The tour, which started on Monday (20/10) and runs until Thursday, 13 November, is part of a long-standing partnership between the department of basic education and the Chinese embassy. This bilateral programme is designed to promote knowledge exchange, particularly in mathematics and information and communication technology, through e-learning initiatives. 

Participants were selected through the prestigious national teaching awards, recognising their excellence and innovation in teaching, said North West education spokesperson Vuyo Mantshule.

The educators representing the North West province are:

• Dimakatso Sefora from Moremogolo Primary School in the Bojanala District;
• Itumeleng Komane, a rising educational leader and recently appointed departmental head at Sunrise View Secondary School; and
• Mxolisi Tyobeka, E-learning specialist in the North West department of education.

“Sefora won the 2023 competition and obtained third position in the Technology-enhanced Teaching and Learning category. Her commitment to ICT integration in education has also seen her recognised as a SchoolNet winner.

“Sefora has previously won multiple awards, including the Internet Service Providers’ Association’s super teacher of the year and EduWeek Africa ICT’s implementer of the year (2018), further demonstrating her passion for digital learning.”

Komane was the 2024 national winner of the ICT-enhanced teaching category. He has contributed significantly to the field, having served as both a provincial adjudicator and coach in the technology-enhanced teaching and learning category, added Mantshule. He is widely regarded as a committed advocate for digital education and the integration of ICT in classroom practice.

The North West educators at the airport before their educational tour to China. Photo supplied

Mxolisi Tyobeka, known for his technical expertise and strategic role in digital education, is expected to contribute insights from a systems and policy perspective during the learning exchange.

North West education MEC Viola Motsumi extended her best wishes to the participants. 

“On behalf of the department, I wish our educators a very safe journey to the (People’s) Republic of China. They should ensure that they learn everything they come across during their tour, so they can share their experiences with educators in our schools,” she said.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs