Sisipho Gwebushe, a young woman from the rural Ntilini Location in Peddie is one of the ten (10) nominees who are gunning for the popularity award at the MEC Excellence Awards that will be hosted by the MEC for Education Fundile Gade later this month.

According to Gwebushe, her dream job while growing up was that of becoming a journalist/news reader but ‘teaching found her’ and captured her. She is now a qualified senior and FET phase teacher who is currently teaching Natural Science and Technology, Life Skills, English, Social Sciences and Creative Arts for grade 5,6 and 7 at Masibambisane Combined Primary School in Peddie.

“Through these subjects, I have managed to expose my learners’ talents when it comes to creativity. I give them a platform to showcase their capabilities and talent.  I’ve been doing this through involving them in our drama classes which in turn, exposes them to psychosocial challenges such as Gender Based Violence,” said Gwebushe.

She added by saying that her learners are now aware, understand and appreciate the ‘diversity of their community.’  In 2022 Gwebushe introduced á career’s dress up day where she encouraged her grade 7 learners to come to school dressed up as their dream professions. This earned her a spot in the Daily Dispatch, where she was featured and hailed as the best teacher. “Being recognized by The Daily Dispatch was unbelievable, I was so excited and this inspired me to do more for my learners at school” added the excited Gwebushe.

Recently, she started polishing her drawing skills to advance her lessons teaching through illustrations and drawings on the board, for those leaners who are more into visual than others.

“It is not easy to draw, but I have taught myself to be patient with my learners, as this assist them to fully comprehend and understand what is being taught in class.  This guarantees that no one is left behind, as they will fully understand what is being said through illustrations. 

I believe in Inclusive Education which is why I decided to practice it in my classroom,” she added. 

She did not end there she also opened a library at the school so that learners can improve their language and reading skills.

Gwebushe is also a fun teacher who believes that hard work deserves a reward, which is why she introduced a year end function in a form of a braai and snacks gathering.

“I save a little money the course of the year and buy meat, snacks and drinks for my kids and prepare a beautiful setup for them. 

This is to congratulate and appreciate them for the hard work they put in during the academic year.  This help motivates and gives them something to look forward to every year end,” said Gwebushe.

Although Gwebushe has been a substitute teacher since 2021, this has not dampened her spirits.

“I will continue to work hard to improve the lives of these rural learners as long as I live.  Knowing that I am able to make the smallest change in these little lives gives me courage to do more everyday,” concluded Gwebushe

NB: to vote for your preferred nominee use this link: https://forms.gle/gTnz7CeE7Cf3osDx9