The Free State Department of Education presented 17 teachers with the prestigious National Teaching Awards (NTA), honouring them for their contributing to the profession. The provincial winners, both primary and secondary schools, were named at an event held in Bloemfontein on Friday, 16 August.
Only 15 educators automatically qualified as national finalists for this year’s 24th edition of the NTAs, which has been refined to have 16 categories. The annual national occasion will culminate with announcement of the winners in October. This year’s theme is: “Empowering Educators, Strengthening Resilience, Building Sustainability.”
The national NTA ceremony ties with World Teachers Day, observed globally on 5 October, to honour teachers for their role in positively changing lives through teaching and upholding this noble profession.
- This year’s provincial category winners are: Motheo region: Segano Thato Qui-Queenesa of the Fauna Primary School (excellence in primary school teaching); Jordaan Alexander of the Lettie Fouché Special School (excellence in special needs Leadership); Makafane Vuyiswa Gladys of the Toka Primary School (excellence in teaching life skills); Thabakholo Lefa Anchore of the Bartimea Special School (excellence in technology, enhanced teaching and learning); and Moreetsi Lesego Kelebogile of the Lefikeng Secondary School (excellence in teaching accounting: FET phase).)Fezile Dabi: Twala Yvonne Mphakiseng of the JJ Kubheka Primary School (excellence in teaching Mathematics: GET); and Dikgang Majobo Alinah of the Phomolong Public School. )Thabo Mofutsanayana: Cele Bongiwe Lucia of the Tiisetsang Secondary School (excellence in secondary school teaching); Machesa Mantoa Elisa of the Riverside Finishing School (excellence in secondary school leadership); Chaka Tiisetso Daniel of the Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind (excellence in special needs teaching); Mthimkhulu Nondlela Anna of the Paballong Primary School (national best teacher); and Nhlapo Lekopa Benjamin of Seotlong Agri and Hotel School (excellence in teaching agricultural subjects). )Lejweleputswa: Thekiso Thuntsi David of the Kheleng Secondary (excellence in teaching Physical Science: FET); Mokgothu Dikeledi Julia of the Setshabelo Primary School (excellence in teaching Natural Sciences: GET); Pengesi Ntsikelelo Michael of the Aramela Secondary School (excellence in teaching Mathematics: FET); Mopeli Nozimanga Jeminah of the Tjantjello Primary School (excellence in primary school leadership); and Mogorosi Letima Michael of the Mmantshebo Primary School (Kader Asmal lifetime achievement award).
Last year, the Free State had four teachers who scooped national prizes out of 14 finalists.
The first-place winners were Chezel Classens (Gr. R teaching category), and Johanne Petro Marais (excellence in teaching Mathematics Z teaching GET category). The third-place winners were Matlakala Chaka (excellence in primary school leadership), and Fezeka Dube (excellence in special needs teaching). The overall winners won a gold certificate and the others bronze.
