
Voices on the ground: Philani Zwane
/I write this with a heart full of joy, having witnessed the true power of parental engagement in school activities. As Steven Mollo, Network & Engagement Lead for Teachers CAN, once said, “I don’t know what parental engagement is.” Indeed, the results of our journey show that many of us are only beginning to grasp […]
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Re-humanising Teacher Experiences
/Facilitating the recent Teachers CAN immersion was one of the most grounding experiences of my journey as an educator. I could feel the weight of what it means to hold space, not just to lead discussions, but to create a place where teachers could arrive as their full selves. As a participant, I once came […]
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Why Teacher Voices Must Shape South Africa’s Education Future.
/South Africa’s teachers stand on the frontlines of our democracy’s greatest promise: education as a pathway to equality, dignity, and opportunity. Every day, they navigate overcrowded classrooms, scarce resources, and the weight of societal inequalities—yet they remain the backbone of our education system. And still, their voices are too often absent in the very conversations […]
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Teachers want to advocate for themselves and their colleagues, but too often, speaking up comes at a cost.
/In a recent session with teachers, a powerful and sobering conversation unfolded. Teachers shared openly about the realities of trying to advocate for themselves and for one another within their schools. What emerged was not just individual frustration but a collective struggle that many teachers can deeply relate to. Advocacy in education is not a […]
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Bridging the Gaps: Building Generative Communities of Change Agents
/As I move through spaces with teachers across South Africa, I am reminded again and again: “Teachers are not just part of the education system — they are the system.” Every conversation, every circle, every moment of reflection affirms one truth: Teachers are the heartbeat of change. And yet, even the most committed among us sometimes feel […]
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How Teacher Networks Are Helping Us Hold the Line
/“Teachers are not just coping-they’re catalysing. And they’re doing it together.” Across South Africa, teachers are navigating a daily reality that stretches far beyond what they were trained for. Teaching in overcrowded classrooms. Managing under-resourced schools. Supporting learners facing deep trauma and poverty. And doing so with little recognition, minimal institutional support, and all too […]
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When Teachers Carry Too Much: Why Safe Spaces Matter.
/By Steven Mollo- Teachers CAN Network Engagement Lead This year, during multiple immersion sessions in Gauteng and the Northwest, one theme came through louder than any other: the mental health of teachers. It came through in the stories they shared, sometimes in hushed voices, with tears they tried to hold back. Many spoke of the […]
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Nkgomotsang Pascalinah Gaorapelwe
/I am Nkgomotsang Pascalinah Gaorapelwe, currently teaching Foundation Phase (Grade 3). I am a dedicated and passionate teacher with a strong commitment to working with children and fostering their academic and personal growth.At my age, I built a career as a teacher where I find fulfillment in creating engaging learning experiences for my learners. My […]
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Tshepang Letlape
/My name is Tshepang Letlape, a passionate natural sciences teacher at Platinum Village Primary School. My journey in education has been driven by a deep commitment to nurturing young minds and inspiring a love for science. Over the years, I have had the privilege of shaping learners’ understanding of the natural world, encouraging curiosity, critical […]
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The Power of Teachers Together: Reflections from Gauteng & North West
/The Multiplier Programme Immersion is always a highlight of our year – a time to meet with our Lead Multipliers in person, learn from one another and deepen our shared commitment to change in education. This year, we are focusing on three provinces – Gauteng, Limpopo and North West. The gatherings, held during the June […]
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Abigaile Palesa Ngwako
/I teacher because I like to work with, and share information and knowledge with people and also bring a positive change to their life as whole. I’m passionate to form community for others as a way of building team work that encourages one another and share good practices towards achieving a goal in taking the […]
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Thuso Mudzudzanyi
/I grew up in a rural community that lives by the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This upbringing shaped my passion for education, particularly in Mathematics, and inspired me to pursue a Bachelor of Education degree so that I too can contribute to this vision. I strongly believe in collaboration, continuous learning, […]
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Kgomotso Molotsoane
/My name is Kgomotso Unice Molotsoane. I am a foundation phase Educator at Boineelo Public School and studying towards my Honours Degree in Learning Support at the University of Pretoria. I became a teacher because I am passionate about working with young children, and I also wanted to make sure I contribute positively in our […]
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Asnath Koketso Ramashala
/I am passionate teacher with a deep commitment to helping learners grow not only academically but also personally. I chose teaching because I believe in the power of education to transform lives just as it did mine. Growing up I had a primary school language teacher and a high school EMS teacher who believed in […]
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Aobakwe Harriet Mashasha
/Foundation Phase Educator | Children’s Author | Education Advocate I’m Aobakwe Harriet Mashasha, a passionate Foundation Phase teacher and the 2024 National Teaching Awards winner for Excellence in Grade R Teaching. I teach because I believe that early childhood education is the foundation of a just and joyful society. My classroom is a place of […]
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Lerato Mpina
/I am an award winning educator recognised by the National Teaching awards in the Bojanala District. I absolutely feel like teaching has become such a calling for me and has allowed me to not only grow in career, but to realise the importance of playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of young children. […]
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Meshack Mooketsa Kobedi
/My name is Meshack Mooketsa Kobedi, and I am a dedicated educator with a passion for empowering learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. I hold a University Diploma in Education (Primary), an Advanced Certificate in Education (English), and an Advanced Diploma in Education (Special Needs). Currently, I serve as the Departmental Head at Motladi KgoadiGoadi Primary School, […]
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Omphemetse Masilo
/My name is Omphemetse Masilo. A successful 28 year old teacher who has been in the profession for six amazing years. When I was 10 years old, my class teacher noticed that I was struggling with English language skills. She took me under her wing and every day for about three months, she stayed after […]
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Precious Hlohonofatso Phokane
/I developed a love for teaching while at university, where I came to understand the depth and impact of the profession. Becoming an educator is a gift, it carries the responsibility of passing on knowledge, shaping decision-making, and inspiring the next generation to believe in their problem-solving abilities. Teaching is more than a career; it’s […]
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Pumeza Dumisa
/Growing up I always wanted to bring a positive impact in my community. I teach because I want to empower, prepare and bring hope on learners and future generations. I want to inspire growing minds and instil the belief that they can become anything they desire through education. I want to inspire them to achieve […]
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Thatano Sello
/As a dedicated educator, I’ve had the privilege of shaping young minds and inspiring a love for learning in my learners. My journey in teaching began with a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, especially learners with barriers to learning. The love for catering for learners with different learning styles was […]
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Tidimalo Montsheng Tamane
/My name is Tidimalo Montsheng Tamane. As an aspiring scientist who studied Chemistry, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics, I discovered my passion for teaching while volunteering at the NWU Science Centre. That experience revealed my natural talent for being in the classroom and inspired me to pursue education. I use my love for science and mathematics […]
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Tshegofatso Seitlhamo
/My name is Tshegofatso affectionately known as Teacher Tshego to my learners and parents. I started teaching in 2002 in a local preschool in Rusternburg Geelhout Park without any qualifications but a matric. I developed the love for teaching enormously under the leadership and mentorship of Mrs Mfuloane (Founder of Tlisang-Bana ECD) who was very […]
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Tshireletso Comforthia Matlholoa
/My name is Tshireletso Matlholoa and I completed my studies for a B.E.D degree with a specialisation in the Foundation phase at the university of the Witwatersrand in the year 2016. I am female that enjoys education and value its essence in the learners that I teach. I am motivated, enthusiastic and love teaching. I […]
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