Passion for teaching is rewarded

MBOMBELA – The Department of Education held its National Teaching Awards to celebrate teaching excellence on Wednesday.
The majority of teachers came out in their traditional attire. They all looked stunning, ending Heritage Month in style.
The principal of Sitintile Secondary School, Mr Herold Gondwe, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award as he is one of the longest serving teachers – 31 years. He said one of the toughest years he has ever experienced was back in 2008 when a pornographic video of pupils from his school circulated on social media.
Gondwe has achieved a secondary leadership award at both district and provincial level and won R8 000 for the school. He was also invited for a presentation by the University of Free State, and the school was filmed by the SABC for its achievements.
Gondwe explained that the love and passion he has for his job has kept him going throughout the years. He also thanked the pupils parents for their unfailing support, and for trusting him with their children. He encouraged pupils’ to actively participate in the science expo. Two of the school’s pupils won medals at provincial and national level, and went as far as to represent South Africa in Belgium.
Recently, a grade 10 pupil also represented South Africa in Namibia through the science expo.
“I gained a lot of knowledge at the workshops and came back and implemented what I have learned in the school. Teachers should love their jobs and interact with pupils and parents, that way they will go far,” Gondwe concluded.
Here are the winners of the
various categories:
Excellence in primary school teaching
1. Malaza Ntombikayise Tersia
2. Beattie Anzel Anelda
3. Diloane Bongiwe Pertunia.
Excellence in secondary school teaching
1. Sibiya Vincent
2. Nkosi Ambrocia Gugu
3. Nkosi Nikiwe Witness.
Excellence in primary school leadership
1. Janse Van Resburg Gerhardas Johannes
2. Shabangu Isaiah Ronald
3. Mabuza Themba Musa.
Excellence in secondary school leadership
1. Nkosi December Sambuel
2. Tsobolo Saturday Martin
3. Lukhele Busisiwe Treah.
Excellence in grade R teaching
1. Matingane Olgah
2. Mnisi Renet Sbongile
3. Matikhulu Thulisile Girly.
Excellence in special needs teaching
1. Hlophe Nondumiso Precious
2. Mushupya Lesetja Wilson
3. Shabangu Qondile.
Excellence in technology enhanced teaching and learning
1. Rorh Esmarie
2. Thobela Nombuso Precious
3. Nkosi Gabheni Mthokozisi.
Excellence in teaching mathematics (FET)
1. Kunene Ntombizodwa Precious
2. Mohuba Bongani Ben
3. Mathews Thomas.
Excellence in physical science teaching (FET)
1. Zulu Richard Benedict
2. Thabethe Vusani
3. Sagoe Junior Ebenezer Austin.
Lifetime achievement awards
1. Gondwe Harold – Mgwenya Circuit
2. Khumalo Buyile Thelma – Nsikazi Circuit
3. Nkosi Zibuse – Khulangwane Circuit.