Top of the class: Eastern Cape teachers named the best in SA

Two Eastern Cape teachers were crowned the country’s best by the national education department, and each won a car.

Mthatha-born Ntombozuko Mkhizwana was voted the best teacher in secondary school teaching, while Sharon Townsend of Merryvale High in Port Elizabeth was recognised as this year’s best teacher for special schools.

The province’s third winner, Mandisa Mfuywa, from Didi Senior Primary in Bizana, was voted the second best teacher for Grade R.

The winners were announced at a prestigious event at Midrand Gallagher Estate last Saturday night where Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was keynote speaker.

Mkhizwana and Townsend had a choice of choosing between a new Kia Picanto or Datsun Go.

They were also showered with electronic gadgets.

Mkhizwana, a teacher at the Mandela School of Science in Mqhekezweni at Mvezo, said being recognised by the national department is great.

“Teaching in a rural area poses difficulties for teachers. Rural schools face challenges in attracting and retaining teachers and administrators, limited financial resources and issues with long-distance transportation also play major roles in achieving maximum performance,” said Mkhizwana.

Townsend said receiving the award would spur her on to realise her dream of developing a curriculum which was user-friendly for children with special needs to enable them to become self sufficient.

“This year my school is celebrating 60 years of operation but we don’t even have a curriculum from the department.

“We have developed our own curriculum which is in phases, ” said Townsend.

Eastern Cape education MEC Mandla Makupula said the province was proud of the greatness shown by these teachers.

“We thank you for restoring the dignity of this profession as you have sacrificed to ensure that our children’s education is prioritised,” said Makupula. — simthandilef@dispatch.co.za