Picture: Some of the winners during awards/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
3 October 2026 – The police in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District celebrated outstanding performance and dedication during its 2026 District Excellence Awards held at Kalahari High School in Kuruman on Friday. The awards recognised the achievements and commitment of SAPS employees and members of the District and Station Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
The Acting District Commissioner for JTG, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, was joined by the executive mayor of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, Queen Mogatle and Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, who also serves as the acting Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing and Corporate Services.
The event was attended by senior SAPS officers, district commissioners, provincial heads, representatives of SAPU and POPCRU, CPF representatives and various sponsors.
Baloyi said the awards were important in recognising employees and community partners who demonstrate dedication, professionalism and commitment in carrying out their responsibilities and contributing to safer communities.
Mogatle welcomed the guests and award recipients and acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of SAPS members who continue to serve communities under challenging circumstances.
Messages of support were also delivered by representatives of sponsors, the CPF and organised labour, highlighting the importance of collaboration and collective responsibility in strengthening policing and community safety.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, congratulated the nominees and award recipients.
Ngubelanga said the awards were not merely about recognising achievements, but about acknowledging members who have made excellence a standard of their service.
“The Excellence Awards are not merely about presenting accolades. They are about acknowledging members who have made excellence a standard of their service,” said Ngubelanga.
He further emphasised the importance of the SAPS Reset Agenda, which places renewed focus on restoring discipline, strengthening operational integrity, promoting accountability and upholding professional standards. Ngubelanga encouraged SAPS members to remain committed to ethical conduct, teamwork, service excellence and the continuous improvement of policing services.
Employees and CPF representatives competed across 21 award categories and received trophies, certificates and gifts sponsored by various partners.
The SAPS Provincial Band provided musical entertainment during the event, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Kuruman SAPS Support Head, Colonel Pinky Samolapo, who expressed appreciation to the leadership, guests, sponsors, organisers, nominees and award recipients.
The 2026 JTG District Excellence Awards reaffirmed the importance of recognising outstanding performance, strengthening partnerships and encouraging SAPS employees to uphold discipline, professionalism, accountability and service excellence in pursuit of safer communities across the Northern Cape.
3 October 2026 – Not In My Name International (NIMNI) has expressed deep sorrow following the murder of twin boys in Mamelodi D6, near Pretoria, calling for a thorough investigation and justice for the two children. The boys were reportedly discovered by their mother with multiple stab wounds after she returned home from work on Friday.
NIMNI national spokesperson Boitumelo Thage said the organisation was standing with the family and the Mamelodi community during the difficult time. Thage said no mother should ever have to come home to such devastation.
“No words can fully express the pain of losing two children in this horrific manner. We extended condolences to the boys’ mother, family, friends and the wider Mamelodi community. Our team had been on site since the incident and was offering solidarity to the family.
“The organisation called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to prioritise a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We call on the SAPS to prioritise a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.
Thage said they further call for urgent psychosocial support for their mother and all those affected by this tragedy. She added that NIMNI also urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to approach the police.
“We appeal to the members of the public to respect the family’s privacy and dignity by refraining from sharing graphic images or spreading unverified information.
“The protection of children must be reflected in the safety of their homes and communities, the urgency of our institutions and our collective refusal to accept violence as ordinary. We mourn the two young lives and stood with their mother and family while calling for justice,” said Thage.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the police in Mamelodi West are investigating a double murder following the stabbing to death of twin siblings (14) at their home. Nevhuhulwi said on 2 October 2026, the police were called to the scene after the bodies of the twins were discovered inside a bedroom.
“The victims were found with multiple stab wounds. According to police, their mother reportedly discovered the children when she returned home from work. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
“The police investigations are continuing to establish what happened and identify those responsible. We can confirm the atrocity and appeal for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward,” she said.
Nevhuhulwi further said the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are unknown at this stage. She added that Police investigations are underway, and no one has been arrested.
“Members of the public with information are urged to contact the police or provide information anonymously through the appropriate police reporting channels,” said Nevhuhulwi.
3 Diphalane 2026 – Monna o atlholetswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong makgetlho a le mabedi ke kgotlhatshekelo kgolo ya Eastern Cape mabapi le polao. Thabile “Bhino” Nyakiso wa dingwaga di le 32, o atlhotsweng go golegwa botshelo jotlhe makgetlo a le robedi, go tlalelediwa ka dingwaga di le 46 tsa kgolegelo ke Kgotlhatshekelo Kgolo e neng e dutse kwa Mthatha.
Nyakiso o bonwe molato wa motseletsele wa dipetelelo le go thuba mo matlung tse di diragetseng kwa Tsolo magareng ga 2016 le 2017. Nyakiso o atlhotswe go dikotlhao tsa botshelo jotlhe di le robedi ka ntlha ya melato ya peto.
Gape o atlhotswe dingwaga di le 15 kwa kgolegelong mo molatong mongwe le mongwe wa boraro wa bogodu jo bo nang le maemo a a masisi, mmogo le dikgwedi di le 12 tsa kgolegelo ka ntlha ya bogodu jo bo tlwaelegileng. Moatlhodi yo o neng a dira tiro ya nakwana, Fikile Ntayiya, o ne a akantsha gore Nyakiso a se ka a sekasekiwa gore a fiwe tetlelelo ya go gololwa pele ga nako go fitlha a sena go direla dingwaga di le 30 tsa dikotlhao tsa gagwe.
Bosupi jo bo neng jwa tlhagisiwa fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo, bo supile gore Nyakiso, mmogo le motho yo mongwe yo a sa itsiweng, ba ne ba thopha basadi ba ba neng ba tsamaya go tswa kwa sekolong kgotsa kwa tirong ba lebile kwa ditoropong tsa New Homes le Crossbow. Batswasetlhabelo ba ne ba tshosediwa ka thipa ka nako ya ditlhaselo.
Motswasetlhabelo wa ntlha, mosetsana wa dingwaga di le 16, o ne a tlhaselwa ka la 19 Seetebosigo 2016. Ka la 22 Phukwi 2016, Nyakiso o ne a tlhasela mosadi wa dingwaga di le 22 gaufi le diofisi tsa Tsolo Circuit.
Ka la 18 Ngwanatsele 2016, o ne a betsa gape motswasetlhabelo yo mongwe wa dingwaga di le 16 makgetlo a le mmalwa gaufi le toropo ya New Homes. Fa a ne a neela bosupi, motswasetlhabelo o ne a bolelela kgotlatshekelo gore o ne a botsa Nyakiso gore o ne a tla ikutlwa jang fa mongwe a ne a ka dira selo se se tshwanang mo go kgaitsadie.
Le fa a ne a mo kopa jalo, Nyakiso o ne a tswelela ka tlhaselo.
Ka la 27 Motsheganong 2017, mosadi wa dingwaga di le 26 o ne a betelelwa mo phaposing ya gagwe e a neng a e hirile kwa Kobi Flats kwa Tsolo. Ka la 1 Phatwe 2017, Nyakiso o ne a betelela basadi ba le babedi ba dingwaga di le 29 le 39 ka ditiragalo tse di farologaneng.
Morago ga moo, o ne a tlhasela mosadi wa dingwaga di le 18 gaufi le Crossbow Township ka la 12 Phatwe 2017, mosadi wa dingwaga di le 24 mo kgaolong eo ka la 21 Lwetse 2017, le motswasetlhabelo yo mongwe wa dingwaga di le 27 yo o neng a betelelwa kwa ntlong ya gagwe kwa New Homes Township ka la 6 Ngwanatsele 2017.
Ka nako ya ditlhaselo dingwe, Nyakiso o ne a utswa madi, dikarata tsa dibanka le megala ya letheka tsa batswasetlhabelo. Batswasetlhabelo ba ne ba sa mo itse.
Diteko tsa DNA tsa forensic di ne tsa golaganya Nyakiso le diswabana tse di neng tsa tsewa mo batswasetlhabelong. O ne a tshwerwe morago ga go amanngwa le molato o mongwe wa peto kwa Butterworth, e e leng sekgala sa dikilometara tse di fetang 150 go tswa kwa Tsolo.
Ka nako ya tsheko, Nyakiso o ne a ipona molato mme a botsolotsa bonnete jwa bosupi jwa DNA.
Mosekisi wa National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Avumile Bikitsha, o ne a bitsa paki go tswa kwa National Forensic Laboratory e le karolo ya dipaki di le 45 tsa naga. Kgotlatshekelo e ne ya dumalana le dikakantsho tsa NPA malebana le katlholo, mme ya tlhokomedisa ka bogolo jwa bosenyi jo Nyakiso a neng a bo dirile.
Moatlhodi o ne a re Nyakiso, yo o nang le molato o mongwe wa petelelo o o sa ntseng o letile go sekwa fa pele ga kgotlatshekelo e le nngwe, o ne a sa bontshe boikwatlhao ka ditlolo tsa gagwe.
Sebueledi sa NPA kwa Eastern Cape, Luxolo Tyali, o rile katlholo eno e supa boikemisetso jwa batshwaraditlhokego go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba ditiragalo tsa tirisodikgoka ba a ikarabela.
“Katlholo eno e gatelela gape boemo jo bo nitameng jwa batshwaraditlhokego kgatlhanong le bosenyi jo bo nang le tirisodikgoka, mme e bontsha boikemisetso jwa rona jwa go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba ditlolo tse di masisi ba a ikarabela.
“Re batla go akgola mosekisi le motlhankedi wa patlisiso ka go kokoanya le go tlhagisa bosupi ka kelotlhoko, e leng se se thusitseng go bona dikatlholo tsa molato le dikotlhao tse di masisi,” Tyali wa tlhalosa.
3 October 2026 – Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is set to make wholesale changes when his charges face Egypt in an international friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday night. Kick-off is at 9pm Cairo time.
Mosimane told http://www.safa.net on Friday afternoon that his intention was always to give a run to all the members of the team at some stage of this extended three-match camp of two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, and the friendly against the Pharaohs. The Bafana Bafana coach is set to introduce all the players that are yet to feature, and he has appealed for patience and support when the South Africans face the Egyptians.
“We are pleading for patience and support for them. They are breaking through and we need to see what we have in our ranks. Unfortunately, we have a big team (Egypt) that we have to play against on Sunday. The challenge is, we have to let them (the players) swim with the sharks, but we’ve got nothing to lose.
“It is a friendly game and we need to see what they are capable of at this level. So, we plead for patience and support for these youngsters. The country must understand that we have played the qualifiers (against Guinea and Eritrea) and we are done. That is the most important thing,” he said.
Mosimane further said it is important to build for the next FIFA World Cup and if they do not put them in now, when are they going to see them? He added that they do not have friendly games until the Africa Cup of Nations next year, so this is the only chance they have.
Goalkeepers Sipho Chaine and Ricardo Goss are expected to see some action and so will the likes of Fawaaz Basadien, Khulumani Ndamani, Shandre Campbell, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews and Cassius Mailula, among others.
“I have also kept a close watch on the talent that is emerging from the South African Under-20 and Under-23 men’s national teams. The SA Under-20 men’s national team confirmed their dominance in the region when they won back-to-back COSAFA U20 Men’s Championships this past weekend.
“The U23s kicked off their 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games preparations on a positive note when they came from behind to defeat a stubborn Algeria 3-1 at the Dr Rantlai Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein on Thursday,” said Mosimane.
He said he watched the U23 game and he was happy with what he saw. Mosimane said he is happy with the prospects.
The midfield will be the biggest challenge for Mosimane as Bathusi Aubaas and Teboho Mokoena are out with injuries and will play no part on Sunday.
3 October 2026 – Government has reaffirmed its commitment to confronting gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) with urgency through a four-point recovery plan announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, to strengthen the national response.
The plan seeks to strengthen the systems of policing, investigation, forensic processing, prosecution and community safety required to protect women and children and ensure that victims and survivors have access to justice.
Among the measures is a national case-recovery operation targeting unresolved cases involving murders, attempted murders, rape and serious sexual offences against women and children.
The recovery plan also includes measures to reduce forensic backlogs and improve turnaround times for priority GBVF cases.
In a statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Thursday, Government said the measures were aimed at strengthening the criminal justice response and ensuring that cases involving GBVF are dealt with more effectively.
The intervention comes amid continued efforts to strengthen the State’s response to GBVF and improve the ability of law-enforcement and justice institutions to investigate cases, process evidence and bring perpetrators to justice.
Communities urged to play their part
Government has also called for heightened community vigilance and participation in local structures to help make neighbourhoods safer.
Communities have been urged to work with law-enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activity, providing information that can assist investigations and supporting survivors of GBVF.
“The fight against GBVF and crime requires Government to act decisively, institutions to perform effectively, communities to remain vigilant and every sector of society to reject violence,” Government said.
The call extends to all sectors of society to challenge attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence against women and children.
Government has particularly called on men and boys to play an active role in confronting GBVF by speaking out against violence, challenging harmful behaviour and rejecting notions of masculinity that normalise domination, abuse and violence.
“Silence and turning a blind eye to abuse cannot become normalised,” Government said.
Government said South Africans must stand together against GBVF, crime, intimidation and violence, while exercising their constitutional rights peacefully and within the law. – SAnews.gov.za
3 Diphalane 2026 – Lephata la Bosekisi kgotsa National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), e amogetse katlholo ya botshelo jotlhe e e neetsweng Mandla Petros Mthembu wa dingwaga di le 55 ke Kgotlatshekelo ya Kgaolo ya Dundee ka ntlha ya polao ya tsala ya gagwe ya mosadi, Nokuthula Shabalala wa dingwaga di le 38. Mthembu o ne a ipona molato wa polao go ya ka Karolo 112 ya Molao wa Tsamaiso ya Ditsheko tsa Bosenyi.
Sebueledi sa NPA kwa KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara are bosenyi jono bo diragetse ka Lwetse 2025, kwa kgaolong ya Craigside kwa Dundee, kwa Mthembu le Shabalala ba neng ba nna mmogo teng. Ramkisson-Kara are go ya ka boipobolo wa gagwe, Mthembu o ne a goroga kwa gae ka la 29 Lwetse 2025 mme morago ga moo ga tsoga kgotlhang fa gare ga gagwe le Shabalala ka ntlha ya tiragalo e e neng e diragetse bosigo jwa pele.
“Mthembu o boleletse kgotlatshekelo gore Shabalala o ne a galefa, a tswela kwa ntle, mme a boela a tshwere thupa e a neng a re o ne a e dirisa go mo itaya. Are o ne a tsaya thupa eo mo go ene, mme morago a tsaya sekgwa sa go kurufela (screw driver), mme a mo tlhaba mo sehuba.
“O ne a tlhalosa fa Shabalala o ne a ya go robala mo phaposing e nngwe kwa thoko a sa batle thuso ya kalafi. Mo mosong o o latelang, Mthembu o ne a ya kwa tirong, a tlogela Shabalala a robetse. Fa a boa, o ne a fitlhela a sa ntse a le mo bolaong mme a lemoga gore o ne a sa tlhole a hema,” Ramkisson-Kara wa tlhalosa.
Ramkisson-Kara are Mthembu e begile fa a ne a begela mapodisi ka ga tiragalo eno, mme morago a tshwarwa. Ramkisson-Kara are dipatlisiso di ne tsa supa fa Shabalala o tlhokafetse ka ntlha ya ntho e e neng e le mo sehuba.
“Fa go ne go tshwarwa tsheko ya katlholo, mosekisi wa NPA, Sbonelo Mncadi, o ne a neela kgotlatshekelo polelo ya ditlamorago mo lelapeng la motho yo o tlhokafetseng, e e neng e kwadilwe ke mmaagwe Shabalala ka thuso ya motlhankedi wa Thulaganyo ya Batewa, Victoria Griffiths.
“Mmaagwe Shabalala o ne a bolelela kgotlatshekelo gore o kile a kopa morwadie makgetlo a le mmalwa gore a tlogele Mthembu, mme Shabalala a boela gape kwa kamanong eo. O ne a tlhalosa gape gore, ka ntlha ya gore ke motho yo o tsofetseng e bile a le bokoa, o ne a ikaegile ka morwadie gore a mo tlhokomele, mme jaanong a ka se tlhole a bona tlhokomelo eo,” Ramkisson-Kara wa tlhalosa.
Ramkisson-Kara are Mthembu o atlhotswe botshelo jotlhe kwa kgolegelong, mme o tlhalositswe fa a sa tshwanelwa ke go nna le sethunya. Ramkisson-Kara are katlholo eno e bontsha gore badirabosenyi ba tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong le dipolao tsa basadi ba tla ikarabela mo ditirong tsa bone.
“Katlholo eno e romela molaetsa o o nonofileng wa gore tirisodikgoka kgatlhanong le basadi ga e kitla e letlelelwa, mme badirabosenyi ba tirisodikgoka e e ikaegileng ka bong le dipolao tsa basadi ba tla lebana le maatla otlhe a molao,” Ramkisson-Kara wa tlhalosa.
O ne a oketsa ka gore NPA e tsweletse ka boitlamo jwa go netefatsa gore badirabosenyi ba a ikarabela, fa e ntse e batlela batswasetlhabelo le malapa a bone tshiamiso.
Setshwantsho: Molatofadiwa wa petelelo, Monnapula Madienyane
Ka OBAKENG MAJE
3 Diphalane 2026 – Monna wa dingwaga di le 38 o solofetswe go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung ka Mosupulogo morago ga go tshwarwa gape. Go begwa fa Monnapula Madienyane a ne a tshaba kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Taung dibeke di le tharo tse di fetileng morago ga go tlhagelela mabapi le kgetsi ya petelelo.
Go begwa fa Madienyane a ne a betelela bana ba gagwe ba eseng ba madi ba e leng mawelana, mme a ba ithwadisa. Go ya ka dipego, Madienyane one a tshwarwa le go lebana le kgetsi ya petelelo.
Sebueledi sa sepodisi mono porofenseng ya Bokone Bophirima, Colonel Anne Magakoe are Madienyane o ne a tshaba morago ga go tlhagelela kwa kgotlhatshekelo. Magakoe are sepodisi se ile sa bolotsa letsholo-patlo e le go batlana le Madienyane.
“Madienyane o ile a fitlhelwa a tlhabile kgobe ka mmutlwa kwa legaeng la gagwe kwa motseng wa Manthe, mono Taung ka Labotlhano. Molatofadiwa o, o ne a tshwarwa mme o solofetswe go shadikanya matlho fa pele ga magistrata mabapi le ditatofatso tsa go tshaba kwa kgolegelong ka Mosopulogo,” Magakoe wa tlhalosa.
Picture: A body of a woman found buried in a shallow grave
By BAKANG MOKOTO
2 October 2026 – A body of a woman 31) found buried in a shallow grave inside a shack at Lerato Park in Roodepan. The police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the body.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said a body was discovered on 30 September 2026, at approximately 4:30pm. According to Ehlers, the deceased was reportedly last seen during July 2026.
“A concerned family member reported her missing at Roodepan SAPS on 26 September 2026, prompting police to open a missing person enquiry and begin investigations.
“The family member returned to the shack on 29 September 2026, but found the dwelling locked. She returned the following day accompanied by a community member and opened the door.
“They noticed that the ground inside the shack appeared loose and subsequently discovered the shallow grave containing the woman’s body,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the discovery and called on investigators to establish the events leading to the woman’s death.
“We are deeply concerned by this tragic discovery and urge our detectives to leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances surrounding the death of the deceased.
“We also appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share it with the police,” she said.
Ehlers further said no arrests have been made at this stage. She said the police investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder and to identify those responsible.
“Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation are urged to contact the police,” said Ehlers.
Picture: Some of drugs confiscated by the police/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
2 October 2026 – The police in the Namakwa District has arrested eight suspects in connection with drug-related offences during intelligence-driven operations conducted across the district within a 24-hour period. The arrests formed part of Operation Shanela II and were carried out from Brandvlei to Steinkopf following information received from members of the community.
According to Namakwa District Communications Officer, Captain Ivan Magerman, the arrests demonstrate the importance of cooperation between the police and communities in combating the illicit drug trade. Magerman said the Namakwa District Management commends the communities for providing valuable information that enables police to identify and disrupt drug-related activities.
“These arrests demonstrate that intelligence-driven operations, supported by community cooperation, can make a meaningful impact in addressing drug-related offences.
“The first arrest was made in Brandvlei at approximately 2pm on 30 September 2026, when the police conducting stop-and-search operations allegedly found drugs in the possession of a man (25).
“At around 5:10pm, the Namakwa District Task Team followed up on a tip-off about alleged drug dealing at a premises in Vaalhoek 2, Okiep. A search of the premises resulted in the seizure of drugs and the arrest of a man (18),” he said.
Magerman further said another man (28) was arrested at approximately 7:15pm in Main Road, Okiep, after the police allegedly found him in possession of drugs. He added that in Nababeep, members of SAPS Nababeep Shift C executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a premises in Bostraat.
“Drugs were seized and a man (68) and a woman (37), were arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs. In a separate operation in School Street, Nababeep, the Namakwa District Task Team and Nababeep SAPS followed up on information about alleged drug dealing near a tuck shop.
“A man (24) was arrested after drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of crime were allegedly found in his possession,” said Magerman.
Meanwhile, he said Springbok Public Order Police arrested a man 31) in Spoorweg Street, Steinkopf, after he was allegedly found in possession of drugs. Magerman said at approximately 11:45pm, the Namakwa District Task Team and Nababeep SAPS followed up on further information regarding alleged drug-related activities, resulting in the arrest of a man (39) for possession of drugs.
“The eight suspects are expected to appear in the relevant Magistrate’s Courts in the Namakwa District on charges relating to the possession and dealing in drugs.
“SAPS would continue with intelligence-driven operations to disrupt the illicit drug trade. SAPS will continue to intensify operations aimed at dismantling the illicit drug trade and holding those involved in drug-related activities accountable,” he said.
Magerman said they urge community members to continue sharing information with the police so that together they can address criminal activities in our communities. He said members of the public can report suspected criminal activities to Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or contact their nearest police station.
2 October 2026 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for greater investment in teachers and stronger support for educators, adding that better educational outcomes depend on creating the conditions in which teachers can focus on teaching.
Addressing the 26th National Teaching Awards at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, President Ramaphosa said teachers are central to transforming the education system and developing the country.
“If we want better educational outcomes, we must invest in better teaching. We must attract talented young people into the profession. We must support new teachers as they enter the classroom. And we must enable experienced teachers to continue developing their skills,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said teaching must be restored to its rightful place as one of the most respected professions in society while government must provide safe and suitable school infrastructure, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, strengthen professional development and ensure teachers receive the support they need throughout their careers.
Overcrowding, the protection of teaching time and acting firmly against violence, intimidation and disruption in schools were other important issues needing attention.
Teachers can change lives
Reflecting on his own schooling, President Ramaphosa recalled a teacher who had the greatest influence on his life – his former school principal, Mr Ntsandeni.
He said that as a learner, he was inquisitive and often challenged his teachers because he wanted to understand what he was being taught.
However, some of his teachers believed he should be expelled from school.
“My school principal, Mr Ntsandeni, thought differently. He saw something in me that others did not see. He intervened and protected me from being expelled,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said Mr Ntsandeni understood that curiosity should not be punished but guided and encouraged, adding that the principal did more than keep me in school.
“He gave me the opportunity to continue learning, to develop and to become the person I am today,” he said.
The President said he would have wanted to present Mr Ntsandeni with a National Teaching Award had he still been alive.
“…not only for what he did for me, but for understanding what lies at the heart of teaching: seeing the promise in a young person and giving that promise the opportunity to flourish. That is what great teachers do,” he said.
Focus on learning outcomes
President Ramaphosa said the ultimate purpose of educational excellence was to improve the life chances of every learner.
He identified foundational literacy and numeracy as among the country’s foremost national priorities, warning that children who cannot read with understanding in the early years face greater difficulty throughout their education.
“The true measure of our progress is the child who learns to read for meaning, the young person who masters mathematics and science and the learner who leaves school with knowledge, confidence, dignity and real opportunities,” he said.
He called on every teacher, principal, district and education department to remain focused on improving learning outcomes.
The President also urged the education system to ensure that good practices are shared across provinces and schools.
Technology cannot replace teachers
President Ramaphosa said the rapid development of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies was changing how people work, communicate and learn and presented both opportunities and risks for education.
He said technology could give teachers access to new resources, assist with lesson preparation and support learners with different needs.
However, learners also needed to be equipped to distinguish knowledge from misinformation, think independently and use technology responsibly, safely and ethically.
“Artificial intelligence may be able to provide an answer, but a teacher helps a learner understand the question. Technology can transmit information, but it cannot replace the encouragement, discipline, empathy and human connection that a good teacher provides. The teacher remains essential.”
School safety
The President also called on educators and the wider education community to help address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), saying schools have a role to play in preventing violence before it happens.
President Ramaphosa said schools must not tolerate sexual harassment, abuse or exploitation by teachers, staff members or fellow learners.
He said education should help young people understand respect, dignity, equality and consent, while equipping them to resolve conflict without violence and build healthy interpersonal relationships.
“We must teach boys and young men that strength is not demonstrated through domination or abuse, but through respect, responsibility and self-control,” he said.
He called for stronger age-appropriate life-skills education from early childhood development through to high school, supported by teachers, parents, religious and traditional leaders, relatives and community elders.
Honouring educators
The National Teaching Awards were launched in 2000 by the late Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate excellence in teaching.
President Ramaphosa said it was therefore fitting that educators who had devoted decades of their lives to developing South Africa’s children and communities were recognised through the Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Award.
The President said the awards demonstrate that excellence can be found across different phases of education, subjects and school communities.
More than 133 teachers participated in the national adjudication process in Gauteng earlier this month, with finalists recognised across various categories including Excellence in Grade R Teaching and Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET).
President Ramaphosa also highlighted the Minister’s Special Award, #MyTeacher, which allows learners to nominate teachers who have made a difference in their lives. He also congratulated all finalists and nominees, saying reaching the national adjudication stage was itself recognition of their contribution.
Teachers and the legacy of 1976
As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, President Ramaphosa also reflected on the role teachers played during apartheid.
He said while the courage of the young people who rejected the Bantu Education system was rightly remembered, the contribution of teachers who provided guidance, knowledge and leadership during repression should also be recognised.
“We remember the teachers who were imprisoned, tortured, banned, exiled or killed for their role in the struggle. They understood that teaching is never only about what happens in a textbook. It is also about the values by which we live and the society we seek to build,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said teachers continued to be looked upon for guidance, leadership and moral courage in democratic South Africa.
“South Africa’s future is being shaped in our classrooms. It is being shaped in the mind of every child who learns to read. It is being shaped in the confidence of every learner who discovers their ability. And it is being shaped by every teacher who refuses to give up on a child,” he said.
The President congratulated the award recipients and thanked educators for their contribution to the country.
This year’s awards were held under the theme: “Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future.” – SAnews.gov.za
