Siphakeme Njabulo Mthabela
Nominee's Province:
North West
Age:
28
Project Name/Description:
English Teacher – Grenville High School
Siphakeme Mthabela shares a passion for education and dedication to his students, which have gathered him numerous accolades and nominations. Mthabela’s achievements include membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society. He has received awards such as the University of the Free State’s Peer Mentor Award, the Professor Jeff Johnston Study Abroad Scholarship, and recognition as a Jakes Gerwel Fellow in 2022. Furthermore, he was named in the Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South Africans in the Education category, as well as achieving distinctions such as the DHL GradStar Top 500 and Top 100 and the Top 100 Shining Stars Awards by Inside Education in 2023. “As a trained English educationist, I am committed to ensuring that learners from townships and rural areas have equal opportunities to excel. I offer extra classes and tutorials to provide support and assistance, recognizing the importance of helping students master their academic goals,” he says. At Grenville High School, Mthabela creates a dynamic learning environment through innovative teaching methods and a supportive classroom community. He instils a love for learning and equips students with the skills they need to succeed both academically and personally. Mthabela believes education over the past three decades of democracy has been marked by significant advancements, yet it has also encountered persistent challenges. “It’s vital to reflect on the progress made and the hurdles that still lie ahead in ensuring equitable access to quality education for all. Issues such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and a lack of support services for learners with special needs continue to hamper efforts to provide quality education for all.”
