Bon Hotel in Bloemfontein erupted with joy and ululations as seventeen teachers ascended the stage to be awarded with trophies, certificates and many more prizes such as TV sets and laptops among others, for scooping the first position award.
Fifteen of them will again cross their fingers and hold their breath at national level in October vying for the first position at national level.
The NTA seeks to recognise and award hard working teachers in their respective subject areas, and for going an extra mile beyond the call of duty.
Speaking at the NTA function, the MEC for Education Dr. Mantlhake Maboya said all in all there are seventeen categories and two of them were added by the province, referring to the Excellence in Teaching Accounting (FET) and Excellence in Teaching Agricultural Science subjects.
The MEC says the introduction of these categories was prompted by an article released by Business Tech dated 25th January 2015 with a tittle: ‘South Africa is running out of accountants’, whereas with the second category the aim is to ensure that the education system in the province responds to the economic needs as a bread basket of the country, and aligns with the five year integrated plan to establish at least two agricultural schools per district.
The HOD for the Free State Department of Education Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane said that the NTA competitions are about celebrating achievement, but also to honour dedication, passion and brilliance of teachers who are being recognised as the very best in various subjects that they teach. “These awards are not plugs and certificate, but they are a symbolism of countless hours spent preparing lessons, quite sacrifices made to ensure learners’ understanding and unwavering belief that every learner has a potential waiting to be unlocked”, said Malakoane.
“A great teacher does far more than transfer knowledge, they inspire curiosity where there is hesitation, kindle and ignite confidence where there is doubt and transform classrooms into spaces where questions are celebrated as much as answers”, maintained Malakoane.
Guest speaker Gugulethu Ndebele, Principal and Executive Director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) said teachers are more than just educators, but that they also take leadership roles and run programmes extending beyond the call of duty. She said that teachers always rise to the occasion, citing an example of how they continued teaching during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Basking in excitement of being crowned the winner in the Excellence in Teaching Accounting category, Banyane Malebona from Lejweleputswa said winning is an indication of what has been happening behind the scenes and realising that there is something good that she had done.
The 2025 National Teachers Awards winners are:
- Excellence in Grade R Teaching – De Fortier Christine –
- Excellence in Primary School – Masienyane Naledi Nicole
- Excellence in Secondary School Teaching – Ntshangase Malibongwe Wiseman
- Excellence in Primary School Leadership – Mr. Sebico Tebogo Micheal
- Excellence in Secondary School Leadership – Tshabalala Tebello
- Excellence in Special Needs Teaching – Siyoko Themba Kaizer
- Excellence in Special Needs Leadership – Tlake Lindiwe Josephine
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (GET) – Strauss Gina
- Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET ) – Masheleni Rendani Sandra
- Excellence in Teaching Natural Science (GET) Matross Oarabile Sarah
- Excellence in Teaching Physical Science (FET) Lekhooa Sechaba Raymond
- Excellence in Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning – Tau Disebo Anna
- Excellence in Life Skills Teaching – Mohale Lerato
- Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award – Mofokeng Motseki Israel
- National Best Teacher Award – Lerato Justice Dimpane
- Excellence in Teaching Accounting – (FET) Banyane Malebona Victoria
- Excellence in Teaching Agricultural Subjects – Coetzee Anna Magrietha
