TEACHERS were saluted for their invaluable contribution to society during World Teachers Day celebrations at uMfolozi TVET College in eSikhaleni on Wednesday.
Addressing hundreds of teachers, KZN MEC for Education Mthandeni Dlungwana said members of the teaching profession should be celebrated for their untiring role in moulding and developing young minds.
‘World Teachers Day reminds us of the great role our teachers play in ensuring education is improved and remains a respected profession,’ said Dlungwana.
‘A teacher introduces knowledge to us from the foundational to high school levels. This is the person who has helped in improving our skills and attitudes as children. It is through a teacher that most of us in society have had our hidden talents and abilities awakened,’ said Dlungwana.
He also implored the public not to focus on the recent negative reports about teachers involved in criminal activities.
He said only a ‘few bad potatoes’ were part of these unlawful acts which recently tarnished teachers’ reputations.
‘We must not forget the hardworking educators, who have done a tremendously good job in making sure the standard of education is improved,’ he said.
Candles were also lit in remembrance of fallen teachers.
The National Teaching Awards (NTA)
The MEC further celebrated the achievements of local teachers who made their mark during the National Teachers Awards (NTA).
Teachers who participated in the NTA competed at different levels including the district, cluster and provincial levels.
Winners at provincial level then represented the province at national level and these teachers were acknowledged during the function.
The NTA is a scheme aimed at acknowledging, recognising, rewarding and saluting excelling, creative and dedicated teachers for their extraordinary efforts often achieved under very difficult conditions in service to children, schools and communities.
‘We are very proud of these individuals. We will continue to strive to ensure we create an environment that will enable them to do their jobs professionally and diligently,’ said Dlungwana.
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