Teaching efforts not unnoticed, Zuma says

2012-10-05 16:37

Jacob Zuma (File, Sapa)

Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma on Friday thanked teachers for their contribution to educating and developing children.

"Our teachers work hard day in and out, sometimes under difficult conditions, sometimes putting [in] extra hours, even on weekends, to ensure that our children attain good results," Zuma said in a statement to mark World Teachers' Day.

"Your efforts are not going unnoticed. As government we recognise your hard work."

He encouraged children to respect and support their teachers and understand how important their jobs were.
"The success of our learners is to a large extent determined by the level of effort and commitment that is put in by our teachers. Thus it is vital that our teachers are in school, in class, on time, teaching for at least seven hours a day."

Support

The Inkatha Freedom Party said it supported the day's theme - "Take a Stand for Teachers".

"This is not just a day to show our appreciation for teachers, but an opportunity to commit to supporting teachers as they perform their valuable role in shaping our future citizens," IFP MP and youth brigade chairperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said in a statement.

"We thank our teachers for the work that they do under very trying circumstances. We know that teaching is not an easy profession."

The SA Council of Educators said it religiously marked the day to recognise South African teachers.

"Regardless of the challenging environment in which educators operate, teachers have without any doubt proved to be exceptional in the way they execute their mandate."

The council urged pupils to "swell the ranks" of the teaching profession.

- SAPA