MEC Monakali acknowledge the role of Teachers
The MEC for Education in the Northern Cape, Mr Zolile Monakali joins the rest of the globe in acknowledging Teachers during World Teacher's Day on the 5th of October 2020. The tremendous effort Teachers put into the training of the country’s future manpower is invaluable and must, therefore, be recognised as such. Teachers are the most important components of the education system. Academic developments of teachers are crucial and necessary for the success of the education system because teachers are the prime movers and catalysts of all round development of learners.
MEC Monakali conveys his most heartfelt condolences to the families of 10 Teachers who succumbed to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northern Cape over the recent months. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families directly and indirectly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The MEC would also like to remind educators to remain vigilant, follow all precautionary measures and continue to practice good hygiene to curb the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
Teachers are at the heart of the Education system. Teachers take it upon themselves to guide, creating the time and space for learners to better understand themselves, their strengths and weaknesses and even interests and passions. They know that it is more important for a child to grow into a confident, empathetic and resilient individual – all the attributes that make a complete person. The influence of a great Teacher can never be erased. Great teachers are the soul of an enlightened society which leads to prosperity. We entrust to you the most precious gift we know in life, our children.
This is an act of faith, as we believe much of whom we are today and what we’ve achieved is because of our Teachers. All of us can recall a great teacher who changed our lives. A Teacher who inspired us, and today we are honouring our teachers. Teachers are our nation builders, the strength of every profession in our country depends on the knowledge and skills that Teachers help to instil in our learners.
We salute our Teachers for their display of patriotism, dedication and passion, sometimes under very difficult conditions in the classroom. We thank and appreciate the role of Teachers who devote their lives to inspire our children. You change lives every day, and make the world a better place. One learner at a time, one day at a time.
We would also like to extend a sincere word of appreciation to the role all Teacher Unions continue to display in support of our teachers. Our Teacher Unions are our important and valued stakeholders and we want to thank you for your dedication to the noble cause of educating our nation.
As part of our activities for Teacher's month, the Northern Cape Department of Education in collaboration with the Sol Plaatje University will be hosting a Virtual Webinar on Thursday, 8 October 2020 at 13h30, to appreciate Teachers and commemorate the teaching profession. The guest speaker, Professor Aileen Kennedy from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow in Scotland will share her work in the teacher education and professional development in the global north.
We salute all our Teachers and value your role in the education system.
End.