Mapula Annah Zichally

Nominee's Province:
Gauteng

Age:
30

Project Name/Description:
Lehlasedi Primary School

More info:
https://wa.me/27715770895

At nine years old Mapula Annah Zichally decided to become a teacher to “teach life lessons to the youth” after watching her father dying at the hands of young thugs as they robbed him of his items. Zichally, 30, was born in Mankweng, Limpopo, but grew up in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg. She teaches English, Natural Science and Technology to Grades 6 and 7 learners at the Lehlasedi Primary School in Sharpeville, Vereeniging, on the Vaal. She says her school has no basic facilities, which include a library, a hall and playground. It is located in crime-ridden area, and often gets broken into almost every month. Zichally came up with projects – such as how to save water – and entered competitions and secured sponsors with the aim of improving hopeless conditions at her school. Last year, she scooped the Excellent Teacher (Primary School Teaching category) accolade at the National Teaching Awards, outsmarting many teachers from 15 districts to win first prize. The awards are a Department of Basic Education event held annually to acknowledge the efforts teachers make to support learners to pass their grades. “It was the first time I entered the awards. I believe I’m not just an ordinary teacher – I always go beyond my call of duty,” says Zichally. Zichally also teaches art. This she believes will help to tackle issues such as gender-based violence and body shaming. Zachally has a Business Management Diploma from the University of Johannesburg, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) from Unisa. Currently, she is pursuing her master’s in education with the same institution after which she plans to go for a doctorate.