Keynote address by Deputy President Shipokosa Paul Mashatile at the National Teachers’ Awards, Hatfield Christian Church, Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria

Programme Director,
Honourable Minister for Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga,
Honourable Deputy Minister for Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule,
Members of the Executive Committee from various Provinces and their Departmental Heads,
Director-General, Mr Mathanzima Mweli,
Leaders of entities under the auspices of Basic Education,
Leadership of Teacher Unions and School Governing Bodies,
Our esteemed Teachers who made it possible for us to gather here,
Family and  Friends of our esteemed Teachers,
Learners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, especially our esteemed teachers who made it possible for us to gather here. We stand on your shoulders. We have become leaders in society because of your continued guidance and support. I believe that teaching is the mother of all professions and it is as such necessary that we appreciate and recognise you. 
 
It is indeed a distinct honour and privilege for me to on this day address the 2023 National Teachers’ Awards. This year marks 23 years since the first National Teachers’ Awards took place as spearheaded by the former Minister of Education, the late Professor Kader Asmal, who played an instrumental role in the anti-apartheid as well as in the formative years of our democracy, especially during the transition.

These awards will always serve as a reminder of the contributions of Professor Asmal to social transformation in South Africa, to the extent that the Lifetime Achievement Award is named after him. This award is indeed one that specifically honours utmost commitment to the profession, and is also a reminder that there is value in professional discipline and dedication.  

Through this awards ceremony, we recognise excellence in teaching and appreciate those who have tirelessly served and dedicated themselves to using education as a tool for social transformation, and improving the quality of life for South Africans towards a peaceful, prosperous and democratic South Africa.

Educators play an critical role in building the foundations upon which every society exists.  It is a well-known fact that every successful person had a teacher who once had faith in them and helped them through their formative years. In the 29 years of concerted efforts to transform the education system, we are proud to say that many products of our education system have gone on to make a difference in their communities, government and various other sectors.  

I would like to begin by expressing our  warmest congratulations to all the recipients of the 2023 National Teachers Awards. As we gather here today, I want every teacher to know that the nation sees you, values you, and cherishes the difference you make in the lives of your learners and to our communities more broadly. Each one of you, those coming from modernised classrooms, and those who continue to inspire and nurture future leaders from the most remote corners of our country, is part of our shared vision for a prosperous, educated, and united South Africa.

The task of a teacher is manifold – not only are you imparting knowledge, but you are also shaping characters, instilling values, and crafting the future leaders of our country. This is an enormous responsibility, yet you daily shoulder it with grace and passion. 

While society frequently places a high value on outward manifestations of success—honours, prizes, and concrete outcomes. Today, I want to recognise the daily achievements of teachers who quietly inspire students to overcome obstacles in life by believing in them, igniting a passion for learning in young, bright minds, and quietly planting the seeds of optimism for a better future in the classroom. These are the triumphs that may not always make headlines, but carry our children and youth towards the kind of prosperous society that we all envisage. 

Honourable Minister, we must remember that the transformation journey is not just about building new infrastructure or implementing policies. It's also about the human touch, guidance, and inspiration our educators provide. It's about recognising that every great scientist, artist, entrepreneur, and leader was once a student looking up to a teacher. In celebrating our teachers today, let us therefore renew our commitment to supporting them in every possible way, for in their success lies the success of our nation. 

Considering the dynamic nature of education, there is a need for education policy to constantly evolve in order to ascertain that our children and youth are provided with the best quality of teaching and learning available to them. In restructuring our curriculum with the three-stream model, the Department of Basic Education seeks to provide vast learning opportunities within the school system. The three-streams model best prepares our learners for the future, by providing them with diverse and essential skills aligned with what our nation requires to rebuild and surge forward.

Unemployment, poverty and inequality are the three main challenges that plaque our society today - youth, women and other marginalised groups bear the brunt of these. It is therefore, our responsibility as Government to ensure that our policies are aligned across various departmental priorities. The three-streams model for example feeds into our other efforts to create economic opportunities, such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has benefited over 1.2 million people, especially women and youth. 

Our commitment to building a brighter future for our children is unwavering. We have taken note of the challenges, particularly concerning reports that our young learners struggle to read for meaning. A fundamental aspect of improving our education system hinges upon building robust foundations of literacy and numeracy from the earliest ages. 

The system shift of Early Childhood Development (ECD) from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education is a testament to our dedication to this cause. It offers a ripe opportunity to instil these foundational competencies right from the early stages of education. 

Additionally, our Government has over the past fifteen years expanded support for Early Childhood Care, providing compulsory education, along with free schooling for the poor, and daily meals for over 9 million students, this resulting in nearly 100% attendance by South African children at educational institutions until at least the age of 15.   

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents both challenges and opportunities for us. With the introduction of avant-garde subjects like Coding, Robotics, Data Analytics, and Science Technology, we aim to keep South Africa at the forefront of global innovation. Our fervent belief is that by equipping our learners with these competencies, we're not only making them globally competitive but are also paving the way for a technologically advanced and prosperous nation.

We recognise that our teachers must be equally adept and updated to achieve this. We've begun substantial investments in training programmes to ensure our educators are well-versed with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and others. By doing this, we aim to cultivate a symbiotic growth pattern where our educators and learners evolve together, harnessing the boundless potential of the digital age. 

In addition to the developments related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is the concern about climate change and the recent climatic disasters, notably the flooding incidents in the Eastern and Western Cape. These events and others highlight the urgent need for environmental education and training in order to equip our communities with the requisite skills and capacity to both respond to, and prepare for the inevitability of climate disasters. 

Education has an important role in raising awareness and changing behaviour. Globally, educators are tasked with the monumental role of raising awareness about climate change and nurturing a proactive generation in finding solutions. 

As we charter our course into this new era, the importance of a well-rounded, technologically adept, and socially responsible education cannot be emphasised enough. And at the heart of this mission are all the teachers of our country - those of you honoured today, and those who also dedicate themselves in earnest to the development of our children and youth through education. Let us continue on this journey, hand in hand, as we mould future generations that are equipped, empowered, and enlightened.

Minister, as we approach the end of the Sixth Administration, and three decades of our democracy it is necessary that we consistently reflect on the gains that have been made over the years. Despite some of the challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging to see that the number  of learners who passed matric increased from 78% in 2019 to 80% in 2022, with none of the provinces performing below 70%. 

Most critical in this regard, is the improved performance of learners from poorer schools which has been steadily improving - with the share of bachelor passes in no-fee schools improving from 55% in 2019 to 64% in 2022. This is no small feat and shows the positive impact that efforts by the Department of Basic Education to support learners from poor and working-class backgrounds are not in vain. 

Similarly, the number of students in post-school education and training from poor and working-class backgrounds who receive NSFAS funding has increased from 580,000 to 770,000 between 2018 and 2021. These are not just numbers, but young people who will be future leaders of our country, whom we will entrust with the responsibility to take our nation forward. 

Despite the necessary financial adjustments, our Government remains steadfast in its promise for the doors of learning and education to be opened for all. The essential resources dedicated to this mission remain, ensuring that our aspiration of enhancing the nation's human capital sees the light of day.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A glance at the awards categories showcased today imbues us with the confidence that our education system is primed to elevate South Africa to unmatched heights: A nation poised to foster human capital adept at shaping the dreams and ambitions of countless young souls.

Today, we convene not just as professionals or dignitaries but as a collective, united in our gratitude towards our exceptional teachers. Their unwavering dedication and excellence are nothing short of inspiring. On behalf of our nation's people, I salute each of you for your commendable and unparalleled contributions. 

Educators and distinguished guests, the path ahead is illuminated with promise. Armed with our collective resources, insights, and capabilities, we are undoubtedly steering towards our vision for access to high-quality education for all. I urge every teacher in our great nation to persevere, and draw inspiration from those whom we honour and celebrate today.

Acknowledging that teaching is a labour of love and passion, as Government we are committed to reinforcing teacher support, and prioritising the professional growth of the women and men who are key drivers of basic education. Such a posture is critical in that it boosts their personal prowess and propels our schools towards unparalleled achievements. The wellness of all public servants in the Department of Basic Education must as such remain a priority. 

In closing, our ultimate goal remains clear – ensuring every child in South Africa can access exemplary teaching and learning. President Nelson Mandela once said that "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world", indeed these words are a constant reminder that we must stay on course with the agenda for social transformation towards building a prosperous South Africa. 

I commend  Minister Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule and the Director General Mathanzima Mweli for steering the sector in the right direction, amidst the numerous challenges in our society today. Your commitment and dedication to transforming the sector is commendable.   

I, once again on behalf of our Government, congratulate all the educators who are being honoured today, your dedication and commitment to the development of our country and its youth does not go unnoticed. Today in the presence of your family and friends, we recognise your efforts, and hope that you will not tire in doing good.

Thank You, Ke a Leboga, Baie Dankie!