Teachers were the stars of the day as the Vanderbijlpark Campus of the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a heartfelt celebration in honour of International Teachers’ Day. While the global observance officially takes place on 5 October, the campus commemorated the occasion at a later date, continuing the proud NWU tradition of recognising exceptional teachers across its three campuses.
International Teachers’ Day, established by UNESCO in 1994, is dedicated to honouring the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the minds and futures of learners around the world. It is a day that calls for appreciation of their hard work, passion and transformative influence on education and society.
This year, the celebration brought together approximately 60 teachers, each nominated by their learners in recognition of their dedication, leadership and lasting impact in the classroom.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Dr Janet Kruger and an address by Dr Elize Küng, deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Education, who spoke about the significance and spirit of the day.
“This event was truly a success,” said Dr Küng. “It reminded us of the vital role teachers play – not only in classrooms but also in communities and across generations. The energy, participation and heartfelt appreciation shared throughout the day were a testament to the impact teachers have.”
The day featured a vibrant mix of celebration and reflection. Festivities began with a lively “Let’s Play Bingo” session led by Dr Kruger and Takataso Phali, setting the tone for a joyful and engaging day.
One of the most touching elements was the decor, which thoughtfully incorporated national symbols – the protea, diamond and springbok. Each symbol reflected one of the core pillars of the NWU: the protea representing community engagement, the diamond symbolising research, and the springbok embodying teaching and learning. This symbolic decor not only celebrated South African identity but also reinforced the commitment of the university to holistic education.
Adding to the warm and personal atmosphere, table mats featured handwritten messages from learners, expressing heartfelt appreciation for their teachers. These messages brought smiles, laughter, and even a few tears, as teachers read the words of gratitude penned by those they inspire daily.
Outside the venue, stalls created a lively atmosphere, offering opportunities for interaction and exploration. A standout among them was the LUMA project, which drew attention for its innovative, educational and community-driven initiatives.
The formal programme included an inspirational talk by Darren August, which left a deep and lasting impression on the audience. In a particularly emotional segment, Eddie Kok and a group of students shared personal messages of thanks and admiration, underscoring the powerful influence teachers have in shaping young lives.
Other highlights of the day included a creative workshop on De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, facilitated by Lizelle van Schadewijk and her students, a creative inspirational ball game activity by Vernique Diedricks and her students, as well as a future-focused presentation on artificial intelligence in the classroom by Robyn Bunt.
Throughout the event, teachers enjoyed a well-deserved day of refreshments and ample opportunity to relax, reflect and reconnect with peers in an atmosphere of appreciation and camaraderie. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Küng, who applauded the collaborative effort that made the day so special.
“International Teachers’ Day is more than just a calendar event,” she said. “It is a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate those who shape minds and futures every day.”
Dr Elize Küng, deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Education, thanked teachers for the vital role they play – not only in classrooms but also in communities and across generations.
Celebrating International Teachers’ Day.
Photos by Natasha de Wit
