Today, on World Teachers’ Day, SANTS Private Higher Education joins the whole country in saying thank you to the people who make every other profession possible.
On 1 October 2026, we were proud to be part of the 26th National Teaching Awards, held under the theme Uniting for Excellence: Elevating Achievement, Empowering Educators to Shape South Africa’s Future. The ceremony brought together teachers, school leaders and government leaders. Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile welcomed guests, Deputy Minister of Basic Education Dr Reginah Mhaule gave the opening address, and Minister Siviwe Gwarube sent a congratulatory message. President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote.
What stayed with us
Several of the messages stayed with us. MEC Maile reminded the room that many names never make it into the history books. We can write policies, supply textbooks and introduce new technology, but only a teacher brings all of it to life.
The President spoke about how a teacher’s role goes far beyond passing on knowledge. Teachers build literacy, numeracy, scientific understanding and critical thinking. They spot talent, shape character and give a child born into poverty a real chance to get ahead. They help young people prepare for technological change, including AI, and in a diverse country like ours they build national cohesion. He also told the story of a principal, Mr Ntshandeni, who protected him from expulsion as a curious learner who asked “one question too many”. His message was that curiosity should not be punished, and that great teachers see potential others overlook.
He also made the point that excellence is found in rural schools with few resources as well as in well-resourced urban ones. Good practice should not stay a secret. It should become part of the shared wealth of our education system. And no teacher succeeds alone: behind every excellent classroom is a principal who protects teaching time.
Why this matters to SANTS
This is what drives us at SANTS. Our mission is to produce high-quality teachers in the places where South Africa needs them most. In support of that mission, we were proud to sponsor the winners across 13 award categories. These teachers and school leaders come from different parts of the country, and that matters to us. It shows that excellent teaching is not limited to one place, and that the teachers who change lives are often in the communities that need them most.
To every teacher and school leader, thank you. The impact you have lasts long after learners leave your classroom.
And to our student teachers, who are part of the SANTS community: this day is for you too. You are the future of the profession we celebrated at the awards. The teachers who won this year were once where you are now, learning how to teach and still discovering the difference they could make. One day, a learner may remember you as the teacher who saw something in them that others overlooked.
Wherever your studies and teaching practice take you, whether to a rural school with limited resources, a township classroom or a city school, bring your curiosity, your care and your commitment to excellence. South Africa needs you, and the places that need you most are waiting for you. We are proud to walk the journey with you.
Happy World Teachers’ Day from all of us at SANTS.
