The Free State Department of Education celebrates the milestone of seven teachers receiving recognition at this year’s National Teaching Awards (NTA) ceremony held on Thursday 1 October in Benoni.

This year marked the 26th edition of the annual event rewarding teachers and celebrating the profession.

The Free State’s 15 representatives were among the 41 national winners, out of 133 finalists who represented the nine provinces. Last year six teachers from the province also won at national level.

This year, the province placed first in three distinct categories that include the coveted National Best Teacher, presented to Mpho Anatjie Mosala of the Letlotlo Naledi Primary School in Bothaville. Three teachers received second-place prizes in various categories and one third place. Mosala was named the country’s best teacher for her work in literacy and community engagement beyond the classroom.

Other NTA awards recipients from the province were the following:

■ Hendrick Kachelhoffer of the Trio High School, Fezile Dabi Education District: first place for Excellence in Secondary School Leadership.

■ Tshepang Mosola of the Pholoho Special School, Mangaung Metro Education District: first place for Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching.

■ Kylie Laurens of the Monamodi Public School, Lejweleputswa Education District: second place for Excellence in Primary School Teaching.

■ Ernest Moroane of the Bluegumbosch Secondary School, Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District: second place for Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET).

■ Tshepang Montsho of Seabo Primary School Lejweleputswa Education District: second place for Excellence in Teaching Natural Science.

■ Sechaba Hlohlolo of the Senakangwedi Senior Secondary School, Mangaung Metro Education District: third place for Excellence in Teaching Physical Science (FET).

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.”

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