President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater investment in teachers and stronger support for educators, adding that better educational outcomes depend on creating the conditions in which teachers can focus on teaching.
Addressing the 26th National Teaching Awards at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Thursday (October 1), President Ramaphosa said teachers are central to transforming the education system and developing the country.
“If we want better educational outcomes, we must invest in better teaching. We must attract talented young people into the profession. We must support new teachers as they enter the classroom. And we must enable experienced teachers to continue developing their skills,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said teaching must be restored to its rightful place as one of the most respected professions in society while government must provide safe and suitable school infrastructure, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthen professional development and ensure teachers receive the support they need throughout their careers.
Overcrowding, the protection of teaching time and acting firmly against violence, intimidation and disruption in schools were other important issues needing attention.
Teachers can change lives
Reflecting on his own schooling, President Ramaphosa recalled a teacher who had the greatest influence on his life – his former school principal, Mr Ntsandeni.
He said that as a learner, he was inquisitive and often challenged his teachers because he wanted to understand what he was being taught.
However, some of his teachers believed he should be expelled from school.
“My school principal, Mr Ntsandeni, thought differently. He saw something in me that others did not see. He intervened and protected me from being expelled,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said Mr Ntsandeni understood that curiosity should not be punished but guided and encouraged, adding that the principal did more than keep me in school.
“He gave me the opportunity to continue learning, to develop and to become the person I am today,” he said.
The President said he would have wanted to present Mr Ntsandeni with a National Teaching Award had he still been alive.
“…not only for what he did for me, but for understanding what lies at the heart of teaching: seeing the promise in a young person and giving that promise the opportunity to flourish. That is what great teachers do,” he said.
Focus on learning outcomes
President Ramaphosa said the ultimate purpose of educational excellence was to improve the life chances of every learner.
He identified foundational literacy and numeracy as among the country’s foremost national priorities, warning that children who cannot read with understanding in the early years face greater difficulty throughout their education.
“The true measure of our progress is the child who learns to read for meaning, the young person who masters mathematics and science and the learner who leaves school with knowledge, confidence, dignity and real opportunities,” he said.
He called on every teacher, principal, district and education department to remain focused on improving learning outcomes.
The President also urged the education system to ensure that good practices are shared across provinces and schools.
