Patient, resilient and a creative teacher. That’s how Nqobile Mbatha, a grade three teacher from Nellmapius Primary School has been described by her learners.
Mbatha won the first and highly coveted #MyTeacher award at the 24th edition of the National Teaching Awards (NTA).
The campaign, initiated by the Minister of Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube, saw over 2000 members of the public nominating their favourite and or best teacher.
The purpose of the campaign was to amplify the work being done as part of the Teacher Appreciation and Support Programme of the Department which incorporates the National Teaching Awards.
“I wanted to have a different voice added to these awards. I wanted to make sure we receive a different perspective, particularly from our learners. Teachers have a profound impact on the lives of young people, and I wanted that recognised, directly by those who experience it,” said Gwarube during the NTAs.
“I would like to nominate Ma’am Mbatha for the best teacher award. She has inspired me to be the best learner,” said a video from Relebogile Maloma, one of the learners who took part in the campaign.
Maloma speaks fondly about her teacher, Ma’am Mbatha, and how she has gone above beyond for her, especially when she was hospitalized after she was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.
She continues to say “She has inspired me to be the best learner. I was in the Grade 3 Top 10 despite being hospitalized. She went above and beyond classroom teaching in assisting me. She gave me work that she teaches in class”.
The bubbly grade 3 learner will soon be completing her chemotherapy and has this message for those who are still unwell.
“I would like to encourage those who are still in the hospital, be strong, have faith in God. Everything will be okay, just like me, said Maloma.
Mbatha and Maloma each received a cash prize and Maloma says she will use her portion for a mother and daughter date.