Bojanala District stole the show during the 19th Provincial National Teaching Awards ceremony by obtaining top positions in seven categories on Friday, 19 October 2018 at Mocoseng Sundown Resort, near Mafikeng.

The National Teaching Awards programme is one of the ways in which the Department of Basic Education acknowledges and encourages dedicated and caring teachers in their efforts to develop each learner as a citizen of a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa.

The Department acknowledges the extraordinary efforts made by the teachers, often in very difficult conditions. The efforts are a service to the children, most of whom come from poor communities. The National Teaching Awards aims to honour dedicated, creative and effective teachers and schools and to encourage best practice in schools.

In the category of Excellence Technology – Enhanced Teaching and Learning, Mr Tshegofatso Matjila from Botsalano Primary school in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati obtained position one, Ms Catharina Bull from Laerskool Proteapark in Bojanala District, obtained the first position in the category of Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Ms Ameralda Muller from Grenville High School, Rustenburg in Bojanala District obtained position one in the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, whilst in the Excellence in Primary School Leadership, Mr Chilis Marema obtained the first position, Ms Olga Motshwanedi – Marimo from Matale Secondary School in Bojanala District obtained position one in the Excellence in Secondary School Leadership, Ms Lezanne De Beer from Sunrise View Primary in Bojanala District obtained position one in the Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Mr Keorapetse Kwalate also from Sunrise View Secondary school obtained the first position in the category of Excellence in Teaching Physical Science, in the Excelle nce in Special Needs and Inclusive Teaching category, Ms Louw Hannelie from ES le Grange School obtained the first position and Ms F. Suliman from Zinniaville Secondary School in Bojanala District obtained position one in the category of Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. The Lifetime Achievement award category went to Ms Arlene Holding from Fields College Secondary school in Bojanala District.

Mr Keorapetse Kwalate who obtained position one in the category of Excellence in Physical Sciences Teaching said, he teaches science to develop the young mind scientifically and integrate the science and technology in the universe.

“My dream is to teach and see an African child inventing a new solution or model that is efficient and environmental friendly producing energy and purifying water”, said Mr Kwalate.

Mr Enoch Rabotapi, the Chief Director for Teacher Development from the National Department of Basic Education, said they are challenging parents through the School Governing Bodies Associations to ensure there is a smooth partnership with the department which will lead to functional schools.

MEC Sello Lehari congratulated all the winners and indicated that teachers are the most important and special commodities which contributes towards nation building.

“On behalf of the department I wish to congratulate all the winners of the 19th Provincial National Teachers Awards, we are very proud of your achievements. These awards serve as a motivation to other teachers to work hard and your contribution contributes to the future workforce of our country”, said MEC Lehari.

The national ceremony for the National Teaching Awards will be held on the 16 February 2018 in Sandton, Gauteng Province.