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The Department of Basic Education wishes to recognise the invaluable contribution made by teachers as we celebrate World Teachers day on Friday 5 October 2012.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation/International Labour Organisation (UNESCO/ILO) inaugurated this day to commemorate the status of the teaching profession in 1966 and it is an opportunity for the department to pay tribute to the committed, dedicated and professional individuals who are the heartbeat of our education system.

The theme for 2012 is ‘Take a stand for teachers’.

Teachers play a vital role in the in the upliftment and transformation of society and are the drivers of our goal of providing quality education for all South Africa’s learners.

Across the world, all teachers who have made sacrifices, often under very trying circumstances and hardships, which ensure that their learners get quality education are recognised on this day. Their contributions to generations of learners should inspire all teachers to strive towards making a difference in their schools and to look forward to doing their work with pride, dedication and sense of duty that befits this noble profession.

The Department of Basic Education is delighted that there has been a marked increase in the number of young teachers who are joining the profession having been assisted by the provision of full service bursaries through the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme. This initiative will go a long way towards assisting our schools with a sufficient supply of well trained teachers.

Finally, a day like this inspires us to focus attention on issues in education that are of national importance and to provide a platform to share experiences and best practices. Nationally, we all agree that the quality of education relies on the availability of quality teachers.

The call goes out to all South African learners, parents, teachers and communities to use this day as a vehicle to recommit to providing a quality education to all South Africa’s young people.