A spirit of celebration and pride filled the air at Jiswa Special School as Educators, Principals and school leaders from Johannesburg South District gathered for their first-ever Annual Teacher Awards Ceremony. The event recognized excellence in education and the significant contributions of school staff to the district's outstanding performance in the 2024 Primary and Matric National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
According to Nkululo Matthews, Chief Education Specialist this was the first annual award session in the circuit's history.
"The Teacher Awards Ceremony was not just a meeting but also a moment of affirmation, gratitude, and deep respect for the work that the Principals, School Governing Bodies, support staff, learner leadership, and teachers in Circuit 3 are committed to," he said. 
Matthews further stated that the ceremony was an overdue event since the schools have been doing exceptionally well in all areas of school leadership, management and commitment to education.
In her keynote address, Professor Sadi Seyama, Associate Professor of Education Leadership and Management at the University of Johannesburg, mentioned that the awards were a testament to employees' commitment to education and the success of learners. 
"We are proud to recognize and reward the hard work, dedication, and excellence that have made this ceremony possible," she said.
Seyama stated that it is important to celebrate the achievements of the awardees and acknowledge the tireless efforts of the educators, principals, and support staff. Their contributions are shaping the future of our nation, and their service is great.
"Colleagues, all I'm asking is that we critically reflect on how we use power in our educational context. We have a difficult mandate, a moral responsible to ensure that we provide equitable quality education for our children for this country to provide services and products that will serve the world – enhancing our economy. 
She concluded by encouraging managers to further their studies to be better leaders. For when they study, they improve their knowledge and sharpen the skills that they have.
Schools received awards in various categories, such as best-performing primary schools in English Home Language and Mathematics, best-performing secondary schools in gateway subjects in Grade 12, the top three schools with the most distinctions, the best supportive School Governing Body in the cluster, functional Representative Council of Learners in the circuit and a lifetime achievement award in the cluster.
Quick facts
CrownReef Primary School received an award for its outstanding performance in English Home Language and Mathematics (100%).
Glenanda Primary School was awarded for being the best-managed primary school in the circuit.
MCK High School was the overall best-performing school in NSC results (100%)
National School of Arts received an award for being the Best Performing Secondary school in Gateway subjects with 100% in Mathematics Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Geography. Also, it is the top school with the highest percentage bachelor's passes in 2024 results (84.2%).
Rand Girls High School and Ethembalethu Combined School obtained 100% in Gateway subjects. 
Glenvista High School was awarded for being the top Secondary school with 101 distinctions on NSC results. 
Special awards were received by Ferreira, Regents Park and Tamarisk schools for having the best supportive SGB in the circuit. Rand Girls received an award for having the top functional RCL in the circuit and being the best-managed secondary school.
And the Lifetime Achievement Award in the circuit was received by Isaac Kgobe from WH Coetzer Primary School, who served the circuit for 41 years.