By Emily Setona
BLOEMFONTEIN – Behind every successful learner is often a teacher who stayed after class, explained a difficult concept one more time, encouraged a child who had lost confidence or simply refused to give up.
That spirit of dedication took centre stage at the 26th National Teaching Awards (NTA), where the Free State celebrated educators and school leaders whose commitment continues to make a difference in the lives of learners across the province.
According to the Free State Department of Education, the awards recognise educators who demonstrate excellence, dedication and commitment to teaching and learning.
Education MEC Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya has previously described the awards as an important opportunity to acknowledge the work of teachers.
“Today was an important day for us because we were recognising the good work done by our teachers in the province,” Maboya said during the 2024 provincial National Teaching Awards.
She said the recognition was intended to encourage educators to continue striving for excellence.
“We are investing in our teachers and motivating them to work harder,” Maboya said.
This year’s provincial winners include Lebohang Nyaile of Grassland Secondary School for Excellence in Teaching Accounting, Lekopa Nhlapo of Seotlong AH School for Agricultural Subjects and Dikeledi Makgele of Relebeletse Primary School for Grade R Teaching.
Other winners include Kylie Laurens of Monamodi Public School for Primary School Teaching, Rethabile Mphuthi of Mohaladitwe Secondary School for Secondary School Teaching, and Nongalipji Leepo of Boitekong Primary School for Primary School Leadership.
The province also recognised excellence in inclusive education, mathematics, science and technology-enhanced learning.
Mpho Mosala of Letlotlo Naledi Public School received the National Best Teacher award, while Dimakatso Letuka of Molebeli Primary School received the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award.
For the educators, the recognition represents years of work that often happens away from the spotlight – preparing lessons, supporting struggling learners and encouraging young people to believe in their potential.
Maboya has previously emphasised the wider role of education in society, saying: “I think it is in this province that we have demonstrated that education is a societal matter.”
The achievements of the provincial winners therefore extend beyond individual awards. They are a celebration of the teachers, school leaders and communities helping to shape the Free State’s next generation.
For every learner encouraged, every difficult lesson made understandable and every young person inspired to keep going, these educators are helping to build a better future.
