Behind every learner’s progress is a teacher who has helped shape it. From the earliest years of schooling through to matric, teachers play a defining role in building knowledge, confidence and opportunity for South Africa’s young people.

As the country recognises outstanding educators at the 26th Annual National Teaching Awards, the Telkom Foundation joins the Department of Basic Education in celebrating educators and the critical role they play in shaping opportunities for South Africa’s learners.

As a proud sponsor of this year’s Awards, the Foundation is also highlighting the importance of investing in the people at the heart of the country’s education system.

South African teachers face challenging conditions, including overcrowded classrooms, uneven access to resources and the need to integrate technology into teaching and learning. Supporting teachers to meet these demands is an important part of strengthening education outcomes.

“Teachers are at the heart of every strong education system. They build knowledge, confidence and possibility for generations of young people,” said Judy Vilakazi, Head of Telkom Foundation. “As we celebrate their contribution, we must also invest in them, ensuring they have the skills, tools and support they need to continue preparing learners for a rapidly changing world.”

In FY2026, the Telkom Foundation invested R39.9 million in education programmes, spanning academic and STEM support, teacher development, ICT integration, digital skills and psycho-social support.

Teacher development is central to this approach. In FY2026, 1,218 educators and teaching assistants participated in leadership, support and teacher development training. Delivered with SchoolNet South Africa, the programme builds practical skills in digital administration, ICT-enabled lesson planning and assessment, multimedia content and coding literacy.

“Technology in a classroom is only as powerful as the people equipped to use it,” Vilakazi added. “That is why our approach goes beyond providing infrastructure, connectivity and devices. By investing in educators alongside learners and schools, we can help strengthen teaching and learning and build classrooms that are better prepared for the future.”

In FY2026, the Foundation also reached 4,861 learners through face-to-face academic support and more than 41,000 learners through online education platforms, while 16 schools received ICT enablement and computer labs supported by 8,590 donated devices.

Working with the Department of Basic Education, provincial education structures, Telkom Group businesses and partners including SchoolNet South Africa and Kutlwanong ProMaths, the Foundation brings together teacher development, learner support, connectivity and digital enablement, alongside psycho-social support for learners, teachers and communities.

This year, World Teachers’ Day on 5 October marks the 60th anniversary of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, which helped define teachers’ rights, responsibilities and professional status.

Six decades later, ensuring educators have the skills and support to respond to changing demands remains fundamental to building a stronger and more digitally inclusive education system.

“The National Teaching Awards give us an opportunity to recognise excellence, but the contribution teachers make happens every day in classrooms and communities across the country,” Vilakazi said. “Our commitment is to continue working alongside educators and our partners to help create an environment in which teachers are supported, learners can thrive and more young South Africans are prepared for the opportunities of the future.”

As South Africa celebrates its leading educators at the 26th Annual National Teaching Awards, the Telkom Foundation remains committed to investing not only in the technology and infrastructure that will shape the classrooms of tomorrow, but in the teachers who bring those classrooms to life.