Alumni

Unisa alumni win big at the National Teaching Awards

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Bethuel Malebe (Teacher: Nageng Primary School, Ekurhuleni South District) and Annah Mapula Zichally (Teacher: Lehlasedi Primary School, Sedibeng East District)

Unisa alumni Annah Mapula Zichally, a teacher at Lehlasedi Primary School, Sedibeng East District, and Bethuel Malebe, a teacher at Nageng Primary School, Ekurhuleni South District, were honoured for their dedication and remarkable contribution as teachers at the National Teaching Awards. The annual awards aim to recognise and honour teachers who inspire excellence in education.

Zichally obtained her PGCE in 2017 and an Honours in Inclusive Education in 2019 (cum laude for both qualifications). Malebe received a Bachelor's degree in Education in 2016, an Honours in Education in 2018 and recently a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Communication Facilitation at Unisa. He is also a final-year student at the University of Free State studying towards an Advanced Certificate in English and Mathematics Teaching.


A friendship founded on common achievements

The awardees met coincidently through participation in various school competitions and eventually became friends. "Our friendship started in 2019 at the national adjudication for the Department of Water and Sanitation competitions. We were both representing the Gauteng Province in different categories and competing with teachers from other provinces," says Malebe. 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, awarded Zichally the Excellence in Primary School Teaching Award, while Malebe received the National Best Teacher Award.

"We have a lot in common because we represent the Gauteng Province in various arts and cultural occasions every year," says Malebe. "In 2021, I was announced the provincial winner by the Youth Citizen Action Programme (YCAP). Zichally was also announced the provincial winner by the Department of Water and Sanitation," he added.


Many accolades to their names

With many more accolades to his name, Malebe is also the founder of the Matshepiso Academy, which offers curriculum support and extra-curricular activities, which includes debate, poetry, public speaking and reading from Grade R to 7. The learners he coaches in extra-curricular activities are national champions in the South African Literacy Association, Con Spirito Culture, Bedford Eisteddfod and National Arts Association. He also coordinates events such as career expos, and gender-based violence and environmental awareness projects in the community.

Zichally, on the other hand, loves the arts and uses her passion and talent to teach, which helps her learners with their academic grades while boosting their confidence and creativity. Within just a year of being in the school she works at, she has already won national competitions. Her recognition has also helped the school gain recognition and benefit from various organisations. The school she works for has also recognised her with the best teacher award. Moreover, Zichally has won over 35 first positions in multiple categories in the Segarona competitions.

A dedicated teacher inside and outside the classroom, Zichally believes in inclusive education and goes beyond the call of duty. She is also actively involved in environmental, gender-based violence and health matters. "My passion keeps me going, and the desire to see the learners being the best they can be is what drives me to succeed," says Zichally. 

* By Bethuel Malebe, Unisa alumnus, assisted by Busisiwe Mahlangu, Communications Coordinator, Department of Institutional Advancement

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Publish date: 2022/07/21

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