Six teachers from the Free State who were finalists for this year’s Basic Education Department’s National Teachers Awards (NTA), were counted among the deserving national winners. The winners were announced last Thursday, 21 October, at a ceremony held in Johannesburg.
The province had 13 teachers shortlisted as finalists with six ultimately chosen among the top national winners.
This was the 22nd edition of the NTA, which celebrates excellence in the teaching profession. The occasion grants recognition of the teaching profession and is pursuance to honouring teachers who excel, tirelessly shape the character and futures of individuals, and uphold the standards of the profession.
The six teachers that brought pride to the Free State were:
•Thatokeaone Nicola from the Tswellang Special School in Bloemfontein: second prize in Excellence in Special Teaching
•Gugulethu Mudavahlu from the Setjhaba se Maketse Combined School in Botshabelo: second prize in Excellence in Teaching Mathematics – Further Education Training
•Thabo Mantsoa from the Pontsheng Primary School in Botshabelo: third prize in Excellence in Primary School Leadership
•Shobi Mabina from the Thokoana Makaota Secondary School in Qwaqwa: third prize in Excellence in Teaching Physical Sciences – Further Education Training
•Lerata Khooa from the Thiboloha Special School, Qwaqwa: second prize in Excellence in Special Needs Leadership
•Thabiso Tsotetsi from the Ipatleleng Primary School, Koppies: third prize in Excellence in Technology Enhanced Teaching and Learning.
Each of the six national winners won additional prizes in financial incentives.
