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Premier SOR Mahumapelo has on behalf of Bokone Bophirima Provincial Government extended well wishes to all teachers in the province and the country at large as today marks what is globally know as World Teachers Day.

Celebrated annually since 1994, it is through this day that we acknowledge the active role that teachers play in the development of society.

“Teaching in Freedom, Empowering Teachers” being the theme for 2017, this brings the Province to also focus and celebrate all professors, teachers, researchers and others who otherwise provide educational services to students at institutions of higher learning as the empowerment of knowledge givers is an important priority in the development of society.

Education being endorsed as a societal matter in the province, the North West Provincial Government requires that on this day teachers must enjoy professional independence, freedom and the tools needed to deliver quality education which must take into account learners’ circumstances, needs and expectations.

This is also motivated by the fact that we do acknowledge the hardships that teachers go through as result of crises, conflicts and insecurity, alongside rising intolerance and discrimination, as well as budgetary restrictions amongst other factors affecting teachers in much of the world.

Mahumapelo has on this day reiterated his call for “society to rally behind education and ensure that we mobilise resources, both human and financial, in the quest to improve education for the better in our province.”

In this year of Oliver Tambo, teachers remain critical agents in the delivery of quality education in the context of a free environment that is empowering to them.” Added Mahumapelo.

The provincial Executive Council recently has approved the permanent appointment of over 3000 temporary teachers in the province as part of the efforts to ensure job security and stability to teachers.

Issued by North West Office of the Premier