On Wednesday, October 19 Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane celebrated and paid tribute to passionate teachers when he hosted the 2022 National Teaching Awards (NTA) at the Garden Venue in Randburg.
Four teachers from Roodepoort who work with dedication and commitment every day, were among those who represent the best of the education system.
Zimasa Gqibani from Florida Park High School won second place for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET) Award.
An excited Gqibani said she is grateful to God for her award and that she feels humbled. “This award has inspired me to continue fulfilling the vision of the Department of Education which is to make every learner feel valued and inspired in our innovative education system. I will continue to advocate for quality education that will bring about social change and inspire learners to craft the future of their dreams,” said Gqibani.
Charles Raymond Peters from Discovery Primary Full-Service School was placed third in the category of Excellence in Special Needs Leadership Award.
Peters, who is also the school’s principal, said that he participated in the new category and had to represent his school as the leader.
“What I shared with the team is that effective leadership is a journey, this is our 11th journey as a full-service school. Leadership is not a position, title or a seat but a journey of progress, learning, awareness and adjustment and that is what we do on a daily basis when we come to school. It was an awesome experience and acknowledgement, I had the opportunity to meet the new MEC and also the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee in Education,” said Peters.
Roodepark LSEN School teacher, Analise Laas won first place in the category of Excellence in Special Needs Teaching Award for her dedication and commitment building future leaders.
Despite the challenges in her school, Laas has continued to execute the school’s functions with the greatest sense of duty and passion.
Margaret Jansen from Hoërskool Florida was placed second in the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching Award category.
Jansen said she is honoured to be among the best innovative, resilient, committed and dedicated teachers in Gauteng.
The National Teaching Awards honour some of the many teachers that demonstrate leadership and make a difference in the lives of their learners.
“Through these awards, we recognize and honour the crucial role teachers play in building better communities. These awards are given to exceptional primary and secondary school teachers and early childhood educators. Lastly, we want teachers who are lifelong learners, who will keep abreast with the latest developments in education,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
