President Cyril Ramaphosa says educators must assist in confronting social ills like Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
Speaking at the National Teaching Awards at the Birchwood Conference Centre on Gauteng’s East Rand, Ramaphosa said schools must not only be safe environments for learners and teachers but must also help prevent violence before it occurs.
The President’s statements come after his announcement of key interventions to curb GBV and femicide following the discovery of the bodies of 12 women over a two month period.
“We must teach young people about respect, dignity, equality and consent especially our young boys in schools. We must equip them to resolve conflict without violence and to build healthy interpersonal relationships. We must teach boys and young men that strength is not demonstrated through domination or abuse of others, but through respect, responsibility and self-control.”
He has urged the country’s teachers to embrace the key role that they can play in shaping the future of young people’s lives.
The awards, now in their 26th year, are hosted by the Department of Basic Education and are aimed at recognising excellence amongst the country’s teachers.
Ramaphosa in his address, gave a personal account of his former school principal, Mr Ntsandeni, who intervened when he was nearly expelled, having seen his potential.
“Seeing the promise in a young person and giving that promise the opportunity to flourish. That is what great teachers do. They see potential in a learner that others may overlook. They recognise possibility where others may see only difficulty. Sometimes, by believing in one young person at a decisive moment, a teacher can change the entire course of that person’s life. And let it be that you are one of those teachers.”
VIDEO| President Cyril Ramaphosa’s National Teaching Awards speech:
