TEACHERS DESERVE RECOGNITION FOR SHAPING FUTURE PROFESSIONALS

By KOPANO MONAHENG

JUST like a baby needs their mother’s guidance to learn how to crawl, stand, talk and walk, the same applies to people who become professionals later in life.
Without teachers playing an important role in their development, many people would never have become journalists, doctors, scientists or professionals in other fields.
Teachers are the foundation of education, yet their contribution to shaping the future of the country is not always recognised and appreciated as it should be.
On September 28, Gauteng MEC for Education Lebohang Maile announced the winners of the 2026 Gauteng National Teaching Awards. The ceremony was held at Edenvale Joburg, where outstanding teachers were recognised for their dedication and contribution to education.

Speaking to The Imagy, Maile said the awards were aimed at celebrating the education sector and the teaching profession, while recognising positive influence and excellence in education.
“The National Teaching Awards may have been aimed at the celebration of the education sector and teaching profession and be a celebration of both the positive influence and excellence in the teaching profession and the education sector as a whole,” he said.
The awards recognised teachers in various categories, including Excellence in Primary School Teaching, Excellence in Secondary School Teaching, Excellence in Grade R Teaching, Enhanced Teaching and Learning (ICT), and Excellence in Inclusive Education Teaching, among others.

These categories highlight the important role teachers play in ensuring that learners receive quality education and the support they need to succeed.
Teaching is more than standing in front of a classroom and delivering lessons. It requires patience, commitment, dedication and the ability to guide learners through different stages of their lives.
Teachers also help instil discipline, confidence, responsibility and values that learners carry with them long after leaving school.
Many successful professionals can look back at their school days and remember a teacher who encouraged them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

For this reason, teachers deserve appreciation and recognition for the knowledge, guidance and values they impart to learners.
Recognising their efforts through initiatives such as the National Teaching Awards is an important step towards celebrating those who help shape the next generation of leaders and professionals.
Teachers do not only educate learners; they help build the future of the country.