Ramaphosa: Teachers cannot fix the education system alone
Ramaphosa said teachers should focus on teaching rather than carrying the burden of challenges that extend beyond the classroom.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasized that teachers cannot single-handedly resolve the challenges facing South Africa's education system. Speaking at the 26th National Teaching Awards, Ramaphosa stressed the need for government, education officials, families, and communities to create conditions that enable teachers to focus on their core responsibility - teaching.
The president highlighted the importance of safe and suitable school infrastructure, reducing administrative burdens, and providing ongoing professional development for teachers. He also called for measures to address overcrowding, protect teaching time, and deal firmly with violence and disruption in schools. Ramaphosa emphasized that good practices in education should be shared across the country, noting that a successful approach in one region should inspire educators nationwide.
He reiterated that teachers are essential in improving foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which are critical for a child's educational success. While acknowledging the potential of artificial intelligence in education, Ramaphosa stressed that it cannot replace the human connection and guidance provided by teachers. He also addressed the role of teachers in combating gender-based violence, emphasizing that schools must be safe spaces and that educators must instill values of respect, dignity, and equality in students.
Ramaphosa acknowledged the influence of a former teacher, Mr Ntsandeni, who played a pivotal role in his own educational journey and inspired the recognition of teachers' capacity to identify and nurture potential in their students.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
