Education MEC Thanks Teachers on Teacher's Day

Today is World Teacher's Day and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the many thousands of dedicated educators we have here in the Western Cape.

Everyday, many of our educators go beyond the call of duty to ensure that our learners receive the best quality tuition they deserve. I have witnessed myself educators who have put their own lives on hold in order to make sure that the needs of their learners come first.

It has been most encouraging to see that throughout the year a significant number of our schools, both primary and secondary, have elected to hold after-school or weekend classes, or have remained open during holiday time so that our learners can receive extra tuition.

The decision to do this has been entirely voluntary and reflects the determination of many of our educators to improve learner outcomes in the Western Cape.

These educators teach because they are dedicated. They teach because they love their job. It is their vocation.

I would also like to extend my appreciation to all educators who arrive at school, present and punctual everyday. "Time on task" is such a simple concept, but yet so significant.

When educators arrive on time and prepared it ensures that our children are given the best opportunity to learn and this, in turn, will allow us to improve learner outcomes throughout the Province.

As we celebrate World Teacher's Day, let us continue to show such high levels of commitment.

The Western Cape Education Department, for its part, will do everything it can to ensure that teachers are treated as the valued professionals that they are.