Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
28 December 2022 | 11:45 AM CAT
2 min read

Photo Credit: JacarandaFM

The National Teaching Awards are how the DBE acknowledges extraordinary efforts made by excellent teachers, often in very difficult conditions. Radio Islam International caught up with Adil Shaik Mangalee, a joint winner of the Best Teacher Award for 2022.

Mangalee explained that the National Teaching Awards is an annual competition that recognises the best teachers countrywide are recognised for their services and work carried out in their respective schools and as a way to celebrate the importance of South Africa’s teachers and educators, recognising those who are showing true excellence in the profession.

The DBE-E³ sponsors National Best Teacher Award to celebrate the importance of South Africa’s teachers and educators, recognising those who are showing true excellence in the profession.

He added that this year’s award was open to teachers who embody skills that focus on transforming learners’ lives and the community. These skills will include introducing digital learning tools, ensuring that all children have access to quality education, and initiating environmental and other projects.

Mangalee says that children are looking for suitable teaching methods, and thus, teachers need to cater to the learner’s needs. He also mentioned that learners will be facing a fast-changing technological world and must be prepared for this, and the educator is important in this regard.

Balance is essential for students, and Mangalee shared that he enjoyed teaching in the classroom and took his students into the bush. He encouraged educators to be creative and innovative in their teaching methods to keep students engaged and interested.

For students, Mangalee stressed the importance of believing in themselves, focusing on their needs and learning to be confident.

On how he was enjoying his prize money, Mangalee said he was enjoying a well-deserved break.

The 2022 DBE-E ³ National Best Teacher Award winner receives an R100,000 cash prize, vouchers, tech equipment and education bursaries from various organisations. This year it was shared by Mangalee and fellow educator Ali Alfred Mokgalaka from Hoërskool Frans du Toit in Limpopo. 

Delivering his keynote address at the event, held at the CSIR in Pretoria, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele described teachers as the nation’s greatest asset who remain dedicated to their work despite challenging circumstances.

Listen to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Adil Shaik Mangalee on Sabahul Muslim.