Western Cape teachers honoured ahead of World Teachers’ Day - IOL
Teachers across the Western Cape are being recognised for the vital role they play in shaping learners and communities.
As World Teachers’ Day is marked on October 5, teachers across the Western Cape are being recognised for the vital role they play in shaping learners, supporting communities and helping young people build their futures.
Throughout the month, the Western Cape Department of Education will celebrate teachers and encourage communities to show their appreciation to the teachers who lay the foundations for the future. October is also recognised as Teacher Appreciation Month in the province.
Teaching isn't just about standing in front of a classroom; it goes beyond that. It is about dedicating your time and energy. From urban schools to township schools, teachers show up with the same enthusiasm and eagerness to shape young minds.
Just last week, the Department of Education held the National Teaching Awards, where three Western Cape teachers took first place in their respective categories. The 26th annual awards were held in Johannesburg on October 1.
Mthobi Fihla, a teacher from Phakamisani Primary School in Plettenberg Bay, took first place in the Excellence in Inclusive Education Leadership category, while Danielle Bosch and Hortense Stegmann also took first place in their categories.
This goes to show that teachers are more than just educators standing in front of classrooms; they are mentors and role models who recognise that every learner has the capacity to achieve greatness.
The Western Cape Education Department has emphasised the importance of showing appreciation to teachers as they are key partners in improving the quality of education.
Cape Times spoke to Mr Sithule Qoqweni, a Maths and Science teacher at Delft High School, who said teaching for him goes beyond academics; it's about learners needing guidance, encouragement or simply someone they know they can turn to.
When asked about the challenges of teaching in a public school, Qoqweni said: “Teaching in a township community, many of my learners face difficult socio-economic challenges and often need more than academic support.
“They need encouragement and someone who reminds them that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.”
Western Cape Minister of Education Jaco Londt said in a statement released earlier this month: “This month, we invite learners, parents, former learners and communities across the Western Cape to join us in celebrating our teachers and to take a moment to thank a teacher who has made a difference to you or your child.”
