Meet Pontsho Mahlatsi, Realogile’s best teacher in Gauteng

Realogile High School teacher Pontsho Mahlatsi has been honoured with the prestigious Provincial Best Teacher Award at the 2024 National Teaching Awards on October 5.

Hailing from Ramaroka Village in Limpopo, Mahlatsi has spent nearly a decade shaping young minds and instilling a passion for learning among his learners.

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Mahlatsi said his journey in education was inspired by his own high school experiences, where he envisioned becoming the teacher he wished he had had.

“Every day, I strive to make a difference in young people’s lives. My motivation comes from seeing them grow and understand the power of education,” Mahlatsi added.

His teaching philosophy emphasises that education transcends mere facts; it is about training the mind to think critically and differently.

“Education is not only about learning; it’s about equipping learners with the skills necessary for meaningful economic participation. My approach is based on keeping learners informed and imparting skills that will enable meaningful economic participation.”

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Mahlatsi said the biggest challenge he had come across as a teacher was seeing a generation of young people who did not have an interest in education.

“It is very difficult to educate young people who have distanced themselves from books. However, I was able to overcome this challenge by making education fashionable and I became a role model of what manner of change, education is capable of bringing in our lives.”

Mahlatsi added he passionately advocated for the transformative power of education, showcasing it as a viable alternative to crime and substance abuse.

He said the impact of his teaching was evident in the increasing number of his learners pursuing higher education. “Seeing my learners succeed and change their life situations brings me immense gratification. It reassures me that I am fulfilling my purpose.

“Winning the Provincial Best Teacher Award is a recognition of my hard work and dedication. I’m honoured and hope to inspire young people to realise that everything is possible.”

Mahlatsi shared a message with aspiring teachers. “Schools are places where we can influence and change lives in meaningful ways. This profession must be taken with the utmost consideration, as it plays a crucial role in building a future for our nation.”

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