Programme Director<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Deputy Minister for Basic Education: Dr Reginah Mhaule, MP<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Director-General of Basic Education, Mr. M Mweli<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Deputy Director Generals from the DBE<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Other officials from the Department of Basic Education<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Chief Executive of SACE, Ms. E Mokgalane<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Chairperson of SACE, Mr. Mabutho Cele<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
SACE Councillors\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
SACE Officials<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Leaders from all teacher unions present.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Officials from Provinces<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Principals from schools and other learning sites<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
All teachers from schools across the various Provinces<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A special welcome to the ECD practitioners \/ Educator Assistants \/ educator therapist \/office-based educators \/Paraprofessionals in education and other professions \/ college lecturers<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Officials from other departments<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Delegates from our sister Countries<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ladies and gentlemen<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It is my great honour to welcome you all to the first-ever National Teachers\u2019 Conference in South Africa, held under the aegis of the South African Council for Educators (SACE).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
With great pleasure, I speak at this first-ever National Teachers\u2019<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Conference with the theme, \u201cThe Teaching Profession in Our Hands, Our Voices and Plight Matter.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The theme of this conference is a fitting reminder of the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the future of education.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
By taking charge of their profession and making their voices heard, teachers can drive discussions and solutions that advance the profession both locally and internationally.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Let us support and empower our teachers as they lead the charge in shaping the future of education.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This conference also reflects SACE\u2019s commitment to empowering teachers and furthering the distribution of knowledge in the teaching profession.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As a professional self-regulatory body, SACE has a crucial role in maintaining and promoting high standards in the teaching profession.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Today, we come together to celebrate and recognize our teachers\u2019 hard work and dedication and find practical solutions to their challenges.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As the Minister of Basic Education, I am fully aware of teachers\u2019 vital role in shaping our nation\u2019s future.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Our teachers are the backbone of our education system and play a critical role in ensuring that our learners receive the quality basic education they deserve.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This conference is for the teachers, by the teachers, and it provides a platform for teachers to engage in discussions to advance the noble profession of teaching.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I am confident that this conference will be a productive and valuable opportunity for our teachers to share their experiences, learn from one another, and find practical solutions to their challenges.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I look forward to hearing the discussions and recommendations from this conference and working with our teachers to implement these solutions.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Programme director, I stand before you today to speak about the immense value of teachers in South Africa\u2019s context.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As the Minister of Basic Education, I have observed our teachers\u2019 hard work and dedication first hand.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I am here today to formally acknowledge their contributions to the development of our society and our basic education system ecosystem.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As we know, teachers play a critical role in shaping the future of our nation by inculcating a culture of academic rigour amongst the youth.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
They are responsible for providing our learners with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in life.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
They are the ones who instil a love of learning, who inspire and motivate our learners, and who make a lasting impact on their lives.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Teachers are also at the forefront of the fight against poverty, inequality, and social injustice.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Through their teaching, they can break the cycle of poverty and provide our learners with the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
They also play a critical role in promoting social cohesion and fostering a sense of national identity and pride.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Furthermore, teachers are valuable in South Africa\u2019s context because they are leaders and role models in their communities.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
They serve as ambassadors for public education and as advocates for social change.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, and they play an important role in shaping public opinion on important social and educational issues.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I am confident that this conference will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the teaching profession beyond this conference.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I encourage all teachers to take advantage of this opportunity to come together and engage in meaningful discussions; let this not be a onceoff event.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I also extend my gratitude to SACE for organizing this conference and their continued efforts to promote and maintain the highest standards in the teaching profession.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This conference offers me an opportunity to address the critical role of our teachers in the post-COVID-19 environment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our basic education system.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Yet, I am proud to say that our teachers have risen to the occasion, showing remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In a post-COVID-19 world, the role of our teachers has become even more important as we work to rebuild and revitalize our basic education system.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As I said before, our teachers are the backbone of our basic education system and play a vital role in shaping the next generation\u2019s minds.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As we move forward, it is crucial that we support our teachers and provide them with the necessary resources and training to succeed in this new normal.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The rapid shift to online and blended learning has created new demands on our teachers, and we must support them as they adapt to these new teaching methods.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Our teachers need access to ongoing professional development opportunities, technology, and resources to continue providing the best possible education to our learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Furthermore, we must acknowledge and address the mental and emotional impact of the pandemic and social ills on our teachers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic and social ills have taken a toll on our teachers, and we must support them in their wellbeing.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This includes providing them access to mental health services and creating a supportive working environment that recognizes their efforts and sacrifices.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
One of the most significant challenges teachers face in South Africa today is the impact of social ills on the learning environment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Violence, crime, and poverty create a hostile and unstable environment for both teachers and learners and make it difficult for teachers to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This has a significant impact on teacher morale and on the quality of education provided to our learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Poverty is another major challenge faced by teachers in South Africa.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Many of our learners come from disadvantaged communities, and our teachers face the daily burden of providing care and support to learners from broken homes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This creates a significant burden on their time and energy and makes it difficult for them to focus entirely on their teaching duties.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Finally, the burden of diseases, particularly the impact of the COVID19 pandemic, has put a strain on our basic education system and our teachers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The pandemic has created new demands on our teachers and required them to adapt to new teaching and learning methods.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
At the same time, many teachers are struggling with the impact of the pandemic on their own health and well-being, and they need support and resources to continue providing quality education to our learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I envision a future in which we have a social compact for teachers, a ten-point plan that addresses the needs and challenges facing the teaching profession in South Africa.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This plan would provide a roadmap for improving teachers\u2019 working conditions and support and ensure they have the resources and support they need to provide quality education to our learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The draft ten-point plan is as follows:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Increase teacher salaries and benefits to make the teaching profession more attractive and competitive.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Provide additional training and professional development opportunities to help teachers stay up-to-date with best practices and new technologies.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Improve school infrastructure and provide teachers with the resources and technology they need to deliver quality education.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Address teacher shortages by increasing teacher recruitment and retention initiatives and by providing incentives for teachers to work in underserved areas.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Address safety and security concerns by implementing measures to make schools safer for teachers and learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Provide teachers with access to mental health support and wellness programs to help them manage the stresses and demands of their profession.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Encourage partnerships between schools, communities, and businesses to provide additional support and resources for teachers and learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Provide additional support for teachers in the areas of curriculum development, assessment, and technology integration.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and social injustice, which are major challenges for teachers and learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Foster a culture of respect and recognition for teachers, and promote their role as valued and respected members of our society.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize the immense value of teachers in South Africa\u2019s context.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Their contribution to our education ecosystem, society, and learners\u2019 lives is immeasurable, and they deserve our gratitude and support, not scorn and derision.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the numerous challenges teachers face in our country.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Despite these obstacles, our teachers remain committed to providing quality education to our learners.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
As a country, we owe every teacher an enormous debt of gratitude.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Let us work together to ensure that this conference serves as a platform for the advancement of the teaching profession and that it becomes a stepping stone for positive change in the future.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I look forward to working with our teachers, the basic education sector mandarins, and communities to solve these challenges and build a better future for our nation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
I thank you.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Source: Government of South Africa<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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