KZN teachers among best in the country

Innovation, passion for teaching, and the drive to build links between the community and their schools have propelled three teachers in KwaZulu-Natal to be recognised for their work at the 24th annual National Teaching Awards.

The awards were held at the weekend.

Cyril Dlamini, principal of the Daniel Mzamo Special Needs School was honoured as the best in the country for leading a special needs school.

Koliwe Mbatha, the school principal at Rippon Primary School in Durban, was honoured for Excellence in Primary School Leadership, and Bonisiwe Happiness Maphumulo of Mzingazi Primary School in Richards Bay was honoured for Excellence in Primary School Teaching.

The Daniel Mzamo Special Needs School falls under the Harry Gwala District and is based in the Highflats area.

It has about 570 pupils with around 200 of them being boarders at the school.

Speaking to The Mercury on Monday, Dlamini said innovation and passion for his pupils were the driving forces that led to his recognition.

He stated that among the innovative steps he has taken has been the introduction of practical skills as part of the learning and teaching programme.

“We have many programmes, like bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, and home economics, amongst others; these programmes help our pupils have a future after school.”

Dlamini added that they have also partnered with companies that work with differently able children, and they send their pupils to those companies to help fine-tune their skills.

He emphasised that having a passion to see pupils succeed was important and central to leading a school.

“I got a promotional post to this school, and when I was here, I spent about three years just studying and learning to understand my pupils. I have always had compassion for the differently able pupils, which is what drove me and my staff to work hard and reach this level.”

Maphumulo, who was honoured in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category, credited her success to her school principal, colleagues, and the community, as well as the support she received from the district office officials.

She is a Grade 3 teacher at Mzingazi Primary School in Richards Bay, which has about 1 800 pupils. She stated that part of the package that led to her recognition was teaching her pupils about Information and Communication Technologies.

“We are introducing our learners to the ICT environment to ensure that they are competing against international standards.”

Speaking about the moment she was announced as the winner, she said it was surreal.

“I did not expect it; the competition was tough with teachers from all over the country, and the president was also there. I just couldn't believe it.”

“This award is not just for me; it is for my school, my colleagues, and the people who have assisted and mentored me. I am glad to have represented not only the province but also the district and the community, and the school from Richards Bay,” she said.

Mbatha, as school principal, was awarded for Excellence in Leadership in Primary School.

She noted that over the years since taking over, the school’s enrolment had grown from 867 to 1,174.

“When I started, it was difficult; I was the first black principal taking over a predominantly coloured school.

There was a lot of resistance and even unfounded accusations against me, but I persevered.” She mentioned that the school was a victim of frequent vandalism by criminals, and she started engaging with members of the SAPS in the area, community leaders, and encouraged the parents to take a keen interest in the school. All of this helped to build the school.

“We are in much better condition now. We have introduced different subjects, we have introduced sports, and we are competing in competitions,” she said.

Addressing the event, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said teachers should be celebrated because every day, under trying circumstances, they go out and shape futures.

The Mercury