Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Limpopo MEC for Education, officiated at the sixth annual Aggrey Klaaste maths, science and technology educator of the year provincial awards, which was won by Mbilwi high teacher Mrs Sankaran Banu. The provincial awards event was held at Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane last Thursday night. Mrs Banu will represent Limpopo in the national competition in Gauteng.

The Aggrey Klaaste maths, science and technology educator of the year award is a national competition targeting maths, science and technology teachers in both primary and secondary schools, as well as those educators who have since retired, but are still actively involved in the promotion of teaching and good performance in these subjects.

Motsoaledi said that the aim of competition is to identify, acknowledge and recognise the best practices by those teachers from different six districts around the province and thereby instill the love for maths and science to their learners. Ever since this province started participating in the competition in 1998, Limpopo educators have scooped national awards.

Mrs Banu went home with R6 000 cash. She was followed by Thembani Aphane of Lehlabela high in the Bohlabela district, who collected R5 000, and the third position went to Simon Dibete of Mahlabela School in Capricorn, who received R3 000.

The primary category was won by David Modiba of Pulamadibogo Primary in the Capricorn district, who received R6 000 for being the best teacher. Ruth Modisha of Mosasena Primary in the Waterberg District ended in second position and collected R5 000. The third and fourth position went to Mpho Mashale of Bohlabela and Michael Ngwenya of Mahatlane Primary in Vhembe; they received R3 000 and R2 000 respectively.

Two retired teachers, Messrs Thomas Khosa and Ben Shipalane, received R4 000 and R3 000 respectively.