Unisa’s College of Education proudly celebrated World Teachers’ Day on 11 October 2025 at the Unisa Polokwane Regional Office, bringing together educators, officials and partners in a vibrant homage to the "mother of all professions". The atmosphere was filled with warmth, song and heartfelt appreciation as attendees gathered to honour the valuable role of teachers in shaping societies and inspiring generations.

Delivering the welcome address, Prof Mpine Makoe, Executive Dean of the College of Education, warmly acknowledged the presence of Dr Azwinndini Tshivhase, the Acting Vice-Principal: Teaching, Learning, Community Engagement and Student Support. Makoe expressed profound gratitude to teachers for their unwavering dedication, resilience and commitment to transforming lives through education. Her words were met with enthusiastic applause and a joyful spirit of unity.

In her address, Makoe emphasised the importance of returning to the fundamental values of humanity, empathy and collaboration in teaching. "Teaching is not just about content delivery," she reminded attendees. "It is about human connection, shared responsibility, and building sustainable learning communities, including moral values."

Reflecting on the noble history of the teaching profession, she reminded the audience that every individual, at some point, has been shaped by a teacher. She called on educators to continue embodying compassion, ethics and community as the true hallmarks of impactful teaching. This year’s global theme, "The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage," echoed UNESCO’s call for urgent action to address the worldwide shortage of more than 44 million teachers, with nearly half needed in sub-Saharan Africa.

Makoe reaffirmed Unisa’s leadership role as South Africa’s largest producer of teachers, highlighting the critical importance of collaboration with the Department of Basic Education and other key partners. "We cannot afford to work in isolation," she said. "Our shared mission is to prepare, capacitate and support teachers who can transform classrooms and communities."

Dr Azwinndini Tshivhase and Prof Mpine Makoe (centre) with Unisa staff and award recipients

The celebration enhanced the joyous atmosphere by honouring the contributions of Unisa colleagues, who throughout the week visited numerous districts, schools, early childhood centres and correctional facilities in Limpopo. These outreach programmes fortified partnerships and enhanced the relationship between the university, educators and educational authorities. Central to these visits and interactions was the essence of the college’s educational obligations, wherein the Teaching Practice Office, led by Prof Matshidiso Taole in collaboration with the OAU team, conducted micro-teaching sessions at Mustek in Seshego, Limpopo.

Micro-teaching is a pedagogical training method aimed at assisting novice educators in practising and honing their instructional abilities within a supportive and regulated setting. It entails condensed instructional sessions and prioritises peer-to-peer assessment, enabling these novice teachers to concentrate on particular teaching qualities, including questioning, explanation and classroom management. The initiative assembled three separate BEd qualification student teachers from Polokwane and surrounding areas, who gained substantial benefits from the workshops held.

Delivering the keynote message, Petro Masetla, Acting Chief Director of FET Schools at the Limpopo Department of Basic Education, applauded teachers for their vital contributions to education and national development. He described teachers as knowledge bearers, mentors and guides, responsible for nurturing literacy, numeracy and life skills from the earliest years of learning. Masetla also emphasised the importance of equitable resource allocation and ongoing investment in teacher support, encompassing resources such as textbooks, laboratories, libraries and internet access.

The event’s highlight was a Recognition and Awards Ceremony led by Prof Ailwei Mawela, Head of Tuition and Learning. Certificates of Recognition were presented to district coordinators, directors, college teaching and learning representatives, and chairs of college departments.

Prof Moshe Phoshoko, Head of Quality Assurance and Enhancement, proudly presented Excellence Awards for outstanding achievements in module design, student support and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

In her closing remarks, Prof Lebo Mudau, Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, extended heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of the celebration.

She also commended all the College of Education academics and support staff for their dedication and commitment to advancing community engagement and professional empowerment within the education sector.

As the day drew to a joyful close, one message rang clear: teaching is a calling of compassion, collaboration and lifelong learning. The 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration at Unisa Polokwane was not only a tribute to the dedication of teachers, but also a reaffirmation of Unisa’s enduring commitment to empowering educators and transforming education across South Africa and beyond.

* By Freddy Abilio Mlambo, Acting Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Education