The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has paid tribute to South Africa’s approximately 485,000 educators, recognising their contribution to the development of the country’s children and the future of the nation.
The department marked World Teachers’ Day on Monday, 5 October, with the annual commemoration providing an opportunity to recognise the teaching profession and the role educators play in translating the ambitions of the education system into learning and opportunity in classrooms across the country.
The commemoration follows the 2026 National Teacher Awards, where the department celebrated educators whose professionalism, innovation, leadership and commitment represent excellence within the teaching profession.
Reflecting on the significance of World Teachers’ Day, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said teachers remain central to shaping South Africa’s future.
“Every day, in classrooms across the length and breadth of our nation, in townships, rural communities and farms, teachers unlock potential, expand opportunity and give our children the foundations they need to succeed. Today, we celebrate their contribution and recommit ourselves to ensuring that teachers are supported to do what they do best: teach, inspire and prepare the next generation,” Minister Gwarube reflected.
Focus on teacher development
The department’s strategic priorities recognise that improving educational outcomes requires sustained investment in teachers, particularly during the formative years of a child’s education.
These priorities include strengthening Early Childhood Development, Foundation Phase literacy and numeracy, teacher development, inclusion and school safety.
This year, 10,000 foundation phase teachers are receiving targeted training in literacy and numeracy, alongside continued efforts to strengthen the National Reading Literacy Strategy and support Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education.
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, said continued professional development was essential to improving learning outcomes across the education system.
“Teachers are the professionals through whom curriculum, policy and educational reform ultimately reach the learner. Supporting their development must therefore remain central to our work. When we strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional confidence of teachers, we strengthen the classroom and improve the prospects of every child,” Dr Mhaule said.
Sharing excellence across the system
World Teachers’ Day also provides an opportunity to recognise the importance of sharing excellence and effective teaching practices across the education system.
The Department believes outstanding educators should increasingly become sources of professional knowledge and practice for their peers, allowing successful approaches developed in one classroom to benefit more learners.
As Minister Gwarube recently told educators at the National Teacher Awards: “Excellence should travel. Knowledge should travel. This is how a system becomes stronger.”
The department also recognised the contribution of thousands of educators whose work may not receive public recognition.
It highlighted the everyday moments that can have a lasting impact on learners, including when a child understands a difficult concept, a struggling learner begins to read with confidence or a teacher encourages a young person not to give up.
“These moments are the substance of education and remind us all why the teaching profession remains fundamental to South Africa’s development,” the department said.
The DBE called on learners, parents, communities and all South Africans to recognise, support and celebrate teachers who serve the country and school communities every day.
“To South Africa’s teachers: thank you for your professionalism, your resilience and your commitment to our children.
“Strong teachers build strong foundations. Strong foundations create strong futures. Happy World Teachers’ Day,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
