Her journey began in the Foundation Phase, where she taught Grades 1 to 3.

“I began in the Foundation Phase (Grade 1-3) where I learned the true definition of teaching – patience, phonics and nurturing,” she said in her submission for the awards.

She later moved to the Intermediate Phase, teaching English, Social Science and Life Skills, and also served as a teacher leader in Tshwane North, including training educators in the North West on policy implementation.

Over more than four decades, Nkuna has taught through significant changes in the education system, from the former Department of Education and Training (DET) system through Outcomes-Based Education (OBE), Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) and Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

“The curriculum changes from the old DET system, through OBE, RNCS, CAPS; I learned that changes are constant and an educator is a lifelong learner. The core values that have shaped me are the learners, teaching in overcrowded, under-resourced classrooms that methodology must adapt to reality and creativity can replace resources,” she said in her submission.

Legacy

Working with parents, communities and colleagues has taught her that teaching was about more than delivering subject content.

“After 43 years, I am no longer just teaching subjects – I am building people, and this is the legacy I carry,” she said.

Despite her long service, Nkuna continues to place emphasis on preparation, punctuality and compassion. She still “arrive[s] first, prepare every lesson and treat every learner as my own child.”

She also believes in ensuring that no learner is left behind, differentiating her teaching, providing remedial support after hours and mentoring fellow educators.

“I am most proud of turning around struggling learners,” she said.

Many of the teachers she has mentored have since progressed to become Heads of Department and principals themselves.

Nkuna said the award gives recognition to decades of service that often goes unseen.

“I entered this category not for recognition, but to give voice to 43 years of dedicated service often unseen in our profession,” she said in her submission.

For her, the recognition is also a message to the learners, colleagues, school and community she has served throughout her career.

“This recognition shows my learners that hard work and good values are rewarded; for my colleagues it affirms that long service and integrity matter, and for my school and community it proves that quality education can thrive even in under-resourced contexts and that a teacher can be a pillar of the community for over four decades,” Nkuna said.

About the awards

The awards aim to focus public attention on the positive aspects of basic education, enhance the public image of the teaching profession, and recognise, appreciate and promote excellence in teaching performance.

Finalists from across the country were recognised in a range of categories, including Excellence in Grade R Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Leadership; Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET); Excellence in Secondary School Teaching; Excellence in Secondary School Leadership; the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award; and the National Best Teacher Award.

In his address, President Ramaphosa called for greater investment in teachers and stronger support for educators, adding that better educational outcomes depend on creating the conditions in which teachers can focus on teaching. 

READ | President calls for greater investment in teachers

The ceremony was held under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.”
– SAnews.gov.za

Free State educator Mpho Anatjie Mosala has been named the National Best Teacher at the 26th National Teaching Awards, recognising her commitment to literacy, African languages and the holistic development of learners.

Mosala, who teaches Grade 6 Sesotho Home Language at Letlotlo Naledi Primary School in Bothaville, has been teaching since 2015.

Her approach extends beyond teaching the curriculum, with a particular focus on developing learners’ communication, reading, writing, comprehension and critical-thinking skills.

In her submission for the awards, Mosala said her experience in the classroom had exposed her to the circumstances affecting learners beyond school, including vulnerable family situations and different levels of parental support.

“These experiences have strengthened my belief that an effective teacher must care for the well-being of learners in class and beyond,” she said.

She describes herself as an innovative, reflective and caring educator, who seeks to make a positive contribution to learners, colleagues, the school and the wider community.

Her recognition also highlights her commitment to promoting African languages.

“As a Sesotho Home Language teacher, I promote the value of African Languages while supporting learners from diverse backgrounds,” she said.

Her work extends beyond the classroom through school and community initiatives focused on promoting literacy and supporting vulnerable learners.

Mosala said she entered the National Best Teacher Award because of her passion for transforming learners’ lives through quality, inclusive and meaningful education.

“I believe that my journey as an educator reflects a consistent commitment to excellence,” she said.

For Mosala, the award is not only a personal achievement, but recognition of the learners, colleagues and school community that form part of her teaching journey.

“The National Best Teacher Award represents my commitment to teaching with purpose and serving with integrity.

“This recognition would celebrate my learners’ success, inspire my colleagues, affirm my school’s commitment to excellence, and encourage me to continue contributing to education not only in my community but in South Africa,” she said. 

About the National Teaching Awards

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the 26th National Teaching Awards at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, on Thursday.

The awards were held under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.”

The National Teaching Awards are hosted annually by the Department of Basic Education to recognise and celebrate educators whose dedication, innovation and leadership strengthen teaching and learning across South Africa’s diverse schooling system.

The awards aim to focus public attention on the positive aspects of basic education, enhance the public image of the teaching profession, and recognise, appreciate and promote excellence in teaching performance.

Finalists from across the country were recognised in a range of categories, including Excellence in Grade R Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Teaching; Excellence in Primary School Leadership; Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET); Excellence in Secondary School Teaching; Excellence in Secondary School Leadership; the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award; and the National Best Teacher Award. – SAnews.gov.za

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has reiterated a call for integrated urban planning, infrastructure investment and the use of digital technologies to address apartheid-era spatial inequalities and improve access to affordable housing and economic opportunities. 

Simelane said housing delivery must go beyond the construction of houses to ensure that communities have access to employment centres, public transport, healthcare, education and essential infrastructure.

Delivering a keynote address at the South African Planning Institute’s (SAPI) 10th Planning Africa Conference in Cape Town on Thursday, Simelane said planners have a critical role to play in transforming the country’s settlement patterns and creating inclusive, sustainable and resilient communities.

“Development is sustainable merely because the houses are complete. Water supply, wastewater treatment, electricity, roads, stormwater management and access to public transport must be considered together with settlement growth,” Simelane said.

Held in Cape Town from 29 September to 01 October 2026, the conference is convened under the theme: “Digital Technologies and Sustainable Futures: Pathway for Urban and Regional Planning in Africa.

The conference provides an opportunity for both SAPI and the National Department of Human Settlements to engage different stakeholders, including local and international stakeholders, civil society organisations and local spheres of government, to promote inclusive and participatory planning processes, aimed at addressing spatial inequalities, housing backlogs, climate-resilient settlements, and sustainable rural and urban development.

Simelane noted that South Africa’s settlement patterns continue to reflect the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, with many low-income households living on the urban periphery, far from employment opportunities and essential services.

While significant public investment has been directed towards housing and infrastructure since the advent of democracy, she said the continued separation of residential areas from economic centres places considerable financial and social burdens on households and increases infrastructure costs for municipalities.

She emphasised that housing delivery and spatial transformation are interconnected but distinct objectives, warning that building houses without addressing their location can perpetuate existing inequalities.

“Housing delivery and spatial transformation, while intrinsically linked, are distinct objectives. It thus remains entirely possible to provide houses without fundamentally altering segregated settlement patterns,” she said.

Simelane called on planners to apply the principles of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, which provides principles of spatial justice, sustainability, efficiency, resilience and good administration, in development decisions.

“We need to institutionalise these principles in our work as planners. Planning outside of this framework of principle can only help to sustain the inherited legacy of spatial injustice. These principles must inform not only where development is permitted, but where public resources are directed and how projects are implemented.

“Spatial transformation must be measured not only by the number of houses constructed, but by where those houses are located, the opportunities they provide access to, and the quality of the settlements we create,” the Minister said.

She also referred to the recent Constitutional Court judgment in the Tafelberg matter, which found that the Western Cape Government and the City of Cape Town had failed to adequately fulfil their obligations in relation to affordable housing and the redress of apartheid-era spatial inequalities in well-located parts of the city.

The Minister said public land and development opportunities should be used to promote inclusion and ensure that low-income households can access housing close to jobs, transport and social amenities.

She urged planners to strengthen coordination with municipalities, water services authorities, state-owned enterprises and other built environment professionals to ensure that infrastructure capacity was considered before new residential developments were approved.

“We cannot build sustainable human settlements by constructing houses first and attempting to resolve the infrastructure requirements later,” Simelane said.

She also reiterated the need to align spatial development frameworks, infrastructure master plans, and capital budgets to ensure that water, sanitation, electricity, roads, stormwater systems and public transport are adequately planned and funded. – SAnews.gov.za