SOUTH AFRICA— South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a passionate plea for increased investment in the nation’s educators, asserting that the future of the country’s educational outcomes hinges on empowering those in the classroom. Speaking at the 26th National Teaching Awards held at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, Ramaphosa positioned teachers as the central pillar of societal transformation and national development.
“To secure better academic results, we must fundamentally invest in the quality of instruction,” Ramaphosa stated. “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.”
Restoring the Dignity of the Profession
The President stressed that teaching must reclaim its status as one of the most highly revered roles in society. To achieve this, he outlined a comprehensive mandate for the government: delivering safe and suitable school infrastructure, slashing unnecessary administrative red tape, bolstering continuous professional development, and ensuring lifelong career support for educators.
He also flagged critical operational challenges requiring immediate attention, including classroom overcrowding, the strict protection of instructional time, and taking decisive action against violence, intimidation, and disruptions within schools.
A Personal Tribute to a Life-Changing Educator
Reflecting on his own academic journey, Ramaphosa shared a deeply personal story about his former school principal, Mr. Ntsandeni, crediting him with altering his life’s trajectory. Recalling his youth as a highly inquisitive student who frequently challenged instructors to deepen his understanding, Ramaphosa noted that some faculty members actually wanted him expelled.
“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 recounted.
Ntsandeni recognized that a student’s curiosity required guidance and encouragement, not punishment. Ramaphosa expressed deep regret that his former principal had passed away, noting he would have personally awarded him a National Teaching Award.
“…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.
Prioritizing Foundational Literacy and Learning Outcomes
Shifting to systemic educational goals, the President identified early childhood reading comprehension and numeracy as critical national imperatives. He warned that learners who cannot read for meaning in their foundational years face compounding academic struggles throughout their schooling.
“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 declared.
He urged every teacher, principal, and education department official to remain laser-focused on improving these learning outcomes, while also calling for the successful sharing of best practices across different provinces and school districts.
Navigating AI and the Irreplaceable Human Element
Addressing the digital revolution, Ramaphosa acknowledged that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping how society works, communicates, and learns. While he praised technology for providing educators with new resources, aiding lesson preparation, and supporting diverse learning needs, he cautioned against over-reliance.
He emphasized that students must be taught to critically evaluate information, distinguish knowledge from misinformation, think independently, and use digital tools safely and ethically. Highlighting the irreplaceable nature of human educators, he noted:
“Artificial intelligence may be able to provide an answer, but a teacher helps a learner understand the question. Technology can transmit information, but it cannot replace the encouragement, discipline, empathy and human connection that a good teacher provides. The teacher remains essential.”
Tackling Gender-Based Violence and Fostering Safe Schools
The President also pivoted to the urgent need for the education sector to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), noting that schools play a vital role in primary prevention. He mandated a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment, abuse, and exploitation by staff or fellow learners.
Instead, he argued, education must cultivate environments that teach respect, dignity, equality, and consent, while equipping youth to resolve conflicts peacefully.
“We must teach boys and young men that strength is not demonstrated through domination or abuse, but through respect, responsibility and self-control,” Ramaphosa instructed. He advocated for robust, age-appropriate life-skills curricula from early childhood development through high school, driven by a collaborative effort involving teachers, parents, religious and traditional leaders, and community elders.
Honoring Excellence and the #MyTeacher Initiative
The National Teaching Awards, established in 2000 by the late Education Minister Professor Kader Asmal, continue to celebrate pedagogical excellence. Ramaphosa highlighted the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award as a fitting tribute to veteran educators who have devoted decades to developing South Africa’s communities.
This year’s national adjudication process in Gauteng saw over 133 teachers compete, with finalists celebrated in various categories, including Excellence in Grade R Teaching and Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET).
The President also praised the Minister’s Special #MyTeacher Award, which uniquely empowers learners to nominate educators who have made a profound difference in their lives, congratulating all nominees and finalists for reaching the national stage.
Reflecting on the 50th Anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising
Tying the present to the past, Ramaphosa reflected on the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising. While the bravery of the students who defied the Bantu Education system is historically celebrated, he emphasized the crucial, often overshadowed role of teachers who provided guidance and leadership during the repression.
He honored the educators who were imprisoned, tortured, banned, exiled, or assassinated for their role in the struggle.
“We remember the teachers who were imprisoned, tortured, banned, exiled or killed for their role in the struggle. They understood that teaching is never only about what happens in a textbook. It is also about the values by which we live and the society we seek to build,” he reflected.
He noted that teachers continue to be looked upon for moral courage and leadership in democratic South Africa.
“South Africa’s future is being shaped in our classrooms. It is being shaped in the mind of every child who learns to read. It is being shaped in the confidence of every learner who discovers their ability. And it is being shaped by every teacher who refuses to give up on a child,” he concluded.
Congratulating the award recipients and thanking all educators for their tireless contributions, the President encapsulated the mission of the event, which operated under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.”