05 Jun 2022

Teachers have been described as valuable assets that play a crucial role in shaping the lives of citizens.

Speaking at teacher’s day commemoration in Tshesebe on Friday, former police officer and director of Re a kgathala Counselling Consultancy, Prophetess Onalenna Mokgatle implored teachers to continue with their good work by acting professionally despite the challenges they face regarding their welfare and working conditions.

She said teachers were an integral part of the economy, noting that as they delivered on their mandate, they were also contributing to the development of the country.

“Yours is a calling from God to deliver on your mandate and minister to the students.

Be worried when your students do not perform well,” she said.

Ms Mokgatle further advised teachers not to bunk lessons as that would impact on the performance of pupils, whom she described as future leaders.

She further encouraged teachers to respect and love one another, saying they should not associate themselves with ‘wrong’ people.

She commended teachers from the northern region for their continuous good performance both at primary and secondary schools.

“North East region is currently a cut above the rest when it comes to primary and secondary school results and I have to commend you for that,” said Ms Mokgatle.

Butale Primary School head, Mr Keleapere Sephonono said teaching was one of the professions that were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said teachers lost their lives to the pandemic, which resulted in a serious shortage of qualified teachers.

Mr Sephonono, therefore, encouraged teachers to continue adhering to the COVID-19 protocols to prevent more deaths.

Thamani Junior Secondary School head, Ms Gadzani Christmas stressed the importance of Teachers Day in the lives of teachers as ‘we use the day to introspect and reflect on our failures and achievements’. ENDS