In celebration of World Teachers’ Day on 3 October, Nelson Mandela University’s Faculty of Education hosted a symposium under the theme “Strengthening Teacher Education: A Confluence of Stakeholders.” The event brought together educators, researchers, alumni, and staff in a shared tribute to the transformative power of teaching.
Professor Heloise Sathorar, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, highlighted the University’s commitment to honouring alumni making an impact in their schools and communities. The event also reinforced the faculty’s intention to maintain strong ties with graduates through continued support and encouragement.
“We want our graduates to know we’re here for them,” she said. “We urge them to return, pursue postgraduate studies, and keep reaching higher. We’re proud of their progress and always ready to support their growth.”
Keynote speaker, Prof Jonathan Jansen (right), a Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and former schoolteacher, was critical of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements, that schools have to follow, as they are prescriptive and indicate where teachers should be in the curriculum at a certain point in time.
It doesn’t allow for time for teachers to go back to the work taught in lower grades, when learners have knowledge gaps.
Prof Jansen spoke about how he is helping a school in Retreat, Western Cape to improve its matric results after it recorded the worst results in the Western Cape. in 2023.
He teaches a class science and he realised that the more he goes back to address the knowledge gaps of learners, the more he loses time, but teachers are forced to comply with CAPS and could end up in trouble with their subjective advisors.
“Subject advisers want compliance, not learning, and “that is the greatest danger to the health of the education system,” he said, referring to CAPS.
He said he had to adapt his teaching methodology to the lived reality of his learners, as “teachers tend to teach, based on middle-class realities and not the lived realities of their learners,” who come from the Cape Flats (an area that is plagued by high unemployment, a drug and alcoholism problem while in certain suburbs, gang violence is what communities are accustomed to). He gives his class practicals and activities as many have challenges focusing.
Prof Jansen said the matric pass rate at this school went up from 36% to 66% nine months after he started his work, and it is expected to be 90 to 95% this year.
He was critical of the initial teacher absenteeism at the school and its dysfunction. Leaders of schools and universities should be “physically, spiritually, emotionally and intellectually present”, and not be based in their office all day, where they could be unaware of what is happening.
He said children can be changed but it is difficult to change teachers. However, if you have a critical mass of teachers with buy in, the culture of the school can change.
Prof Shervani Pilay, Vuyolethu Qweqwe, Tracy Andima Kalo, Cikiswa Kona-Mbilana, Prof Heloise Sathorar, Nombulelo Sume, Jade Botha and Zukiswa Fuzani
Honouring excellence in education
Several educators were recognised for their outstanding contributions:
Tracy Andima Kalo, Foundation Phase teacher at Nomonde Primary School, received recognition for her dedication to Life Skills, Mathematics, and English. She noted the importance of acknowledging early education professionals: “Foundation phase teachers lay the groundwork for every child’s academic journey. It’s encouraging to see this being valued,” she said. Her message to fellow educators: “Change the narrative. Make it work for you. Enjoy the journey.”
Jade Botha, English Home Language teacher at Shepherd Primary School, received the Excellence in Teaching – Intermediate Phase Award. “Over time, the routine can dim your spark. This recognition rekindles that passion,” she reflected.
Vuyolethu Qweqwe of Ndzondelelo High School, honoured in the Senior Phase FET category, spoke of the deeper meaning behind the award: “It validates the time and effort we give. When I work hard, my learners see it and mirror that effort.”
Zukisa Fuzani, principal of Masibonisani Senior Secondary School, received the Leadership Award. Teaching Maths Literacy and Life Sciences, he believes leadership is key to school success: “Schools don’t fail because of learners, but because of weak leadership. Change starts with self. True transformation begins within,” he said, citing inspiration from Professor Jonathan Jansen’s book How to Fix South Africa’s Schools.
Nombulelo Sume, former teacher at Charles Duna Primary School, received the Legacy Award for a career spanning from 1998 to 2024. Known for embracing subjects, others shied away from, she shared: “It feels good to be recognised in a system that rarely does. Teach with passion and integrity and always remember your vision.”
Cikiswa Kona-Mbilana was honoured for her leadership and innovation, transforming a 107-year-old school and strengthening ties with the broader community. “Teaching is a calling. Love it, dedicate yourself, and aim to uplift—not for money, but to make a difference,” she said.
Closing the event, Professor Shervani Pillay, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education, praised the awardees: “Their commitment and ability to innovate, even in adversity, is truly inspiring.”