Lucia Maake collecting her award alongside the Premier of Gauteng, Panyanza Lesufi and the deputy Minister of Education, Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule. Photos : Supplied
By: Boitumelo Makhapeetja
Lucia Maake a teacher, attached to Kgapane High School continues to break barriers, proving that your background does not determine your future.
This is after she garnered an award for excellence in teaching Physical Sciences at the recent National Teacher’s Awards (NTA) at Provincial level, making her the best science teacher in the country.
Teaching a subject that has been perceived as the most difficult, Maake went on to represent Limpopo Province at the NTA’s national level with teachers from eight other provinces and there she was named the best science teacher in South Africa.
Following this achievement, Maake was surprised with the mother of all homecoming celebrations by delegates from Mopani District Education Department together with colleagues, the principal and learners at her school.
“I was overwhelmed by the support from the district, my colleagues, and especially my learners, who affectionately call me ‘mama,’” Maake shared, moved by the festivities .
Coming from a school with inadequate resources, Maake stated that she never anticipated she’d be named South Africa’ s greatest Physical Science teacher.
However, her commitment to make a difference for her Grade 10 and 12 pupils has been unwavering .
The day was made up of ululations, poetry and song as everyone sang Maake’s praises for having flown the Mopani District flag high nationally.
Michael Phosa, the principal of Kgapane High School , expressed his delight : “This is a watershed moment for our school . Maake is youthful, lively, and committed, and our pupils are really fortunate to have her as their teacher.
For Maake, this honor is more than just a personal accomplishment; it is also inspiration to continue pushing for greatness in the classroom.
“This honour acknowledges the work I do with my pupils. It inspires all of us to aim higher and work more,” she remarked, reflecting on the significant impact she expects to make in the future.
Lucia Maake announced as the best Physical Science teacher.