On Saturday 17 February 2018 the Department of Basic Education honored teachers who are doing exemplary work at the 18th National Teaching Awards.

At a prestigious event held at the Sandton Convention Centre, teachers were commended for extraordinary efforts across a range of categories including Excellence in Teaching Mathematics, Science, Grade R and Special Needs. Educators who have dedicated their professional lives to providing exceptional education were honoured with The Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award and the Professor Kader Asmal Award.

SchoolNet SA is particularly proud to be associated with the Excellence in Technology Enhanced Education category, as this category recognizes teachers who are using digital tools to engage and inspire learners. SchoolNet SA’s Programmes Manager, Megan Rademeyer, served as a specialist adjudicator for this category and had the opportunity of hearing first hand from each of the provincial winners of this category how they are enhancing teaching and learning through the integration of technology.

The winner of this category was Mariette Vorster formerly of Touwsranten Primary in the Western Cape. Mariette says “using ICT as a tool to transform pedagogy is the future of education. Passive learning is something of the past.” According to an article in All Africa, “Ms Vorster played a leading role in preparing Touwsranten Primary School for eLearning when the Western Cape Education Department selected the school as a Model School for the province’s eLearning Game Changer programme.” Mariette has now joined the Eden Karoo Education District office as an eLearning Advisor.

Nabeel Ismail of Zinnaville Secondary School in NorthWest placed second and Gerhardus Malan of Aurora Primary School in Free State who came third. Between them, these three teachers received a total sponsorship of R100 000 worth of SchoolNet SA training, mentorship and conference participation.

SchoolNet SA’s Operations Manager Omashani Naidoo received a certificate of appreciation from Minister of Basic Education Angie Motsheka.