The Meropa Casino hall was filled with trophies and certificates to reward those who have laboured throughout the past year, during the province’s National Teachers Awards held last Thursday evening.

Mr Green Whitfield of the National Department of Basic Education said the awards were meant to encourage educators to work hard for the purpose of improving education in South Africa. “We have seen positive results since we started the idea of the award ceremony some years ago. This creates a spirit of hard work and helps to improve results in our country,” he said.

“Through the awards we can help our teachers to share their innovative practices and, over the long term, empower our pupils with the necessary skills they need,” said the MEC of Education, Mr Dickson Masemola. “We welcome innovative teaching practices that inspire and encourage our teachers and ultimately benefit our pupils,” said the MEC. Masemola encouraged parents to co-operate with the Department of Education in the country. He said it was important to set realistic goals that could be achieved within a given period in life. “Failure does not necessarily mean that one has to stop pursuing your dreams. Failure gives you the opportunity to realise your mistakes and start afresh to rectify what you couldn´t achieve at first. We need to stress the importance of education, because it is the backbone of prosperity and knowledge,” he said.

Maria Lethole of Madombidzha was announced the winner of the Secondary School section. Maria is the headmaster of Letheba High in Vhudogwa village.

Sarah Mamburu of Mmbara Primary School in Sibasa collected a trophy and certificate for ending second overall in the Excellence in Primary Teaching category.

Dorah Tshivule and Tovhowanai Matanganye of Vhutuwangadzebu Primary were the winners in the Early Childhood Development category.

The Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) winners are Malamulele Public Works.

The winners will represent the Limpopo Province in the national championship. The date of this event has not yet been confirmed.