North West educators secured the positions at the 2026 National Teaching Awards (NTA), with a school principal from Wolmaransstad claiming first place and winning a vehicle, a laptop, a tablet and an international trip to the United Kingdom. The awards ceremony, hosted at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg on Thursday (1/10), recognised educators for their contributions to education and their role in shaping South Africa’s future.

The provincial department was represented by seven educators at the national competition, with three emerging victorious. Ragogang Primary School principal Mosimanegape Moepi, in Wolmaransstad, secured first place in the Excellence in Primary School Leadership category. Meanwhile, Mpho Molatlhwa of Pitso Tolo Primary School in Zeerust and Zininzi Ncwama of Monchusi Secondary School in Morokweng Village both claimed third place in their respective categories.

Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube said the awards celebrated the often unseen dedication of educators across the country’s education system, which includes approximately 485,000 teachers. “A teacher who stays after school to help a struggling learner deserves to know that someone sees that effort.

“I have been in the education sector for 32 years, and my journey to the National Teaching Awards has not been an easy one,” said Ragogang Primary School principal Mosimanegape Moepi. “I have enjoyed the support and encouragement of my colleagues, my community, my family, my wife, and officials from the upper echelons of the sector.”

“There is a public narrative that focuses mainly on the challenges we face at our institutions, such as a lack of resources and learner indiscipline, when that narrative should also highlight the contributions educators make to society.

“I am grateful for the support I have received. This achievement is very exciting, and I appreciate everyone who has been part of this milestone.”

North West Department of education media liaison officer Mercy Mokgatle said the initiative acknowledged teachers who continued to make a difference despite challenging conditions. She said quality education remained essential in addressing social, political and economic challenges, including poverty, prejudice and conflict.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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