Macmillan Education joined South Africa and the rest of the world on 5 October 2017 to celebrate World Teachers’ Day in honour of the role and importance of teachers in the classroom and society. This day aims to raise awareness, understanding and appreciation for the contribution teachers make to education and development across the globe. The responsibility for educating future generations is not a light one by any means.

As part of the Teacher Day celebrations, Macmillan Education ran a competition on Facebook where we asked our followers to nominate a teacher that they think is very special.

The following are the winning teachers and the messages that got them nominated: 

Mrs Selomane, nominated by Sharon Mogashane

Mrs Selomane is the most dedicated teacher I know. She makes learning fun and exciting for us. She doesn't act superior but she puts herself in our shoes at all times. She speaks our language and engages us.

We feel and see the love and dedication for her work in how she tries to help us understand everything. I am totally in love with her and I think our school is very blessed to have such teacher. I just wish all the teachers were like her.

Mr Saleem Hoosen, nominated by Fehmidah Desai

Mr Hoosen is the one person you would go to for assistance in any area, be it a new teacher needing guidance, a pupil needing extra help or staff needing direction. This selfless individual all-rounder, asking for no recognition, just positive outcomes for all. I salute you, Mr Hoosen.

Ms Sadia Chetty, nominated by Vaseela Parbhoo

Sadia is the most committed, dedicated and loving teacher.  She spends most of her time preparing wall charts, making projects to enhance and create exciting teaching experiences for her learners. Her life revolves around learning and teaching. She is an inspiration to many of her Foundation Phase colleagues in and around her school. I love her to bits.

Ms Khanyi Dlamini, nominated by Nkosimphile

I would love to wish you a happy World Teachers' Day and also tell you that you have been nothing but an inspiration to me and many other learners. Your classes are not only about finishing the syllabus but also about building our consciousness and that is why you are my best teacher ever! Enjoy this day. Keep in mind that your work is really incredible.