The Free State Department of Education celebrates the milestone of seven teachers who received prestigious awards at this year’s National Teaching Awards (NTA) ceremony held on Thursday 1 October in Benoni, Gauteng. This year marked the 26th edition of the annual event rewarding teachers and celebrating the profession.

The province’s pride and joy were among the 41 national winners, out of 133 finalists who represented the nine provinces. This year, the Free State had 15 representatives. Last year, the province had six teacherswho also won at national level.

This year, the Free State achieved three first place positions in distinct categories that include the coveted National Best Teacher. This title went to Mpho Anatjie Mosala, who works at the Letlotlo Naledi Primary School in Bothaville. Mosala was named South Africa’s best teacher for her work in literacy and community engagement beyond the classroom. Three teachers received second-place prizes in various categories, and one third place.

Other NTA award recipients from the Free State were the following:

• Sabata Hlohlolo of the Senakangwedi Secondary School, Mangaung Metro Education District – third place, Excellence in Teaching Physical Science (FET).

• Hendrik Kachelhoffer of the Hoërskool Trio High School, Fezile Dabi Education District – first place, Excellence in Secondary School Leadership.

• Tshepang Olifant of the Pholoho Special School, Mangaung Metro Education District – first place, Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching.

• Kylie Laurens of the Monamodi Public School, Lejweleputswa Education District – second place, Excellence in Primary School Teaching.

• Ernest Moroane of the Bluegumbosch Secondary School, Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District – second place, Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET)

• Tshepang Montso of the Seabo Primary School, Lejweleputswa Education District – second place, Excellence in Teaching Natural Science.

ALSO READ: Free State teachers named among the best in country

The MEC for Education, Dr Julia Maboya, remarked: “The achievements are a powerful reflection of the dedication, excellence and commitment of Free State educators who continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners.”

This year’s NTA ceremony was held under the theme “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future,” to promote the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE’s) sector priorities, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and Agenda 2063. The NTA is a project of the DBE, which maintains its confidence in excellent teaching demonstrated by primary and secondary school teachers across all nine provinces.

ALSO READ: An astute teacher from South Africa’s apartheid era passed away