The Department of Basic Education (DBE) hosted the National Teaching Awards ceremony where it was honouring the country’s best teachers.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) was hosting its 21^st edition of the National Teachers Awards which, unlike previous years, was conducted in a period where the country is confronted with the Covid-19 pandemic.

As witnessed, the pandemic has disrupted the school system in a dramatic way, with unexpected school closures and a change in the method of teaching. “It is for this reason that it became prudent for us to go down memory lane and honour all teachers who have represented the sector, with outstanding excellence, throughout the years,” the Department of Basic Education said.

It also added that the awards were established with the intention of recognising, celebrating and acknowledging the strides made by teachers, to ensure that pupils are supported in order to progress from grade to grade. The teachers’ awards competition is open to all teachers in the public sector, registered in terms of the South African School Act.

Speaking at prestigious event held at Emperor’s Palace in Kempton Park, President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the height of covid-19, teachers remained true to their calling. “We indeed indebted to our teachers who made it possible for our children’s education to continue. In the course of Covid-19 you had to adapt. It is with sadness that we remember and pay tribute to all teachers and other education officials who succumbed to Covid-19,” said the President.