2023 NATIONAL TEACHING AWARDS: MEC MATOME CHILOANE KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane hosted the 23rd National Teaching Awards on Thursday, 28 September 2023, at Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School in Benoni.
It was an honor and privilege for MEC Chiloane to stand before the audience of diligent teachers, celebrating the extraordinary contributions of teachers. As the event gathered educators, it emphasized the remarkable role they play in shaping the minds and futures of children.
MEC Chiloane often emphasized that the quality of the education system rises and falls on the quality of teachers. This gathering was a testament to the continuous improvement of their education system.
The National Teaching Awards marked its 23rd year, serving as an annual platform to acknowledge and recognize the outstanding contributions made by teachers from public ordinary schools in nurturing young minds. These awards of teaching excellence inspired teachers to succeed, build resilience, and shine. The theme for that year was "Invest in People, Prioritize Teachers."
Teachers were celebrated as the architects of knowledge, nurturers of curiosity, and catalysts of change. Their influence on students was enduring, and they possessed the power to inspire, ignite curiosity, and empower the next generation.
MEC Chiloane noted that in an age of technological advancement, where information is readily accessible, teachers provided the wisdom and guidance necessary to navigate this vast sea of knowledge. They instilled critical thinking, empathy, and resilience in children, fostering an environment where dreams could take flight, imaginations could soar, and voices were heard.
The impact of a single teacher extended far beyond the classroom walls. Through their guidance, they shaped future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Teachers instilled a love for learning, encouraged curiosity, and fostered creativity. They also taught invaluable life lessons, such as teamwork, cooperation, empathy, and the importance of standing up against injustice.
MEC Chiloane expressed gratitude to all the stakeholders involved in education, including Cluster Adjudicators, Administrators, Provincial Adjudicating teams, Organized labor, SGB formations, GDE Business and Social partners, Sponsors, Senior managers, and School principals. He acknowledged that excellent teachers were true heroes in the eyes of their learners.
In closing, MEC Chiloane extended heartfelt gratitude to dedicated teachers, recognizing their role in shaping not only the minds of children but also the future of society. He encouraged teachers to continue shining brightly and being guiding stars for generations to come.
He quoted Greek poet Niko Kazantzakis, saying, "True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own."
In conclusion, MEC Chiloane congratulated all award recipients and every teacher who served as a beacon of hope, wisdom, and inspiration. He emphasized that teachers were the role models children desperately needed and deserved, and he wished them all the best. To him, they were all winners.