Torch-bearers who work tirelessly work hard to deliver quality teaching in the province were honoured by the Northern Cape Department of Education (DoE) last week.
“Your achievement shows that despite the times of challenges and controversy we face in our education system, our schools continue to have a cadre of torch-bearers, tirelessly working hard to deliver quality teaching,” MEC Zolile Monakali said at the event held on 12 September at the Sun Flamingo in Kimberley.
“Better education is sorely needed by the youth in this country that is in dire need of development. I can say with confidence that, given the level of excellence displayed by the recipients, we have entered the road that will help us overcome the many challenges confronting our education system.”
The national teaching awards was launched in 2000 and has entered its 22nd year of existence. Through extensive consultation, the scheme has been refined, sharpened and broadened in terms of its framework and participation categories.
Through the Northern Cape DoE’s awards, the excellence in teaching performance was recognised and promoted to make the teachers feel valued by the system.
The awards also aim to honour dedicated, creative and effective teachers and schools, to encourage best practices in schools and to afford South Africans the opportunity to publicly say “thank you” to all outstanding teams or individual teachers in schools.
Geoffrey van der Merwe, spokesperson, said the provincial winners will represent the Northern Cape at the national teaching award ceremony on 20 October.
The following awards in excellence were presented:
- Gr. R teaching: Ruth Morake (Simon Medupe Primary School, Pampierstad);
- primary school teaching: Annemarie Agenbag (Kleinzee Centre for Learning and Development);
- primary school leadership: Segopodisho Disipi (Rearata Primary School, Batlharos);
- secondary school teaching: Vasiliki Mpompolas (Kimberley Technical High School – THS);
- secondary school leadership: Lene Geyer (Kimberley Technical High School – THS);
- special needs teaching: Martenique Kotze (Jannie Brink Special School, Kimberley):
- special needs leadership: Martha van Zyl (Elizabeth Conradie Special School, Kimberley);
- Mathematics teaching (Further Education and Training): Michael Ludick (Kimberley Technical High School – THS);
- Mathematics teaching (General Education Training): Leola Mally (Northern Cape High School, Kimberley);
- Physical Science teaching: Keaobaka Baikepi (Nametsegang High School, Cassel);
- Natural Science teaching: Elsanne du Preez (Op die Voorpos Primary School, Upington); and
- Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning: Craig Cader (Floors High School, Kimberley).
The department thanks all teacher unions, stating they are important and valued stakeholders; and also conveys its gratitude and appreciation to adjudicators, including the role played by the lecturers of the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley in the adjudication process.
