The winners of the 2008 National Teaching Awards were announced in a gala event at the Union Buildings guesthouse in Pretoria last night.
Now in its ninth year, the awards aim to promote excellence in the teaching profession by honouring talented, inspiring and dedicated teachers who provide their learners with the space to achieve their true potential.
The highlight of the night was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which went to Heather Smith of Wendywood Primary in Johannesburg. After 37 years in the profession it was fitting that Smith be honoured for her contribution to education South Africa’s youth before she retires from teaching at the end of this year.
Mbulaheni Maluma, principal at Tshilidzini Special School in Limpopo was in second position while Bruce Niland of Rhenish Primary in the Western Cape scooped the third position.
The winners in the remaining categories were as follows:
Excellence in Early Childhood Development:
Winners: Kedijang Sefatsa, Moji Mafohla and Nankie Masilo
Ntwshephepha Public School, Free State
Second Position:Sitha Chitoo
Forderville Primary School, KwaZulu-Natal
Third Position: Tshililo Tshiwanammbi
Siloam Primary School, Limpopo
Excellence in Primary School Teaching:
Winner: Erica Magerman
Laerskool Aggeneys, Northern Cape
Second Position:Jacobeth Modiga
Bachana Mokwena Primary, Gauteng
Third Position: Anita Moses and Sugitha Nagaran
Gledhow Primary, KwaZulu-Natal
Excellence in Primary School Leadership:
Winner: Bruce Damons
Sapphire Road Primary, Eastern Cape
Second Position:Thandi Morupane
Hlau-Hlau Primary, Mpumalanga
Third Position: Josef Isaks
Olyvenhoutsdrift Primary, Northern Cape
Excellence in Secondary School Teaching:
Winner: Anette Roussow
Hoërskool Florida, Gauteng
Second Position:Michael Zuma
Little Flower School, KwaZulu-Natal
Third Position: Lesibo Teffo
Dr MJ Madiba, Limpopo
Excellence in Secondary School Leadership:
Winner: Thabo Lebina
Illinge High School, Gauteng
Second Position:Wimpie Lodewyk
Hoër Tegniese Skool Sasolburg, Free State
Third Position: Kope Malatsi
St Paul’s High, Limpopo
Excellence in Inclusive Education and Special Needs Teaching:
Winner: Jennifer-Ann Daniels
St Joseph’s Home RC Primary School for Chronically Ill Learners,
Western Cape
Second Position:Margaret Redman
School of Achievement, Gauteng
Third Position: Nomathemba Ndlovu
Kwa Vulindlebe School for the Deaf, KwaZulu-Natal
Excellence in Adult Basic Education and Training:
Winner: Thami Jili
Manaye Public Adult Learning Centre, KwaZulu-Natal
Second Position:Gladys Mokwena
D.W.T Ntathe ABET Centre, Gauteng
Third Position: Thabiso Moamogoa, Victoria Senoamadi, Teboho Mofokeng and Ncebe Stokwe
Liberty Adult Learning Centre, Mangaung Correctional Centre, Free State